|  Name: Cody James McDowell
Program Enrolled in WLE: Total Programs Intensive, 1 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. |
2008 Spring
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Name: Keelin Brett