Japanese Language and Studies Programme: Carine’s Experience
My time at Nihon University, as part of the Japanese Language and Japan Studies Programme, changed my life in many more ways than one.
I joined the programme as part of Pembroke’s cohort in September 2018. At first I had been unsure of what to expect - though I had had the fortunate opportunity to travel to Kobe the year before as part of another programme from Pembroke (the Konan Internship), this would have been my first time living abroad in a country where I could hardly speak the language.
Over 6 months down the line, I really cannot thank my teachers and all the students and volunteers involved enough. They have opened a phenomenal culture and people to me I didn’t think possible. It is thanks to their patience and generosity that I can now say I hope to sit my N2 Japanese exam in July, and a kendo exam for my first rank in October. This quantifies in just a small way what I have been able to achieve over my time in Japan.
The programme has a specific ethos which makes immersion in the language and speaking the language with natives a core component of your classes. Everyday I would have language classes in the morning, and in the afternoons, either lectures on topics related to Japanese culture, or extra classes which provided me with different ways of engaging with Japanese culture and meeting Japanese people my own age. The programme also included trips across Tokyo and the surrounding area, such as to Hakone and Harajuku.
During my time in Tokyo, I stayed at an all-girls dorm in Ichinoe, a lesser-known part of eastern Tokyo but one that is surrounded by rivers and in close proximity to Tokyo Disneyland. Almost every morning and evening we were provided with Japanese-style meals. Though my vegetarianism came as an initial shock to almost everyone, they always ensured I was catered for and prepared special dishes for me. The food was always very delicious. The dorm also had a sento, a Japanese-style bath. This was wonderful after a long day. Everyone at the dorm was so sweet - they really motivated me to improve my Japanese!
It is lots of these small moments that I remember when I think of my time here in Tokyo: being given onigiri for my packed lunch, throwing a “surprise” birthday party for one of the Japanese students, being complimented on my chopsticks skills, understanding when I am being told “no”, becoming friends with our local ramen shop owner, seeing a vending machine for cigarettes, eating at a samurai-themed izakaya, doing kendo alongside 5th dan players, many trips to karaoke, attending my first cherry blossom party, standing in the crowd at Shibuya crossing on Halloween, testing out my Japanese slang among Japanese friends.
My time on the JLSP course has been unforgettable, and I wish I could begin to express in words my gratitude to both Nihon University and the Pembroke International Programmes department for this experience. I endeavour now to find a way in which I might return to Japan and live here more permanently.
Carine Valarché
JLSP Exchange Student at Nihon University 2018-19
