KCP's staff and instructors are nothing but helpful and there is no question that they are dedicated to the dissemination of the Japanese language.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
I found the Yamanashi Trip to be extremely enjoyable and informative. The opportunity to spend a night at a traditional Japanese inn was an invaluable one, and the many stops on the trip gave an excellent impression of Japanese culture and history. Tanaka-san was an informative and amiable guide during our travels.
Which co-curriculum classes did you find most satisfying?
I found the Culture Course to be very informative and interesting.
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
The most productive aspects of the program were the frequency of class and the presence of the English support session. I found this session invaluable in cementing certain points. In addition, the availability of the Sensei was phenomenal; Saito Sensei's willingness to conduct a regular conversation session with me undoubtedly furthered my comprehension,.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
I found tests, textbook study, conversation practice and homework to be the most productive methods of study.
Any suggestions for improving class activities or materials?
I would suggest that vocabulary tests continue beyond the first few weeks of the term. I found sporadic vocabulary tests, particularly those involving dates and numbers, to be useful motivators to review concepts which can be easy to neglect.
What did you find most valuable in the Culture Course?
The excursions were certainly the most valuable part of the culture course. Museum trips and the opportunity to explore the Yamanashi area were informative experiences which I treasure the memory of.
Any further thoughts or tips for those considering the program or new KCP students?
I highly recommend KCP for its focused and encouraging program. The opportunity to practice speaking and comprehending Japanese during class, in conversation sessions, and in day-to-day life was an invaluable experience for which I am very grateful. KCP's staff and instructors are nothing but helpful and there is no question that they are dedicated to the dissemination of the Japanese language.
