Is this your first time in Japan?
No, this is my third time in Japan. My first time coming to Japan was a vacation with my brother about three years ago. After immediately falling in love with the country, I decided that a study abroad program would be the ideal method of learning the language, so the following year I studied Japanese in Tokyo through World Link Education for 3 months.


Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
Ever since I was young I've always had a strong interest in Japanese culture -- I even learned my first few Japanese words back when I was in elementary. As long as I can remember I've wanted to learn Japanese, and at long last I've finally been able to make that dream a reality.

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
My studies in Japan are going great. Every day I learn new words, grammatical functions, and a few new kanji here and there too. I learn more in a month here than I would in a year back home.

Has your studies been what you expected it to be?
No; they went far above and beyond my expectations. Prior to studying in Japan, my only experience with learning Japanese was via textbooks and a private tutor. Never did I think that a classroom setting was the ideal environment for learning Japanese.

How do you like Tokyo?
Like? I love Tokyo!

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
Employees at stores hand out advertisements with tissues bundled with them. A clever marketing strategy, but why would anyone buy tissues when you can get them for free anywhere? Quite interesting.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
Japan has changed me in far too many ways to name, but ultimately living in Japan has opened my mind to new ideas and ways of life, many of which I plan to bring back with me to the states.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
The food. It's so cheap, and so good! I've never eaten better food in my life, and I get to eat it every day -- multiple times!

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
You'll have a hard time making me leave! Being my 3rd time here in Tokyo, it's not only safe to say that I'll be back again, but that eventually I'll be here to stay (hopefully).

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
Make the most of every day. Speak Japanese as much as you can, ask as many questions as possible. Every day, no matter where you are -- on the train, the subway, or in the streets -- look around you and try to read as much as possible. Remember what the kanji to different stops on your train are, and then learn their meaning. Doing this, I've been able to learn countless kanji outside of the classroom. The classes are an excellent way to learning Japanese, but you have to take it upon yourself to apply the knowledge you learn into everyday life in order to reach fluency. And most of all, enjoy your time here. It's hard not to, but make every day count!

Name: Cody James McDowell
Program Enrolled in WLE: Total Programs Intensive,
one year
Country of residence: Japan
Citizenship: United States of America
Profession: English Teacher
Educational background: BA in Liberal Arts
Languages spoken: English, a bit of Japanese
Hobbies: Karaoke, working out, eating with friends, reading

Is this your first time in Japan?
No, this is my third time. The first time was after graduating from college and the second time was just to visit Tokyo and look at the school.


Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
I'm now living in Japan, so I want to learn the language.  I've also loved Japan for quite a long time and think it is a fascinating (and difficult) language.

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
They are a bit difficult, but mostly because I don't have much time to study outside of class.  I work three jobs, so have little free time outside of teaching and studying!  However, the classes at World Link are quite good, based on how much I have learned versus how little I study...!!  The teachers are very fun and understanding, you make many friends with whom the only common language is Japanese, and if you make Japanese friends you learn through experience.

Have they been what you expected it to be?
Actually, not really. I never was able to study Japanese formally in the States, only by myself through the use of books.  So before coming to Japan I basically only studied the kana and a few kanji, and just a little grammar.  On one's own, the language appears to be rather simple.  I never imagined it would be as complex as it really is.  This is especially evident when taking a longer course: in later classes you end up learning that earlier stuff you learned is technically correct, but not really used, though still necessary to know in order to understand the new material.  It can be frustrating, but is rewarding in the end if you stick with it.

How do you like Tokyo?
I love Tokyo. I do enjoy the occasional excursion to smaller towns outside of Tokyo to see more of the 'real Japan,' but Tokyo always has things to offer, is safe, and fun.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
Probably the fusion of world cultures with Japanese culture.  It's still very Japanese, but one can easily see influences from other cultures.  That and being able to walk down a street and have your choice of Japanese, Korean, Indian, or Chinese food just about anywhere!!

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
I've really been able to be myself in Tokyo, and this has made me grow as a person. Not knowing anyone and having to start from scratch, then succeeding in getting nice jobs and continuously being offered different jobs or opportunities has helped me gain the confidence needed to live on one's own in a huge city.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
I guess it would probably be the food.  You can eat any food you want if you just know where to look.  Also karaoke.  Japanese-style karaoke is the best.  And finally, Tokyo is full of opportunities.  If you meet the right people, make the right friends, basically anything is possible.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
At this point, I don't plan on leaving!

