Senshu University

The japanese way of teaching is very school-like. We crammed like mad people and the course was so intense that it left us with very little leanway for anything else (hence the name Intensive course). Unfortunately some of the lecturers hardly spoke english, which made communication quite difficult. I think it would have been better if some of the lecturers would have been a bit more open minded and relaxed. They take themselves very seriously, which also makes classes a bit of a drag. I got downgraded for one of my essays because I critically assessed japanese society. That should not happen.

Learn the Katakana well because it is the only scripture that you will use outside of the classroom.

I only had a choice of the language course since I took part in the summer program. Like another reviewer said, don't expect too much academically. If you go to learn Japanese, you will get better though, no question. How much really depends on how much an effort you put forth in the class and probably most importantly, conversation with native speakers outside of class.

I wasn't a big fan of the presentation at the end of the course, although it turned out not be such a big deal. I actually liked the short essays though. Other than that it was pretty good.

The long hours in the classroom can be exhausting, and a bit counter productive. If you are sick and miss a test it will affect your grade, even if you have doctor's note. However, this is normal in Japan.

The 'cultural' course involves some trips around Tokyo, but also some very badly taught 3 hour lectures about Japan, some by ex-pat Americans, others by Japanese lecturers with poor English language skills. Avoid if you can.

ninguno

ninguno