KCP: A Look Back (Part 2) Classes by Jessica Funtanilla
In this 4-part series, former KCP student Jessica Funtanilla looks back at her time at KCP. In this second installment , Jessica talks about classes, clubs, and exams.
While I’ve got your attention on your academics, I can tell you you’ll be in class for at least three hours a day. Classes are small and there is a lot of group work. The best part is that you’ll be in class with students from other countries, including China and Korea. It’s a great way to meet people from other countries and make connections. Since you’re all there to learn Japanese, you become sort of a family, helping each other review kanji and grammar, and exploring Tokyo together.
Before class starts each day, there are a lot of activities available for students: a singing club (they put on a Christmas concert before exams), a speaking club, calligraphy, and even a newspaper. There’s probably a lot more now than when I studied there.
Calligraphy class. | KCP Flickr
Get involved! It’s the fastest way to meet people and learn even more about Japanese culture without sitting in a classroom taking notes. KCP instructors run the clubs, so it’s also a good way to get to know your teachers in an environment outside the classroom. No matter what level you are, you can have fun. My favorite club was Kaiwa, the conversation class. The funny part was making mistakes, because everyone makes mistakes. No matter what your preference, try to get involved in at least one club; get a friend to tag along before class. It’s better than sitting in your room all day and it’s a good way to de-stress before class (unless you have an exam. Then I advise you to study).
I’m not going to avoid the honest truth: you have a midterm and a final exam and you need to study for them just like you would for a test back home. Don’t let this put you off the program just yet—remember you wanted to learn Japanese in the first place. Serious students will flourish at KCP. In the very beginning at your orientation, the staff will mention that students spend just as much time studying at home as they spend in class. This is absolutely true, because you will learn Japanese at a very fast rate. But it’s not too fast if you take some time every day to review your kanji and grammar, and make use of the English sessions outside of class.
KCP provides students with everything they need to succeed—the clubs and the English sessions are all part of that. Take advantage of these opportunities, and you will do well. Remember that this is a serious program for those who have a desire to learn Japanese; studying is part of the program. You will thank yourself for the flashcards, the late night studying, and the English reviews. If you’re planning on studying here for more than one term, you learn the value of hard work in your first term here.
Stay tuned for more valuable tips from Jessica.
Related post: Part 1
