Participating in club activities helped my language learning considerably.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
The clubs available at KCP were my favorite activities in the program. I appreciated the variety of club activities, the opportunity to connect with students and teachers outside of assigned classes, and the opportunity to learn skills that are difficult to learn abroad, such as koto. Participating in club activities helped my language learning considerably. The literature club in particular significantly improved my reading and speaking ability. It also built confidence in my skills and encouraged me to take on bigger challenges.
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
I think the most interesting part of the program was the clubs. The most productive was the English Support classes. Katou-sensei and her lessons were indispensable to my success in this program. Her explanations of grammar are clear and concise, making them perfect for review before tests. The practice worksheets were really helpful, giving me the extra study I needed to be comfortable with new grammar. The culture classes and excursions were fun but took a lot of time away from studying. The culture class lectures in particular I felt weren’t very productive.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
I felt that the repetitiveness of the drill practices (reading aloud, conjugation practice) was really helpful for practicing grammar and improving pronunciation.
What did you find most valuable in the Culture Course?
I appreciated the excursion portion of the culture classes the most. The ones that involved participation in an activity, such as the tea ceremony and Life Safety Learning Center, were the most valuable in my opinion. The participation aspect is something that can’t be experienced outside of Japan so having that opportunity made for a great learning experience.
Any comments or tips for prospective/new KCP students?
Join clubs, ask questions, share your interests, and consult your teachers. For students in levels 1, 2, and 3, go to English Support because it makes a big difference. For students living in the Ikebukuro dorm, thoroughly check your room and report any problems as soon as possible. It may be difficult to report if there’s a language barrier but your health is more important. Also buy an ethernet cable rather than rely on the wifi. Also, if you are sick absolutely contact your teachers and ask your senpai for information on the nearest clinic/hospital/pharmacy and ask for help filling your prescription or getting supplies. It’s hard when you’re sick abroad and the senpai are always eager to help so please take advantage of this.