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
First, be open-minded. It's good to have your own beliefs and opinions, but you must remember that that is what they are: yours. Especially in Tokyo, there are people from every part of the world here and many different beliefs. If you can't accept the fact that people think differently from you, you should not come.  Second, don't give up! If you want to master the language you must be willing to work hard and come to accept the fact that what you know is probably only correct sometimes in some situations. I have many friends with better Japanese than I have that still have the experience of being told that what they are saying is partially correct, but not really what a Japanese person would say. It's an intricate dance to which generally only people who have grown up with it can truly say they are masters. The rest of us will be forever be students, to some degree or another.

Name: Keelin Brett
Program Enrolled in WLE: Japanese Conversation,
three months
Country of residence: USA
Citizenship: American
Profession: Jewelry Designer
Educational background: BA
Languages spoken: English
Hobbies: Listening to Music

Is this your first time in Japan?
No, my second time.

Why did you decide to study the Japanese language?
For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with Japanese culture and language.

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
Japanese is very difficult and a lot of work, but it is all worth it.

Have they been what you expected it to be?
I knew studying the language would be hard, but I had no idea how fun the classes and teachers would be.

How do you like Tokyo?
Tokyo is such an amazing place! I have had many wonderful memories here!

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
There is always so much to see and do in Tokyo. I especially love the nightlife, fashion and food!

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
Japan has exposed me to a different culture and new ideas, which has helped me grow as a person.

What are the things you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
I find it amazing how Japan is a very westernized country with incredible technology and yet, in the center of the city there is a several hundred year old temple or shrine.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
Yes, I hope to be back here within two months.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
Be prepared for extensive walking, so bring good sneakers!!

Name: Maiken Møller-Hansen
Program Enrolled in WLE: Total Beginner Conversation
Country of residence: US
Citizenship: Danish
Profession: Manager / Student
Educational background: MS in Communications
Languages spoken: Danish, German, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, sukoshi Nihongo.
Hobbies: Photography, the Outdoors, and Art

Is this your first time in Japan?
Yes -- I finally made it to Japan after having wanted to go for over 20 years!

Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
When I was 10 years old I received my first Sony Walkman as a present -- I have been interested in Japan ever since and I believe that there is no better way of trying to understand a country and culture than learning the language.

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
Fun! I guess I am a bit of a language ‘Otaku’ (geek) -- I love the feeling of opening doors into a new language universe every day by adding more and more knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Classes themselves have been more varied and fun than I expected. The atmosphere at school is great and the teachers are very good at mixing up the curriculum by using different teaching methods, such as games, audio, real life conversation and so forth. Outside of the classroom it is the best feeling, when you find yourself starting to understand what people are talking about on the train etc.

How do you like Tokyo?
Tokyo is an amazing city, the list of things to do and see here is endless. It takes a while to get used to the size of the city and to the number of people who live and work here –- there are people everywhere, all the time! But once you start knowing your way around you start discovering the many faces of the city: I love the fact that there are so many different neighborhoods to explore and that all of these offer vastly different insights into Japanese culture and history.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
Personally I have fallen in love with the small winding streets you find in certain parts of Tokyo such as the backstreets of Harajuku, Aoyama and Daikanyama. I love wandering around and discovering all the little gems that are hidden in these areas: tiny shops and restaurants, old and quirky buildings next to new and super avant-garde buildings, little shrines and temples, people going by their business and so forth. I am also a big fan of the Tsukiji fish market -- it is such an amazing experience to get up in the wee hours (before school) and go to the largest active fish market in the world, where I have seen many more species of fish and sea food than I ever knew existed. It is a great place to take pictures, both of fish and of the people working there and of course to enjoy the most delicious and fresh sushi in the world. Finally there is something to be said about Tokyo at night, when all the neon lights come out and turn the city into an amazing visual spectacle right out of Blade Runner.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
Since I had wanted to go to Japan for a long time, the experience has left me with a deep sense of happiness and contentment on a personal level. On a larger scale, I’d say that the chance to experience Japan and a slice of Asia up close has been eye opening to me in many ways. I had traveled a lot before coming to Japan but always in the Americas and Europe and somehow had the idea that Japanese and Asian people would be somehow ‘different’. The truth is that they are, because everyone is different and unique, but at the same I also discovered that we share so much more than I expected in terms of what is important to people (like the 2006 Soccer World Cup!), as well as in terms of tastes in music, movies, travel and so forth. Through school I also met a lot of people from other Asian countries and I feel very happy to have added so many new friends to my personal ‘world map of friends’ which used to be skewed towards the western part of the world.

