Colette Kinder Answers the Question, Why KCP?

With all the study abroad programs that offer Japanese language courses, you might wonder what sets KCP apart from the rest. In this informative post, KCP student Colette Kinder answers the question, “Why KCP?”

Often I get asked why I chose to attend KCP rather than a Japanese university, or another language school somewhere else in the country. There was a handful of study abroad options for going to Japan offered at my university, all of them great programs. However, what set KCP apart from the rest of the study abroad options is its direct-method approach and the intensity of the program. When people ask how difficult KCP is, I have a hard time giving an answer because it depends on a variety of factors, including one’s study habits, what level they are placed in, and how adaptable they are to a new environment. Although the program is rather difficult and may appear overwhelming, I believe it is the best way to improve one’s Japanese quickly and efficiently.

Colette Kinder. | KCP Flickr

KCP classes (excluding the American program cultural class) are taught in 99.9% Japanese. The .1% missing there is on the first day, when you are taught basic Japanese greetings, and translations in everyone’s native tongue are provided. After this day, you will no longer receive in-class instruction in English. Using this method, one associates Japanese with the ideas rather than the English, giving them the ability to understand Japanese rather than translate it. In other words, when learning vocabulary and grammar, if you see a picture then hear the Japanese, your brain will start to associate that picture with the Japanese. If you learn the English, then the Japanese, your brain will have to think from English and change into Japanese, which makes for poor, slow conversation and writing skills. By learning Japanese using Japanese, you train your brain to think directly in the language, eliminating need for translation.

I took Japanese for three quarters at my university. I had a very knowledgeable, helpful teacher who taught to the best of his ability. While I am very grateful for his instruction and help, taking Japanese class at an American university is nothing compared to taking it at KCP. About halfway through level one (one quarter) at KCP, I learned more Japanese and improved my skill significantly more than I learned in level one (three quarters) at my university. My results are not particularly amazing or special; everyone who tries their hardest at KCP will improve immensely. With a highly-dedicated staff and teachers, they make sure no hardworking student is ever left behind.

 Class in session. | KCP Flickr

The reason I chose KCP rather than any other school, including Japanese universities, is that I wanted to focus on improving my language skills quickly and efficiently. KCP is not for people who do not like hard work, or for people who are simply trying to fulfil their study abroad requirement for their major. KCP requires a lot of dedication, time, and patience, and I do not believe it should be taken lightly. I have met American students at KCP who struggled because they were not prepared for how difficult it would be. I do not want to discourage anyone who wants to improve, however, from applying. I don’t want to scare anyone off. You get out of life what you put in, so if you’re ready to work hard, step out of your comfort zone, and give it your all, I believe KCP is right for you.