Japan

Hello from the Starbucks on the Kansai University Campus! It has officially been just over two weeks since I landed at Kansai International Airport, but it feels as though it’s been a month. I have spent the large part of this time exploring, when not attending various orientations put on by the university, and decided to throw myself into the deep end when it comes to using my Japanese language skills. I have felt many times over the past weeks that my Japanese skills are not enough, because there have been many moments of miscommunication or lack of understanding on my behalf. However, I have been doing my best to take this all in-stride, as it is a learning opportunity that I can only have here in this country. The other aspect of my language learning process that has been a drastic change from how I speak English is the different formality levels you must use when speaking here. I find myself thinking through what I want to say more thoroughly, because although I can speak casually to my friends, when I meet new Japanese friends or am asking for assistance at a store, I must be sure to use the correct language. I don’t doubt that this will become more fluid for me quickly, with how much it is necessary to use the language here. Although this is not specifically related to the Japanese language, I feel that I must share how my grasp on the English language has changed as well. Since many of the people I’ve met here (Japanese or from other parts of the world) do not speak English as fluently as I do, I’ve been taking care to correct my grammar, use less slang, and not mumble. It’s been quite fun to experience this kind of language exchange with students from all over the world. 

I hope if there are any Japanese IGP students reading this, that they do not become discouraged when they hear of some of the struggles I’ve had to face. This experience will be different for everyone, and it is such an important step in becoming a global citizen and broadening your horizons. In fact, my struggles have made me more determined to continue my studies with the goal of becoming as fluent in Japanese as I am physically able. 🙂 

ello from yet again another cafe! 

This time I’m in a student-oriented cafe in front of Kandai called Shiru Cafe 関西大学前店, which provides free coffee and tea to students attending Kansai University. About another month has passed since the last blog post, and I’ve finally settled into a school-oriented routine – while of course keeping some time for day trips around Osaka and neighboring cities. I feel that much of my cultural understanding has come from interacting with Japanese students to learn about cultural/societal norms that are not commonly seen on social media. Don’t get me wrong, learning from social media can provide you with a general idea of what life is like here, but that is often from the lens of a tourist, rather than someone who has lived there. No matter how much you’ve heard of something on social media or in the classroom, it’s always fascinating the first time you experience it yourself. Because the cultural and behavioral norms here are so vastly different compared to the United States, it is important to keep your own behavior and intercultural sensitivity in check. I have been witness to a couple of the other exchange students not being mindful of the culture here, and it was embarrassing to witness. For example, we went to an izakaya that specialized in Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, and since it was such a small business, we were unable to split our check. Despite this, one of the people I was with ignored them and went up to pay separately from the rest of us. We tried to explain, but they wouldn’t listen. Be sure to not do this! Be a mindful traveler! 🙂 

Additionally, don’t use the language barrier as an excuse! Even if you come to Japan as an absolute beginner it is commonly known that Japan is a country that values respect and politeness, so even if you’re not happy with a response they have given you, be respectful and comply with their requests – you are in their home! This is probably the most important thing I have learned so far here; learn how to hear ‘no’ as an answer and respond accordingly. You might find that you will have to modify your behavior here, I certainly had to, and that is okay. Living in a foreign country it a growing experience, and while I want to (and will) enjoy my time here, I also want to leave the best impression of myself, my school, and my country.  

I can’t believe it has only been over a month, I feel like experienced so much yet I still have almost ten months to go! がんばれ！

Hello once again! 

To continue my theme of announcing my location, I’m writing this from a train to Kyoto for a short day trip. This prompt is related to language and our relationships with people both here in Japan and back home, which luckily is quite an easy thing for me to talk about. I’ve been lucky enough to take a few short trips in my time here so far, and traveling around has definitely helped me to become more comfortable speaking Japanese – even more comfortable than I was in America. Often times when you venture outside of the main tourist areas, you find less people who are able to speak English, forcing you to use your Japanese. I’m of the opinion that no matter how comfortable you are when speaking Japanese back home, there will always be a small amount of trepidation you need to break through before you become comfortable with making mistakes here, outside of your comfort zone. This was certainly true for me. 

In terms of tips and/or tricks that may be helpful to those who are setting off next year for their study abroad journey, I would say to force yourself to use Japanese in simple situations, such as asking for directions, or even just checking out at the supermarket. It’s good to start small, and to not push yourself too much right off the bat. Often times you’ll find Japanese people will only want to practice their English on you – especially the students – but for that I tend to continue to use Japanese with them, so at least we’re each getting some practice out of the conversation. From there, hopefully you can build up your confidence to have more complex conversations, even if you know you’re going to make mistakes. It’s scary, but you’ll be able to do it eventually! 🙂 

Hello and Happy Holidays! 🙂 

As we enter our fourth month abroad, it’s finally time for us to begin our internship process. I have begun receiving more information regarding my internship, which means that I’ve had many more professional interactions and have needed to switch my way of speaking. As you may know, there are different levels of politeness in Japanese, and the level that you use with people depends on the relationship you have with them, along with the situation you are in. So, as a student setting up an interview with a potential employer, I must use the polite/respectful forms of words. Most of my interactions so far have been polite, but not as formal as I am required to be now, so it is a great learning experience to prepare me to begin my internship. I will be working in a hotel, so chances are I will be using mainly polite language towards the customers, and the less formal language towards my work friends. 

I would recommend for everyone to participate in an internship or even to get a part-time job while you are in Japan, as it is a great supplementary way of honing your Japanese skills. A bad habit I have found myself falling into is using more English at school than I really should, so I’m excited to be in a setting where I will only be using Japanese. The main reason most students end up speaking English is because our Japanese levels are so vastly different that it’s easy to fall back on a lingua franca (but I’m working on not doing that 🙂 ). 

I hope finals went well for everyone, enjoy the holiday season!