KCP is doing a superb job.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
I particularly enjoyed the day trip to Owakudani, the Castle, and Hakonei Shrine, primarily because this trip gave me the opportunity to see parts of Japan that I otherwise would have to go to great extents to see. Being the first time I've been to Japan, having the opportunity to see these different parts of it that aren't Tokyo was very enlightening. I hope that in the future KCP tries to set up more opportunities to see the various parts of Japan, since many students that come here likely desire to see more of Japan than Tokyo alone.
Which co-curriculum classes did you find most satisfying?
I thoroughly enjoyed the cooking class, I liked talking to Japanese college students and having a meal with them as well.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
Tests were actually very helpful. They provide the pressure for me to more extensively study the materials that we were given, and if I get questions wrong those help point out to me which concepts I need to strengthen or have memorized incorrectly. I recommend more frequent testing that covers a lot of the material in order to encourage students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the material presented.
Any further thoughts or tips for those considering the program or new KCP students?
My advice to those considering the program is that someone who wants to make the most of what KCP has to offer will likely want to begin at level 2. While I have learned a lot in level 1, I feel that a lot that I've learned are things that I could have learned for cheaper elsewhere, though I have no regrets for having had a very educational 2 month stay in Japan. I feel that at level 2 and higher is where a student is being expected to know more and is being challenged to gain mastery of that knowledge, though level 1 does offer the opportunity to set a correct foundation as well. Overall though, I recommend this program moreso for upper-level students, since navigating Japan with little to no previous education can be daunting at times.
Any other comments or suggestions?
Beyond what I've previously commented on, KCP is doing a superb job. The teachers are all very qualified and the direct-method teaching has been very effective at making me think in Japanese in order to communicate. I hope that KCP continues to be as excellent of a program as I have experienced it as, and that in the future that it offers more opportunities for students like myself to be challenged to learn more.
