KCP Summer Short-term 2019 student Keira Griffith’s KCP Experience
KCP student Keira Griffith had a blast during her stay in Japan to attend the KCP Summer Short-term program. She shares her takeaways and insights in this blog post. Thanks, Keira!
I participated in the Summer Short-Term 2019 program, and it was a life-changing experience! In 8 weeks you really get fully immersed in the culture. The classes are fast-paced and rigorous, so be prepared to study! The courses are taught in 100% Japanese because you’ll be in the classroom with students from other countries, too. It’s admittedly a bit of a learning curve, but when you get used to it, it’s a great way to thoroughly learn the language. As long as you pay attention and keep on top of your work, you’re golden.
Sushi-making Workshop. | KCP Flickr.
Though the classes are intense, there is plenty of time for adventures. Don’t get so consumed in your studies that you don’t get to experience the many wonders of Tokyo! One of the most valuable takeaways from this trip for me was exploring Tokyo’s many districts. One of the most fun things to do is hop on the subway and get off at a stop you’ve never heard of. Even just wandering around and taking in the sights is a blast and a great way to absorb more of the culture. And of course, there are some spectacular restaurants. One I grew rather fond of was a takoyaki place right around the corner from KCP. But there are also plenty of ways to save money on food — convenience stores in Japan are a gem! 7/11 was a go-to for me.
Mini-adventure to Kiyosumi Shirakawa. | KCP Flickr
The KCP program provides an intensive learning experience while still leaving students with room to immerse themselves in the culture through various activities. There’s something for everyone in Tokyo – no matter what your interests, there’s just something special about Tokyo that draws everyone towards it! You’ll be able to befriend both your fellow students and Japanese people alike. Overall, KCP was a rich experience packed with soul-filling adventures.
Just a few minutes’ walk from KCP, the Shinjuku-Gyoen National Garden. | KCP Flickr
