Category Archive: KCP Program
The Summer 2010 session at KCP International Japanese Language School is going on right now. Here are some shots of life at KCP in the summer–the academic side.
Class time–group work.
A one-on-one session really jump-starts this student’s ability to speak Japanese. The luxury of a real back-and-forth with a native speaker!
A gift from KCP students to the staff. Everyone there works very hard!
In the hotel during a KCP overnight trip. Even during a fun excursion like this, students study hard. When we’re all together in a new place, though, it has a festive feeling–and we’re often learning things we’ll use right away.
No question: kanji is difficult. One of the payoffs is calligraphy class.
Every second works for you! On the bus during this KCP trip, teachers lead students in activities and games that use Japanese.
Omikuji, Japanese fortune telling paper. Students are usually interested in good luck in love and learning.
Tags: Japanese immersion, Japanese language school, kanji, KCP, learning Japanese
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Our KCP alumni have plenty of advice for new students or those considering the KCP program. Here’s some of it.
Get out and do something every single day, especially those studying only for the summer short term. My best weeks were those in which I spent the afternoons having fun with my friends and my evenings studying.
–Ryan Easterling
Be prepared for a rigorous program. KCP has high achievement standards; I highly recommend it only to those who want to study hard and learn as much as they can.
I spent no time with Americans at first because I took an all-or-nothing approach to speaking Japanese. I met only Asian friends, but after 2 months my stress level was very high. I learned it is better to spend time with Americans too. It won’t hurt Japanese studies to speak English every once and a while . . . less stress helped me do better in my Japanese classes.
–Brian Metz
If you want to shop, go to Harajuku and Shibuya in Sunshine City (Ikebukuro) for sure. And Shin Okubo is great if you like Korean food.
–Adela Chang
You have to be the right type of student to succeed at KCP and really improve your Japanese. I let the pressure get to me sometimes, since I went for the gamble in Level 2 without having taken Level 1. Unless your speaking and listening are really good, take Level 1 first.
–Casimir Ninichuck
Don’t assume this is a free pass. Studying will engulf a large amount of time for those who are serious.
–Lynn Asselin
Don’t be afraid to do things on your own. Since I had a limited time here, had I only done things when other people were available to go with me I would not have been able to do and see nearly the amount I did.
–Sarah Miles
Know your hiragana and katakana before even thinking about applying to the program.
–Laura Gonzalez
Take advantage of the help that the teachers gave because it really moves you along in the class.
–Trisna Gozali
Be flexible with your schedule, because sometimes the best things to do are suggested right after class.
–Brie Anne Dombrowski
Before you come to Japan, practice speaking Japanese every chance you get. Conversation is the least stressed skill in American classrooms.
–Rebecca Smith
Be prepared to try harder than you ever have in your Japanese classes at home. The expectations are high here, but they are also reasonable. Don’t be afraid to approach staff—they are remarkably helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly, and everyone at KCP makes sure you are heading toward your goals.
–Stephen Moncrief
Tags: Japan, Japanese immersion, KCP, opinion, study abroad
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We’ve just gotten fresh responses to the exit survey from the fall 2009 and early 2010 programs. We’ll excerpt from this periodically.
Here are answers to two of the questions.
How did you hear about KCP and why did you choose us?
- Referred by a friend; a good length of study for the price.
- Internet (google search for Japanese language courses); an intensive and quick way to learn the Japanese language.
- Through my college Study Abroad program. It was the most rigorous and intensive of the three programs offered.
- Through the Univ. of Southern Maine’s International Affairs dept.; for the university credit.
- In the CCIS catalog. My university doesn’t offer Japanese, and I was extremely interested in learning it.
- studyabroad.com. After getting into an English as a Second language field, I decided that now was the time to pick it up again, as Japan is a prime job market for ESL.
What teachers (sensei) do you recommend?
- Anraku-sensei, Miyake-sensei, and Kawamura-sensei helped me improve my Japanese greatly.
- Kawamura-sensei, Saito-senseii, and Kamisaka-sensei, all fantastic intructors, made me want to impress them.
- Kamisaka-sensei, Iwai-sensei, and Saito-senseii are all excellent.
- Saitou Yoshihiro-sensei is KCP’s most valuable staff member–a highly-skilled presenter and positive persinality.
- Uematsu-sensei, Kono-sensei, and Saito-sensei went above and beyond to help me.
- Anraku-sensei makes her classes interesting.
- Morinaga-sensei is extremely helpful; her encouragement is more than enough to keep me motivated and studying.
- Konno-sensei (because she is KCP’s most beautiful sensei)
- Suzuki-sensei is the best! She explains everything clearly and gives off fun energy for learning. Takastu-sensei is always funny and very concerned with my progress. Imae-sensei acts everything out hilariously and creates a game show atmosphere.
- Konno-sensei is lively, pleasant, involves us, and often deviates from the textbook with real-life scenarios.
- I highly recommend all three of my teachers: Yamada-sensei, Konno-sensei, and Kawamura-sensei.
- Takatsu-sensei and Suzuki-sensei were both excellent.
- Kawamura-sensei and Anraku-sensei always come prepared and keep us motivated.
- Morunaga-sensei is absolutely wonderful.
Previous comments from students
Tags: Japanese immersion, Japanese instruction, KCP, opinioni, study abroad
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The April eZasshi is out! Travel resources (websites), “customary” fun at KCP, cherry blossom time, learn with a proverb.