Another thing I’ve learned in Japan is something about the virtue of patience and on focusing your energy on what really matters. For example during my many, sometimes long, train rides around Tokyo I’ve truly come to admire the Japanese people’s gift of gracefully accepting crowded spaces and having to share resources. It seems to me now, that too many other people around the world spend too much energy on getting upset or frustrated about things that aren’t really that important, instead of conserving their mental energy for more worthwhile purposes – so, in a way I think my stay in Japan has taught how to make the choice to be a happier person.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
It is very hard to pick just one! But if I must, I’d have to say the food. Since coming to Japan I have discovered that the Japanese Kitchen has so much more than Sushi to offer, and all of it is very tasty. And the best part is that Japanese food is mostly very healthy at the same time -- I don’t think any other country/kitchen in the world can compete with that. My personal favorite Japanese food does remain Sushi however. Nothing beats the taste and the freshness of the Sushi you can get in Tokyo even at relatively inexpensive places, like the conveyor belt restaurants you will find all over Tokyo and which makes ordering with modest Japanese language skills a walk in the park…

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
Yes, absolutely, I consider this my first visit to Japan. I’d like to continue studying the language, but I’d also like to come back for a trip to the more remote parts of the country, such as Hokkaido and Okinawa for example.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
Just do it! Before my trip I was a bit worried about how everything was going to work out since I had very limited knowledge of the language, Tokyo is quite a big city and so forth. But Tokyo, while being big and confusing, really is a very safe, friendly and well organized place. At no time did I feel scared about traveling around the city, worried about finding my way etc. The essential signs and directions are available in English as well, and people will go out of their way to help you find where you are going – even if they don’t speak English they might walk you to the place!

The other, more boring, piece of advice is to study as much Hiragana & Katakana as you can before coming here. I wouldn’t worry too much about Kanji (unless you are contemplating a more advanced class), as there are so many, that it can be a bit intimidating. But the quicker you’ll be able to pick up Hiragana & Katakana, the quicker you’ll be able to really dive into the reading and writing in the textbooks and hence to kick start your learning.

Is this your first time in Japan?
Yes, it is.


Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
I had a curiosity and interest for the Japanese Language and Culture.

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
They were quite enjoyable. I met many new friends who made the experience all the more pleasurable.

How do you like Tokyo?
For someone who comes from small town Canada, it certainly was a change of pace. It was an unforgettable experience to say the least.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
It's sheer size in comparison to what I am used to back home.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
In so many ways - to meet as many people as I have and to learn so much from them, you cannot help but let the people have an impact on your life.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
Public transport. It's not a very interesting answer, but coming from a place where public transport is almost non-existent, getting from point A to point B easily and effectively is not to be overlooked.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
As soon as humanly possible.

Is this your first time in Japan?
No, I've been here 3 times before I decided to study here

Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
After my graduation I wasn't sure of what to do with my life. I was given two choices from Dad. He said "China or Japan"and I thought of course Japan. Because Japanese have hiragana and katakana not just kanji...and I love karaoke

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
I like the afternoon class because I'm not a morning person. I found Japanese particles and kanji very confusing

How do you like Tokyo?
Based on my past experience I found Tokyo very clean compare to other Asian country. The city is well organized.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
For me harajuku girls and the Elvis dancers at yoyogi park. They're so cool/different.

What are the things you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
I like the food, the politeness of people, cleanliness, the convenience stores and the karaoke

What are the things you like LEAST about Tokyo/Japan?
I'm not a fan of the train and girls here are so cute. But the worse would have to be how there're hardly any bins on the street and you have to separate your rubbish.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
In many ways. Firstly, my appearance because I enjoy the food here?-overall Tokyo helped me become a more mature and independent person.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
I would say learn some basic everyday words, study the train system before hand, and bring comfy shoes as there will be lots of walking.

Is this your first time in Japan?
Yes, it is.

Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
Well, I decided to take Japanese about 3 years ago in my home country, Indonesia. At that time, I had the time and was interested in Asian languages. After more than 2 years studying Japanese, I realized that the most effective way to learn a language is to immerse oneself in the native environment. So that’s why I decided to go to Japan to study.

