Summer Program 2010

MESSAGES FROM PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

JOWY TRAN, A SUMMER PROGRAM 2009 PARTICIPANT

If you are reading this message then chances are high that you have some interest in Japan.  Whatever your motives are for wanting to go to Japan, I would highly recommend that you come to Akita International University for its summer program.  I was here last summer and I had a great experience and met many students from around the world. 

Taking the summer program is a very good way to learn about Japanese culture and to improve your Japanese skills. As you get involve with the international community here, you will develop a good understanding of international relationship between Japan and other countries.  Unlike most people, I did not experience culture shock settling into Japan, because I knew what I was in for when I came here. 

My motivation for coming to Japan was Japanese fashion, language, and media.  When I arrived at Akita International University, I assumed that I knew more Japanese than I actually did, because I took two years of Japanese at my own university beforehand.  However, what I learned at home was only good on paper.  At first, I couldn't really communicate well with Japanese students, but after the summer program I improved a lot and became able to communicate slowly in Japanese.  You will still have to set some time aside to study Japanese, but the classroom is not the only place you can learn from. 

For me, I learned more Japanese from speaking with Japanese students than from classroom lectures. Since Akita International University is a very small campus, you will get a chance to know everyone really well.  My best experiences at Akita International University were from the bus trips to areas around Akita.  Life at Akita International University can get boring if you do not keep yourself busy since there are no fun attractions around campus that you can get to without a car. Personally, I took up running and I explored most of the nature within 20 kilometers around campus and it kept me busy and entertained. 

 

To conclude, I thought that the summer program was very enjoyable and I believe that you will enjoy it as much as I did.  After the summer program, I decided to stay at Akita International University for Fall Semester 2009 and Spring Semester 2010.  Summer program at Akita International University will begin towards the end of Spring Semester 2010 and end at the same time.  I will look forward to meeting and hearing about your perspectives of Japan!

Jowy Tran, Gonzaga University, USA

 

 

 

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