Since we’ve started the eZasshi (Japanese for eMagazine), interest has grown steadily. It’s a great way to get a look at what goes on at KCP, see some of the excursions and special activities, enjoy students’ views through their advice, photographs, or videos, learn a little, and keep close to the dream of studying in Tokyo.
The eZasshi comes out once monthly, and it is for informational purposes only. We don’t use the mailing list for promotion; it’s just good information for you to have.
If you’d like to sign up, or to see the archive, go to www.kcpinternational.com.
Tags: eZasshi, Japanese immersion, KCP, learning Japanese, resources, study abroad
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Are you thinking of studying in Japan but worried about the cost? KCP International Japanese Language School is one of the best deals around. It’s intense, highly effective for learning Japanese, and affordable. Here’s what students have to say about KCP and finances.
“Don’t hesitate to sign up for KCP. You’ll have many good experiences, and it’s well worth your money. Go out with your classmates and teachers to have fun. We all got to know each other very well, and become good friends.”—Martin, 2007, Reed College
“If you want a program that will not only challenge you, but also give you the most for your money, KCP is a definite winner. The atmosphere is great and the staff is wonderful. You’re guaranteed to have a good experience at KCP. This is a great learning experience and great for putting your Japanese speaking ability to the test. KCP’s program is great. I highly recommend it.”
—Daniel, 2009, University of Idaho
“It was cheap and the program offered the chance to live in Tokyo.”—Bryan, 2007, Ramapo College of N.J.
“Strong points for me were the price and the chance to meet other students from around the world.”
—Howard, 2008, Western Washington University
“The timing worked well for my summer schedule and cost was relatively cheap. The location was good. Immersion was important to me. KCP allowed me to improve my Japanese tremendously.”
—Kevin, 2008, U. of California, Riverside
“I chose the program for cost-effectiveness, but I was very impressed with the quality of the education and returned for a second term.”
—Sara, 2008, Lincoln University
“It was the best value for the money, it’s in Tokyo, and it is affiliated with CCIS.”
—Erika, 2008, Bowdoin College
“Don’t hesitate to sign up for KCP. You’ll have many good experiences, and it’s well worth your money.”
—Michael, 2008, Western Washington University
Tags: finances, learning Japanese, opinion, study abroad
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Part Two | “Living” Japanese culture
Here’s a glimpse at some of the activities students try while at KCP International Japanese Language School.
The Japanese Tea Ceremony
This is an integral part of a student’s education at KCP. One thing it’s not hard to teach is the calm respect and attention that is surely an underlying reason for the ceremony.
Students are a little overwhelmed by being bowed to, but they enjoy it immensely just the same.
“Koto” Class
The koto (琴 or 箏), a traditional stringed instrument derived from the Chinse guzheng, is the national instrument of Japan. A koto is made from kiri wood (Paulownia tomentosa. Koto have 13 strings, each with its own moveable bridge. Players adjust the string pitches by moving these bridges before playing, and they use three finger picks (on thumb, index finger, and middle finger) to pluck the strings.
Here, students are trying out a simple melody.
For more advanced koto playing, see this YouTube clip.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhxlQlZafvY]
Calligraphy
Refining calligraphy is a regular part of KCP instruction. Everyone’s excited at their accomplishment. It feels a little like being an artist.
Tags: Japanese language school, KCP neighborhood, learning Japanese, study abroad
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Part One | A Look at the Campus
The KCP main building, early morning sun, in a relatively sane part of Tokyo’s otherwise very busy Shinjuku district.
KCP, street level. Students waiting for buses, hooking up with friends.
One of the classroom buildings. Note street sign in both kanji and romaji (romanized letters).
A typical KCP classroom. It’s so peaceful, empty! (For less peaceful classrooms, see below.)
Computer lab, almost empty. These computers have flat screens, plenty of USB ports, internet access, CD drives, and software such as Word and Excel.
The KCP library, full of good reference materials to support your learning.
The student lounge, where students eat, drink, and chat. Onsite vending machines plus local stores nearby. Obento is a favorite. Bulletin board posts pics of recent school events and co-curricular activities.
Students enjoying learning games in language class.
Everyone is involved, even those not part of the discussion. Classes are a mix of Americans and students from other Asian countries.
Small-group exercises. For language, this is a great way to learn. Real communication can happen in a small group.
And small-group work with a teacher to check in occasionally is even better. KCP teachers are known for their ability to both generate interest and respond to the needs of each individual.
Tags: Japanese language school, KCP neighborhood, learning Japanese, study abroad
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The KCP International Japanese Language School program is intensive and rigorous . . . so it’s a huge opportunity for growth. There’s nothing like pushing yourself to find out just how strong you are. Here is some help for you.
From our students
“Come with at least a semester of Japanese language.”—Lenamarie, 2008
“The Kanji textbook we get plus my own flash cards. I liked looking at the word in hiragana separately from kanji so I could test my own memory.”—Kaylyn, 2008
“I studied kanji on the long train ride to school. Writing them in my head (without moving my hand) really made me think.”—Cybelle, 2008
“2 resources—Kodansha’s Kanji Learner’s Electronic Dictionary and Kanji renshucho, which brought up idioms and colloquialisms that only the teachers could explain.”—Diane, 2009
From our website
Practice sheets–printable tracing sheets of common hiragana and katakana. They show the order and direction of each symbol.
Travel resources—a lot of good survival info, as well as some helpful books.
Academic credit—you can earn a lot of credit at KCP.
If you have further questions about the levels of learning and how your style fits into that, visit kcpinternational.com and send us a message.
Tags: Japanese immersion, KCP, learning Japanese, study abroad
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