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
Difficult and interesting. For me, Japanese language is so difficult to master. I realized it more when I found out that daily/conversational Japanese is like a foreign language to the formal Japanese language that I’ve been studying for 2 years. But this learning process is fun and interesting. I am able to learn the language not only inside a classroom, but also from the people around me, such as my Japanese friends, my housemates, people in the supermarket/restaurant and even from strangers in the street.

Have they been what you expected to be?
My only expectations were to enjoy the school and to improve my Japanese. Well, the realities are exceeding my expectations. Not only do I enjoy studying the language, but I also enjoy learning about the culture, the people, the city and so much more.

How do you like Tokyo?
Tokyo offers so much variety and is so much fun. It just depends on how you would like to enjoy the city. I’m enjoying it very much, with all the bustling of a metropolitan city it also has places that offer peace & quiet. The only thing I don’t like is that there are too many people, especially during rush hour.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
I can find all sorts of people in Tokyo. There is a mixture of traditional and modern culture in Tokyo. You can see people walking around in the street in their traditional dress/kimono, and in another part you’ll see teens wearing black makeup with hair dyed white.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
I guess I used to think of Japan as the most expensive country in Asia so I always hesitated about going to Japan. But now, I love it. Even though it’s still the most expensive country in Asia, I would love to go back there again, especially now I have so many friends there.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
I love to travel and since I’ve never been to Japan, I have so many destinations to explore. And the Japanese transportation system is excellent. It’s very convenient to go everywhere.

What is the thing you like LEAST about Tokyo/Japan?
The densha (train) during rush hour. It’s horrible.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
Definitely.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
Well, master hiragana & katakana because it helps a lot, especially if you like to travel. And enjoy the experience.

Name: Lot Rossmark
Program Enrolled in WLE: Conversation Program (beginners)
Country of residence: Netherlands
Citizenship: Dutch
Profession: Student
Educational background: Just finished high school, starting University next month.
Languages spoken: Dutch, English, German
Hobbies: Snowboarding, watching/making movies, reading comics.

Is this your first time in Japan?
Yes

Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
I've been fascinated with Japan for as long as I remember. When I was a kid I loved to read stories about Samurais. Later I started watching anime and reading manga. Now I'm really into Japanese movies and the crazy Japanese fashion. Because many of my interests have something to do with Japan, I thought: why not study it?

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
I liked them a lot. The teachers were very nice. I liked that you're in a small group, that way you get enough attention. What I also liked, is that we had three teachers, so every day was different. They each had their own way of teaching, which was great. My classes started in the morning and ended around 1. This way I still had the afternoon to wander around in Tokyo.

Have they been what you expected to be?
I did not expect to have various teachers. From what I heard Japanese education is very strict, so I thought we'd have very stern teachers. I thought wrong. They were very nice.

How do you like Tokyo?
I love Tokyo. It's so big and busy. This is the city that never sleeps. Sometimes I'd go out until 6 in the morning and the barbershop, convenient stores and yoshinoya would still be open. Tokyo is great for shopping.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
The people! They are so different from Dutch people. I loved to sit in the metro (subway) for an hour and just look at people.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
It made me even more Japan crazed. Oh, and I guess I litter less on the streets than I used to.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
The people, the stores and the metro. And in Kyoto I liked the temples and Shrines and cycling through the city. I also liked Karaoke. This seems to be the most popular evening activity for young people, which I find strange because in most countries it's clubbing. Clubbing is also great in Tokyo.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
Absolutely!

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
Go on the WLE trips on the weekend. This is a great way to get to know people and see a lot of Tokyo. And PURI-KURA of course! What's more fun than be cramped up in a small photobooth with your friends and make hilarious pictures?

Name: Marika Sboros
Program Enrolled in WLE: Conversation Program
Country of residence: South Africa
Citizenship: South African
Profession: Journalist
Educational background: BA English, politics, philosophy
Languages spoken: English, Afrikaans, a little Greek and French and now some Japanese
Hobbies: martial arts, travelling, reading

Is this your first time in Japan?
My third time.

Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
For my heart and soul. I have been studying Japanese traditional martial art, Yuishinkai and RyuKyu kobujutsu, for 12 years. That stimulated my interest in Japan and the language. My first two visits to the country made me long to speak the language and be able to communicate with the people on a meaningful level.

How are you finding your studies in Japan?
Wonderful, an unforgettable experience that was also very difficult, challenging and frustrating at times.

1. The teachers were outstanding. They were all professional, caring, funny, helpful, kind and clearly experts in their fields. They made the learning experience an enjoyable and interesting one. They had authority and kept good control of the students.

