This program has been awesome.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
KCP Undoukai. I had never participated in such activities before, so it was definitely fun and memorable. The trip to Kamakura was also another satisfying experience. It was great to be guided through the temples and shrines, and one of the highlights of the Kamakura trip is the experience of staying in a ryokan.
Why did you select this program?
I only have 3 months and this program was perfect. A lot of schools don't offer 3 months intensive program (minimum length of enrollment is 6 months, or the course is not an intensive program).
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
Most productive: being taught in Japanese (without using English at all), being encouraged to express my opinion in Japanese.
What did you find most valuable in the Culture Course?
The subtle cultural differences between Japanese culture and American culture that people don't generally realize.
Where did you live?
KCP Ikebukuro Dorm
Were you pleased with the general living arrangements? Anything you especially liked? Any problems you experienced?
I love the dorm and the dorm manager, Gotou-san, was very friendly and helpful. The location was very strategic: close to school and other attractions. There was a supermarket very close to the dorm that was recently opened, so it was definitely very convenient. Aside from that, there is 7-Eleven and another huge supermarket close by. Affordable restaurants are very easily found because the dorm is close to a university. The room was a little small and at the beginning I was a little troubled because there is no closet for me to put my clothes and belongings, but fortunately I didn't have to share my room so I could use the top bed (my room has double-decked beds) to place my belongings. There is an IH stove as well and the supermarket sells IH pans and pots, so there was no problem with the kitchen. Overall, it's a really nice dorm to stay at, and if I ever come back to KCP, I would definitely go back and stay at this dorm.
Any further thoughts or tips for those considering the program or new KCP students?
I brought quite a lot of stuffs from home to Japan, and in the end I found them to be unnecessary or they can be easily found for a reasonable price in Japan. Since the dorm room is a little small, I would recommend only bringing one big luggage and a hand-carry bag. You can find a lot of things for daily use from 100 yen shops, which can be found in many places.
Any other comments or suggestions?
This program has been awesome, and I learned a lot about Japanese language and culture within such a short period of time. The teachers are very patient and they try their best to encourage everyone's participation by making the class fun. The staff members, Tanaka-san, Michiko-san and Ryohei-san are also very friendly and are always ready to help. I would definitely recommend this school to other people who wants to go to Japan to study Japanese.
