I have been studied in Japan for the "Japanese-Language Program for Specialists” for two months. It was such a wonderful experience. I’d like to share the experience with those who are thinking about applying this year.
Basic Information
What I’ve participated is a two-month program, which aims to improve the general proficiency of Japanese. The six-month program, which is divided into three semesters, has many more schedules for research activities. The first semester of the six-month program has exactly the same content as that of the two-month program, focusing on language training and involving many trips around Japan. Based on the result of a replacement test, students will be divided into small classes that only have four to five people. In other words, the Japanese classes are tailored for individual needs. The classes start from 9:00 am and end around 4:00 pm each day, covering speaking, reading, writing and listening. The final test is an oral speech in Japanese. Participants are supposed to deliver a high level speech on the research topic they are interested in. This was the first time I delivered a speech in Japanese. I’ve really learned a lot from that.
More over, the program includes many cultural and social activities to enhance the participants' understanding of Japanese society. During the two months, I have traveled to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Wakayama and enjoyed many Japanese festivals and traditional cultural activities such as calligraphy and Kimono. For me, learning Japanese and knowing the Japanese society are equally important.
What I really want to recommend is the service of library in the Japan foundation. The small library has an amazing collection that could meet my research needs very well. Participants can use the inter-library service there to borrow books around Japan. It is free. It will be more efficient if you can have a clear list of the books you want to look for in Japan before the departure.
Tips
The language learning there is relatively heavy, which means there is not enough time for serious research. Although I’ve still managed some time to locate the primary resources for my research, I did not have to read them at all. The program is more suitable for postgraduate students in their first stage of research, who do not need to meet deadlines of the thesis in a short period. Otherwise it will be a little bit struggling. The six-month program is especially good for postgraduate students who have just started doing research and are not anxious about writing thesis. They will even arrange research supervisor for you if your topic looks interesting to them.
Living
You can easily get what you want in the supermarket nearby. There is no need to bring too much stuff. Make sure your luggage has enough space to hold what you will buy in Japan and all the books and materials you will find in Japan. Meals are taken in the dinning room. Basically, I had more than 10 choices a day. The program covers the basic living expense, including meals and the expenditure of travels. Participating the program organized by the Japan Foundation is really a good experience for people who are engaging research on Japan. For me, it not only enhanced my language proficiency but also offered me a first hand experience of understanding Japan in many aspects. After all, for researchers, I think, the most precious part of the program lies in the capability to access research materials that are hard to get in Australia.
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