2. The use of different teachers - four in all - was good. It gave us exposure to varying tones and speech patterns. That is important in language learning, as one can get too used to one's personal way of speaking.

3. The content of the classes was excellent. While I did not anticipate doing so much reading and writing, I was delighted to learn to read and write both hiragana and katakana.

4. The teachers taught more than just grammar, vocabulary and conversation. They taught a lot about Japanese culture and etiquette, which was fascinating.

5. The resource material - textbooks, worksheets - was of a very high standard.

6. The use of Japanese university students for a practice conversation session was an enjoyable experience.

7. A conversation partner outside of the language school was helpful.

How do you like Tokyo?
I love it.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
The energy and wide variety of stores, activities, old and new places, shrines, gardens, temples.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
It made me feel different, more confident in my ability to learn languages, and it made me love the country even more than I did during my first two visits.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
The people. The bookstores. The temples. The spirit.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
Definitely and as soon as possible. I don't know how or when, but I felt like I was leaving my heart behind. Ushirogami o hikareru omoi desu. Kokoro nokori desu. I long to return.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
Learn hiragana and katakana. Buy a good pocket dictionary or electronic one. Find accommodation as close to the language school as you can, so you don't waste time and money on commuting. Try hard not to talk your native language at school. Read about the country, its history, its culture. Learn about etiquette and practise the rules. Practise the When in Rome rule - when in Japan, do as the Japanese do. If you offend someone, apologise and mean it.

Name: Kristen Joerger
Program Enrolled in WLE: Language and Culture 3 week Program
Country of residence: USA
Citizenship: American
Profession: Student


Is this your first time in Japan?
Yes.

What motivated you to go to Japan?
I had been interested in Japanese culture for years, and I love learning languages so it seemed like a good thing to do over the summer!

Did the language studies meet your expectations?
My classes were wonderful. The teachers really stuck to the immersion approach, and that definitely helped me to learn faster.

How was your accommodation?
I could not have asked for a better host family. My family was so eager to include me in their day-to-day lives, and so eager to help me learn their language. I really developed a wonderful relationship with them over the 3 weeks!

Tell us about a few memorable experiences while you were studying abroad.
Climbing Mt. Fuji was definitely memorable! It is a long hike, but a fun one. Karaoke is one of the activities that must be tried at least once. It is so different to the Karaoke in the United States, and is also a great way for everyone to get over their shyness and get to know each other.

Do you think you will return to Japan in the future?
Of course!

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in this location?
While communicating with a Japanese person, do not pretend you know what they are saying when you don't. I ended up in the car with my host family with no idea where we were going because I was afraid to tell them that I did not understand. Also, if you plan to go to Harajuku during your stay, go on a Sunday afternoon. The people-watching is the best then.

What aspect of the Japanese culture did you find most fascinating?
The mixture of Japan's ancient customs and history with its super-savvy technology and trends.

Have they been what you expected to be?
Not exactly. But I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect in the first place. Though things have always found a way of working out.

How do you like Tokyo?
I love Tokyo.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
That it’s such a wild and chaotic city but still functions so smoothly. It’s very impressive.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
It’s definitely broadened my world perspective.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
There are too many things to list. Tokyo/Japan is so unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. There’s always something new to find and discover. The culture and way of life is so different from anything. I love just sitting back and watching the everyday goings on that the Japanese just see as routine and mundane, everyday events. I think I love the Shinto Shrines the best. There are millions of them, and you may think they’re all the same and once you seen a shrine you’ve seen them all… but each shrine has it’s own unique personality and charm all on its own. Also it’s neat to fine a small little shrine tucked away some where. Like you’ll be walking in the middle of the city, surrounded by skyscrapers and shops and such, then you’ll turn the corner, and there’ll be this quaint peaceful little shrine sitting there and I doesn’t seem the least bit out of place. You’re pleasantly surprised to find it there, like running into a friend unexpectedly as if to say “oh how nice, I didn’t expect to run it to you here. Well I have to go, I’m in a terrible rush but it was nice seeing you. Maybe when I have time we can visit longer.” And then you walk away and plunge your self back into the chaotic stirring of the city.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
In a heart beat. I’m hoping to get a job as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT).

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
Study Japanese a lot, the more you know, the better of you’ll be. Bring Cash and Travelers Checks. Only a small had full of places take credit cards. But you can always withdrawal cash with your ATM card if you go to the post office. I know, it was strange to me too, but hey, when you need cash you need cash, and the post office can make it happen. Don’t be timid. Don’t be shy to talk to people, don’t be afraid to go out and venture around on your own. There’s a lot to discover. The Tokyo subway map is your best friend in the whole world and it is the key that unlocks the door to exploring this big new world.

