I think the teaching staff was actually crucial to the program.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
I actually enjoyed when we played games using the grammar or vocab we learned for the week. Made it a lot more fun and cemented it more in mind.
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
I think the teaching staff was actually crucial to the program. They keep class interesting and make me want to learn and come prepared. Specifically Saito Sensei, having him as a teacher made my whole experience worth it. He single handedly assured me that I want to continue my Japanese study. Seeing as I was a level one student who came with no experience he was extremely helpful in my study and genuinely wanted to see me succeed.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
I think that engaging with classmates in class through conversation practice allowed me to meet up with classmates outside of class and continue to practice Japanese while forming friendships in the heart of Japan! Coming from someone who has a fear of being wrong or looking dumb in front of peers and teachers talking everyday helped me slowly break down that wall and although I’m not fully there I am a lot closer than at the beginning of the semester.
What did you find most valuable in the Culture Course?
Was unable to attend all culture courses because of Coronavirus, but the ones I did attend were very informative and helped me get a better understanding of Japanese culture which was awesome.
Anything you especially liked in the living arrangements? Any problems you experienced?
It felt like an apartment style living less like a dorm, which I liked. Created some long lasting friendships by seeing similar people everyday and being close enough to go do things with other students at KCP.
