12th Term (October 2012 to August 2013)

I studied at Gifu University for about a year. It was a great experience for me, as I major in the Japanese language at my home country. Unlike populous big cities, Gifu provides a tranquil, livable and comfortable environment. Overall, the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course was challenging, because it included demanding Japanese language lessons and writing assignments. It is because of the challenging course that my Japanese level is now much higher than when I was studying in my home country. The most challenging tasks were writing reports in the first semester and a thesis in the second semester. I learned a lot about how to write reports and theses in Japanese. This experience will be useful when I write reports and theses at the university back in my home country. I also learned a lot from oral communication lessons, which were very difficult for me, since I was not good at speaking Japanese. My Japanese speaking skills improved through presentations and debates. Through this program, I learned a lot about Japan by attending various Japanese culture classes. Moreover, I was pleased that I was able to take optional subjects according to my interest. These optional subjects allowed me to attend classes conducted in Japanese together with Japanese students.
At first, things were difficult for me, because I had culture shock, and I could not communicate well with Japanese friends. I felt a little lonely, because Gifu is rural and does not have many amusement spots. However, as I lived longer in Gifu, I came to like its peaceful atmosphere and serene landscapes so much that I would not like to leave this place. I think Gifu is a perfect place to study.
I am happy to have learned a lot and experienced various aspects of the Japanese culture during the past year. I viewed noh and kyogen performances, experienced pottery and participated in various other cultural activities, but chado was the most interesting for me. The chado instructors were always kind, and their instructions were easy to understand. This course will be even better if it also offers ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) lessons.
Writing a thesis was very hard, because it was my first experience in my life. In the beginning, I did not know how to find reference materials and my reading speed was slow, so my thesis writing did not progress well and there were times when I thought of giving up. However, thanks to kind instructors who encouraged me, I weathered such hard times and completed my thesis. I am truly grateful to them. I would like to come back to Gifu in the future if I have a chance.
My love for Japanese anime since I was a child led me to start specializing in Japanese, and eventually to study at Gifu University for one year as an exchange student. After enrolling in Gifu University, I took a Japanese placement test. To my surprise, I was placed in the most advanced class. Although I was happy to enroll in that class, I knew that the most advanced class would be the most challenging one. The first semester focused on learning Japanese. Although I had fewer classes to attend in the second semester, I had to do a lot of things to write a thesis. The first semester was tough for me, because I had no confidence in my Japanese skills, and often I could not make myself understood and could not understand what others were saying. I once thought of dropping out of the course after the first semester. However, my instructors and classmates encouraged me, enabling me to continue working hard to complete the one-year course. The second semester was also hard for me, because I had to complete my thesis. However, I think that overcoming this challenging task is one of the objectives of this course.
I knew nothing at all about life in Gifu before enrolling in Gifu University. After arriving in Gifu, I heard from some former course participants about how tough the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course was. Looking back, I think that is true. I learned a lot during this course. In the autumn semester, classes were very hard and demanding. However, it is because of that that my Japanese ability improved so much. I was informed that I would have to write a thesis in the spring semester, so I thought that I would not be able to go anywhere during the semester. Then, during the autumn semester I enjoyed visiting various places, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido.
Writing a thesis was the hardest assignment for me. I had never written a thesis even in my native language, so at first I could neither properly analyze collected information, nor express opinions about reference materials. I received advice many times from my instructor, making revisions, additions or deletions. Although I had a hard time, eventually, I was able to produce a good thesis and improve academically, thanks to my instructor.
What I experienced during the course could be summed up by a Japanese old saying “Shippai-wa-seiko-no-moto” or “You must spoil before you spin.” My life in Japan went well, thanks to all the instructors and friends. I am truly grateful to them. I would like to meet them somewhere again in the future.
Looking back on my one-year life as a Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course student, I had a hard time attending many Japanese language classes in the first semester beginning in October, and I had a tough time with my thesis in the second semester beginning in April. However, during the second semester, I also visited many places and enjoyed various activities that can be rarely experienced even by Japanese people. Throughout the year, I was able to not only improve my Japanese skills, but also grow as a human being.
I had been informed that the course is challenging, and I actually thought that it was a bit tough, but I think that Gifu University makes its utmost effort to help course students learn effectively. I am happy to have been able to take part in this course at Gifu University.
I had a very good time during the past year. I made many friends and enjoyed various activities. I am happy to have chosen to study at Gifu University.
At first, my Japanese was very poor, but instructors taught me gently and earnestly. I am truly grateful to them. I learned not only the Japanese language and culture, but also the manners and values of the Japanese society. I think that I was able to grow significantly in many aspects.
I was impressed not only by classes offered through the course but also by a variety of activities, such as visiting Gujo and various other places and participating in events to experience various aspects of the traditional Japanese culture, such as kabuki, noh, kyogen and Gujo-odori dancing. I think that the course will be much better if more events like these take place.
I am grateful to fellow students for becoming my friends, and making trips and enjoying drinking parties together. I would like to meet everyone again in the future—fashionable M-chan, cool E-san, funny C-kun, brainy Y-chan, calm D-kun, serious A-chan, gentle T-sensei, cute A-san, active M-san, earnest Y-san, princess-like S-chan...
I vividly remember arriving in Japan for the first time as if it were yesterday. The excitement about starting a new life was the strongest of all my emotions. I cannot describe this past year in one word.
The teaching methods and principles of Gifu University were new to me. I was impressed by the fact that many classes were debate- or presentation-based, requiring active involvement of students. Such practice is not widely seen in China. Therefore, at first I had no confidence and rarely expressed my opinions. However, instructors of Gifu University always encouraged me when I was feeling insecure about myself. Thanks to them, I came to strive to express my own opinions and eventually, I came to feel more confident about myself.
I participated in various cultural events and familiarized myself with the traditional Japanese culture. For example, I had the opportunities to appreciate the attractiveness of some aspects of the traditional Japanese culture, such as kabuki and noh. I also watched sumo, Japan’s national sport. I was able to see sumo wrestlers closely and directly feel the vibrant atmosphere of the stadium. I was impressed most by the spirit of sumo wrestlers fighting hard despite their injuries, not by who won or lost.
During the winter vacation, I participated in a home-stay program and experienced Japanese family life. I felt the warmth of family life while having Japanese dishes and watching TV with my host family. This relieved my loneliness of being away from my own family in China.
I worked hard for about six months to complete my thesis. It was a valuable experience to make a thesis presentation at the end of the course. I felt nervous, because that was the first formal presentation I had ever made in front of many people. Fortunately, it went well. This presentation enabled me to evaluate the work I had done for the past year, and writing my thesis motivated me to pursue further the area in which I had long been interested.
For the first time in my life, I lived away from my family for one year. This experience helped me move closer to my goal of becoming independent.
After returning to my home country, I will continue to work hard, strive to use what I have learned in Japan to make contributions in China, and keep challenging myself throughout my life.

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