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KCP: A Look Back (Part 4) Culture by Jessica Funtanilla

In this 4-part series, former KCP Fall 2010 student Jessica Funtanilla looks back at her time at KCP. In this last installment , Jessica talks about how to appreciate Japan’s rich culture. She also summarizes her insights about the program.

Culture

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The KCP English team will take you to several important sites in your culture classes on the weekends. For example, you’ll see the Tokyo-Edo museum, shrines, and even an overnight trip to an onsen (hot spring).

Daibutsu. | KCP Flickr

There’s something for everyone, but even with all the weekend trips they have planned, it’s good to go out on your own. You’ll get a list of where you’ll go on the weekends with KCP, so you can kind of get a feel for what you’ll look forward to and plan your own adventures around them.

A lot of festivals happen year-round in Japan. Go see what they’re all about–it’s a chance to see a side of Japan you may not have known before KCP. If shopping and fashion interest you, head to Harajuku (hint: aside from really interesting fashion trends, Harajuku also sports a ton of crepe shops and sushi bars. These are worth standing in the lines they generate, and they aren’t that expensive). If you’re into sports, try to get tickets to a sumo match–it’s something you won’t find back home. Did you know that baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan? Check out a game.

Do a bit of research for prices and travel before you go. Just keep in mind that you might have to pay a bit extra when travelling outside the confines of your metro card. Remember to review your notes and do your homework! Seeing Japan on your own is a great experience, but this is a learning program. KCP already takes you to a lot of different places; you can also plan to arrive before or after the program begins and ends if you want extra time to explore. Just be mindful of the time span when your visa is valid. This is extremely important; ask Mike Anderson or Tanaka-san for more information about this.

How much you get out of the program depends on how you look at it. You will have to study and take tests, but I imagine that learning Japanese is why you chose the program in the first place. Classes are fun, and you get lots of practice inside and outside of class. Even if you’re new to Japanese and are just starting out, or if you want to see more of the world, or if this is something you’re considering for school, KCP is an excellent program. The staff is excellent and will make every effort to make your transition easier; to help you get past culture shock. They even pick you up at the airport and deliver your luggage the next day. Hint: take a carry-on with you so you have pajamas the first night; it’s easier than carrying your big bag and laptop through a brand-new city the first night. You’re about to learn Japanese faster than you have in the past, and this is a good thing. You’ll be able to talk to your neighbor in proper, confident Japanese, get through the airport, and talk to your host family much more comfortably than previously. Study hard, have fun.

がんばって!

 

Related posts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

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Read all about Japanese immersion learning and studying abroad. Check out our eZasshi archives for more articles!