I think just talking in general has helped me improve a lot.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
Going to Mt Takao and Kamakura. I loved the daytrip excursions a lot, since it was fun to go somewhere completely new.
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
I think the most interesting aspect was that we were in a class with students from other countries that don’t necessarily speak English, forcing us to only use Japanese to communicate. I think just talking in general has helped me improve a lot. I think the least interesting was just when we were going over our homework in class. Sometimes it felt very repetitive.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
Pair work and small group sessions— anything that forces you to speak!
Any suggestions for improving class activities or materials?
More talking! I thought the oral exam where we had 20 minutes and then had to present was a really good idea, and I would've liked to do that more on the daily.
What did you find most valuable in the Culture Course?
I loved just learning about all sorts of different aspects that I initially knew nothing about.
Any comments or tips for prospective/new KCP students?
Try to immerse yourself as much as you can— go to conversation cafes, watch movies in Japanese, go and experience the culture as much as possible. It helps a lot!