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Name: Kay Beewen
Program Enrolled in WLE: Three Months Intensive
Country of residence: Germany
Citizenship: German
Profession: Over 3 years as an IT specialist in Germany
Educational background: Master's degrees in civil and industrial engineering, and business administration
Languages spoken: German, English, Hungarian, Russian
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, traveling, walking, jogging

Is this your first time in Japan?
Yes.

Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
I wanted to have new experiences, meet different culture, travel Asia, and develop language skills for communication that would be useful when I go back to Europe.

How are finding your studies in Japan?
Very good. Senseis (teachers) are very personable and professional. They talk to every student interactively.

Have they been what you expected to be?
Yes.

How do you like Tokyo?
I like it a lot. Exciting and it's big.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
It's different from European cities. It's a metropolis but looks more like a cluster of many villages. There aren't any real downtowns.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
I expected that Japanese people are not so open, but I've found they are a lot more open.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
The food and the traffic system. The public transportation system is amazing.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
Yes.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
To practice to sit in a Japanese way (Kneeling) and get used to it, and also to practice using chopsticks before coming to Japan. To buy a restaurant guide so that you can use it when you order dishes that you can't tell in Japanese, pointing the pictures in it.

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Name: Zufendy Prajitno
Country of Residence: Singapore

Is this your first study abroad experience?
Yes.

What motivated you to come to Japan?
I had worked in Melbourne, Australia in retail management and in Singapore as an events planner. I was interested in learning Japanese and perhaps working in Japan.

Did the language studies meet your expectations?
I am definitely improving in my Japanese daily. My teachers are energetic and they use interactive teaching styles. I started as a total beginner, and now after 3 months in the program, I am conversing in Japanese and getting around the city. Also, learning with people from other countries is a great way to learn.

How is your accommodation?
My host family is excellent. The host mother is very professional. She has been a host for 8 years in the home-stay program and is very accommodating.

Tell us about a few memorable experiences while you were studying abroad.
The Japanese cultural activities such as the tea ceremony, making soba noodles and wind chimes have been fun and informative. We were learning by doing and this made it interesting and enjoyable.

Will you go back to this country again?
Yes definitely. I hope to be able to work here.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in this location?
Enjoy yourself. Learn to speak – a lot of people are afraid to make mistakes. Every one has a different style of learning. I do not like memorizing, so I learn by doing. I learn by making mistakes and speaking as much as possible. I have a real interest in learning about the Japanese people and understanding their way of thinking. That is important if you want to successfully learn the language and work or do business in Japan.

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Name: Aminjon Davronov
Program Enrolled in WLE: One Month Intensive Program
Country of residence: Uzbekistan
Citizenship: Uzbekistan
Profession: Student, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Language
Educational background: High School in Samarkand
Languages spoken: Tajik, Uzbek, Russian, English
Hobbies: Internet, E-mail correspondence, Volleyball

Is this your first time in Japan?
Yes, this is my first visit.

Why did you decide to study Japanese Language?
For my future. I would like to be involved in the business dealing with both Uzbekistan and Japan.

How are finding your studies in Japan?
I could see a lot of good senseis (teachers) at the academy. And through the classroom works I have made many good friends.

Are the classes like you expected?
Yes, they have been very much like what I expected.

How do you like Tokyo?
I like Tokyo very much, because Tokyo is a very interesting city.

What do you find most interesting about Tokyo?
I can see things that I could never see in Uzbekistan: for example boys and girls in funny costumes.

How has your experience in Japan changed you if it has?
I tended to think the job situation might be easier in Japan than Uzbekistan. But it looks like Japanese people, especially young people, too, seem to have difficulties in getting jobs.

What is the thing you like most about Tokyo/Japan?
I like almost all Japanese food. I particularly like hamburgers at McDonalds Japan. Besides McDonalds, I really like almost every food in Japan.

Will you come to Japan/Tokyo again?
Yes. Yes. Yes.

What advice/tips would you give to others who plan to come and study in Japan?
I want to advise especially to Muslim people to be aware that we Muslims eat very different food from Japanese people. We can eat beef, but we can not eat pork. But pork is one of Japanese people's favorite foods. We are not supposed to drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes as Muslim, but many Japanese people seem to like them a lot.

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