Give this experience your all. Give into this experience. Try to make friends with locals in Japan. Explore the opportunities Tokyo has to offer and make the most of them.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
The weekly meetings of the Conversation Game club were fantastic. The club gave students an opportunity not only to have fun and unwind before class but allowed students to take with students of different Japanese levels. Thus, the club was not only fun but was great conversation and listening practice. I felt the club benefited my Japanese learning. Also, the first week's walk around Shinjuku was very helpful in learning the area around the school and making new friends.
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
The most productive and interesting aspect was how varied and well rounded the classes and homework were. Everyday in class every aspect of our Japanese learning was addressed. This aspect was particularly helpful to me as I came from a self-taught background where on a given day I may only have time for vocabulary or kanji study but rarely both. Another great aspect was the mixture of different nationalities and languages present in regular classes. Asking classmates for help and receiving questions all in Japanese meant that not only was answering the question valuable but asking the question was an exercise of one's Japanese abilities. I think the least interesting and productive part of the course may have been the immersion level of the first two weeks before regular classes. While those two weeks were a lot of fun and were necessary, for me at least, for getting used to using Japanese and life in Japan, I do think within those first two weeks if there were more opportunities to talk with native speakers that may have been helpful preparation for regular classes (even if optional opportunities).
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
I think in class review of textbook and homework exercises were very helpful. In particular, the immediate shift from learning or correcting a grammar point to then getting to practice that grammar point with the person one is sitting next to. For vocabulary learning, the videos corresponding with the words were very helpful. Finally, responding directly to a question asked by the teacher and having to use new grammar in one's response I thought was a very productive drill.
Anything you especially liked in the living arrangements? Any problems you experienced?
The food situation in Tanashi 2 was incredible. We were given free home cooked breakfasts and dinner every day (except Sundays). I think this enhanced my experience greater than I even realize now. It allowed me to study hard and function at my best. I am truly grateful to the cooking staff at Tanashi 2 for making me life in Japan all the better. I did experience one problem. I was not prepared initially for Tsuyu/the rainy season in Japan which lead to some damaging of my belongings and sanitary problems.
What dorm did you live in or host family did you live with?
Dorm: Tanashi 2 in Nishitokyo
Any comments or tips for prospective/new KCP students?
Give this experience your all. Give into this experience. Try to make friends with locals in Japan. Explore the opportunities Tokyo has to offer and make the most of them. The memories I made along the way, the passion they instilled in me, was fuel for my studies and made my want to learn Japanese ever greater. I believe if you embrace this opportunity with open arms and a determination to learn, it may become one of the best experiences of your life.
