Don’t be afraid to talk to any of the staff members! Even if they aren’t your teacher or aren’t your specific program’s staff member, everyone is really nice and is there to help you get better!
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
I had a lot of fun going on the field trips we had during the first two weeks! It was really refreshing to see the areas surrounding Tokyo.
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
Being able to use Japanese in regular daily life helped solidify a lot of what we learned in class. Speaking with students of all different backgrounds in class in Japanese all encouraged me to work harder and make better friends.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
Working with other students was really helpful, especially in group sessions. Group sessions offered the review I really needed to be up to pace with the level I was entering, and I don’t think I would have done as well if I hadn’t had the group sessions. Conversations with native Japanese speakers were also really helpful and exciting.
Any suggestions for improving class activities or materials?
Discussing the test format before the tests would be really helpful, regardless of level. Worksheets also helped a lot, and I wish that level 4 had more, or at least more ways to make practice sentences with new grammar points.
Anything you especially liked in the living arrangements? Any problems you experienced?
It was really fun loving with other KCP students. I also really enjoyed the Ikebukuro dorm party that we had, especially because we got to talk to some of the staff and hang out together.
What dorm did you live in or host family did you live with?
Ikebukuro Dorm
Any comments or tips for prospective/new KCP students?
Don’t be afraid to talk to any of the staff members! Even if they aren’t your teacher or aren’t your specific program’s staff member, everyone is really nice and is there to help you get better! (Special shout out to Park-san at the front desk every morning - she’s super enthusiastic and so fun to talk to and even though she wasn’t the English speaking students coordinator, she’s one of my favorite people I’ve met at KCP, so I totally encourage talking to everyone!)
