We all felt like a family. It's a nice environment.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
I really enjoyed every class trip that the teachers put together every term. It helped everyone get to know each other better and become close very quickly. I enjoyed Fuji-Q Highland the most. Being it my first term I really enjoyed the experience with my newly made friends and it was a very memorable day. The BBQ was perfect as well.
Which co-curriculum classes did you find most satisfying?
I was able to take the EJU prep classes and found them very challenging but also very rewarding as well. They were a lot more advanced and it helped to see all my international friend's study habits and adapt to their methods.
What were your goals in attending the KCP program?
Throughout the program, I kept seeing my goals changing from very basic to much more detailed desires. Each day I am accomplishing more and more and it feels great.
Why did you select this program?
I am half Japanese and never got the chance to learn about my Japanese heritage while growing up in California. I really wanted to understand my mother's side (even though she can't speak Japanese haha) and my grandparent's culture. It's so different from the world I grew up in but I love it just as much. I decided to select KCP because they offered so many chances and opportunities for me to grow and better understand the Japanese culture and language.
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
The most productive and interesting were the methods of studying. From where I come from, students don't really take studying too seriously, whereas here (in Japan) they do. This really prepared me for when I will be going into college next year because I feel like I know how to study now and want to take the time out to do it. The least interesting and productive.....is there any? I mean I'm in Japan. This is one of the best countries I've ever experienced. Everything is different from what I've grown up with so everything is interesting to me.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
Probably the pair work. It gives students the opportunity to really engage with each other and speak up. In the first semester I came in not knowing who I would talk to or get along with (as I'm sure everyone else felt as well) but by the end of each course, we all felt like a family. It's a nice environment.
Any further thoughts or tips for those considering the program or new KCP students?
If you're considering KCP, just sign up. If you have to, save up for it. It was worth it. I continue to learn the language, I continue to make new friends, I continue to find new, unfamiliar and exciting places and all of this was possible because I made the decision to learn at KCP. I have met some really great people (friends as well as teachers) who have helped me grow as a person. I'm thankful for this time I've spent here. It really has gone by too fast but I will forever remember the memories I've made here.
