The most productive aspects of the program were my homestay experience and the conversation practice in class.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
The Yamanashi trip was my favorite event. I enjoyed meeting and talking with teachers from other classes and levels that I did not ordinarily get to speak with. I also enjoyed getting out of Tokyo to experience the beautiful scenery of Japan.
Which co-curriculum classes did you find most satisfying?
English support class. It was extremely helpful for solidifying the grammar points taught in class.
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 my homestay experience and the conversation practice in class. I got along extremely well with my host family and it was a great way to build my Japanese language skills while experiencing what family life is like in Japan. The least interesting and productive aspect of the program were the special studies class (building conversation skills) and class trip to the museum in Ueno park. The conversation skills class would have been more productive if there was more time to practice the conversation points learned in class. It felt like 45 minutes per week was not enough to build conversation skills.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
Pair conversation work and drill practice we’re the most helpful in solidifying the grammar points and vocabulary.
What did you find most valuable in the Culture Course?
The excursions to various parts of Tokyo and to Yamanashi were the most valuable. It was fun and interesting to learn about the culture and history of Japan in addition to the language. It was also great to spend time with the other students from the American program in different class levels.
Any further thoughts or tips for those considering the program or new KCP students?
You will learn a ton if you put forth the effort in class and out of class. The teachers are always willing to help if you ask, and are a valuable resource for building Japanese language skills.
Any other comments or suggestions?
I had a great time at KCP and hope to return for another semester in the future! My only suggestion would be spacing out the material more, as the weeks before the midterm exam and final exam were filled with new material that we did not get a chance to fully practice and drill in class.
