A Student’s Insights on KCP and Japan
KCP summer-short-term alumnus Thomas Clark shares with us several valuable insights and photos taken during his time at KCP. Check it out!
This past summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Tokyo. My school’s study abroad department recommended KCP International Japanese Language School. I had always wanted to travel to Japan, experience the culture, and learn the language. When I arrived at KCP, I was a true beginner at Japanese. My goal was to provide myself with a strong foundation in the language. After 8 weeks in the program, I left confident in what I had learned, my expectations had been exceeded, and I was ready to further my studies in the language.
Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa.
Studying at KCP in Tokyo was a defining experience in my life. I had never been outside of the United States and hadn’t had exposure to a country not my own. However, adjusting to life in Tokyo was not difficult, and I did not experience culture shock. I loved being in the city every day and in fact did not miss home once.
I chose to stay in a dorm. I felt this was the best choice for me because I like having my own space, and it was also a chance for me to be truly independent. I highly recommend KCP’s dormitory housing. The dorm managers were extremely helpful, and while they did not speak English, they made every effort to provide me with everything I needed for a comfortable stay, and were very engaged with the students they hosted.
At school, I made a lot of friends with other Americans, Koreans, Chinese, and Vietnamese. At KCP you will truly be among international students, the majority of whom do not speak English. However, the thing that connects you all together is Japanese, so using it becomes a lot of fun. While attending KCP involves a lot of work and studying, there is still a lot of time to go out, which you will need because there is so much to do in Tokyo. Almost every day after school, a group of us would go out and explore the city, and I still haven’t seen it all.
Of all the things I did last summer, the festivals were the most memorable. There are countless festivals in the summer season, and by going to them you will experience a true part of Japanese culture. Going to the heart of the city, like Shibuya, especially at night, is a great experience. You may find that you need to stay out all night on multiple occasions because the trains stop running at twelve, but you won’t find a safer city to be out all night in.
Walking, bikes, and the train are the ways to get around in Tokyo. One of the most interesting aspects of Tokyo is the almost complete lack of car traffic. On the surface, it may seem like the city is not that busy, but once you get onto the train for the morning commute or on the weekends during festivals, you see just how busy and packed everything can be. Visiting Tokyo Disneyland and the temples were definite highlights as well. KCP makes sure to show more traditional sides of Japan. They take you on cultural excursions to ancient temples and samurai castles. Travel outside of Tokyo is up to you. There is time for it; a few of my classmates climbed Mount Fuji and visited both Kyoto and Yokohama.
Shibuya Crossing
KCP is a great program. It is centered on learning Japanese, and this, in my opinion, is what sets it apart from attending a Japanese university. KCP also makes more sense economically to attend than a Japanese university. There is only one class, and it is language instruction. There is also optional English support and a Saturday culture class for students who stay for an academic semester. In addition to this, there are a lot of clubs that most students join, such as the newspaper and singing club. With relatively small classroom sizes, you will be doing a lot of speaking, a huge benefit in learning a language. In addition, reading, writing, and listening are critical parts to the program. With English used so little, soon enough you will start to think in Japanese.
The instructors at KCP are all professionals; they know how to teach Japanese very well. As with anything, though, it comes down to how much you work at it on your own. There are important differences between American and Japanese classrooms that I became aware of. First, there is a divide between the students and the teacher. While the teachers are very helpful and kind, you generally will not get as close to them as you may with your college professors, although it varies from person to person. It is important to give them your utmost respect at all times. Eating and drinking in the classroom is considered incredibly rude. Remember you are a guest in Japan, and it is important to value the traditions and culture of the Japanese, which are based on politeness and respect.
KCP is a very rewarding program. It’s located in a great area in Shinjuku in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Enrolling in a KCP program is a great way to spend the summer or academic semester. I left KCP with improved Japanese language skills, a newfound appreciation for Japan, valuable international experience, great friends, and some of the best memories of my life.
