Having participated in the Gifu University Summer School in 2014, I looked forward to studying at Gifu University again for one year. From the beginning of my university life, whenever I had any trouble, persons in charge of international student support and teachers at International Student Center helped me. I really enjoyed excursions in and around Gifu Prefecture, especially my return visit to Gujo was excellent. In classes to learn about Gifu City, I obtained interesting information on various historical sites, ukai (cormorant fishing), wagasa (traditional Japanese paper umbrella) and other Gifu’s specialties. Having got to know other members of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course, I enjoyed having good food and being engaged in interesting activities together with them. On the other hand, I also had some problems. Matters that are usual for Japanese people, such as significant temperature differences and busyness at the end of a semester, were difficult issues to deal with for international students who were not used to them. Despite these difficulties, taking all the good and hard times into consideration, I am glad that I studied at Gifu University for one year because I will probably never have an experience like this again.
One-year study in Japan provided me with a good opportunity to learn about real Japanese culture that cannot be learned just by reading books, which broadened my perspective. It is true that I had a hard time when I was busy with classes and tests. Looking back, however, even those difficult experiences are good memories in their own way. I believe that a wide variety of cultural experience programs for international students served as one of the factors that made my stay and study in Japan more enjoyable. Above all, I appreciate that International House, or a university dormitory for international students, is located near Gifu University.
It was a pleasant and fruitful year. I had various experiences of Japanese culture while studying Japanese language. Because this is my first visit to Japan, there were many things that I did not know. Although I had a hard time at the beginning, soon I got used to living and studying in Japan thanks to kind teachers and friends. People around me often tell jokes, saying “Gifu is a provincial prefecture,” but, in fact, everyone loves both Gifu and Gifu University. This year is a precious treasure to me. I learned many things and matured while sharing both delightful and difficult times with my friends. I feel fortunate to have studied at Gifu University as a student of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course. Thank you very much. I will treasure all the wonderful memories of this year for my entire life.
I think that Gifu University has more programs for international students than other universities. During the autumn semester, thanks to the support of the faculty members of International Student Center and in charge of international student support, I participated in various cultural activities and made many wonderful memories. Particularly, Professor Morita’s class “Local Field Study – Discover Gifu” allowed me to realize that Gifu is blessed with many charms that Tokyo does not have. In terms of the spring semester, on the other hand, I had a very hard time in writing a thesis. I gave up many opportunities to have fun because of the thesis. Here, I would like to give two pieces of advice to new students of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course for the next semester: 1. I recommend you to have fun as much as possible during the autumn semester, and 2. collect reliable data before determining the theme of your thesis.
I really enjoyed my year as a student of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course. I am glad that I had various cultural experiences, including the tea ceremony and the Gujo Odori dance, besides studies. The Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course allows students to take on challenges to improve their Japanese competence, characterized by its curriculum that includes not only Japanese language but also presentations, a thesis and cultural understanding. Writing a thesis seems difficult at the beginning. Contrary to expectations, however, it is not so hard in fact. As long as you follow your teacher’s advice, you can complete your thesis without difficulty. Students gain practice in writing a thesis in various classes, which is very helpful.
