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Messages from Participants
2009 Summer School Program
- I had looked forward to the opening of summer school since before I arrived in Gifu. Before Gifu, I lived in Tokyo and got tired of it. The capital of Japan was too large for me and crowded with too many people, which actually made my life there difficult. I clearly remember the day I left the metropolis. I headed for Gifu on the shinkansen with a smile on my face.
I had heard that Gifu was hot, but other than that, there seems nothing to complain about. With a little rustic atmosphere and a much slower pace of everyday life than in Tokyo, I think Gifu is a very livable place. Although our dormitory is a little far from the university, commuting there is not so tough. It’s very enjoyable for me to live with other students. I haven’t had even a single boring day here. I spend every day happy with Swedes, Koreans and tutors. We often chat, play games and go to karaoke together. - Before I came to Japan, two of my biggest worries were whether the Japanese I had acquired in the past year would be enough to be understood and whether my Japanese would cause misunderstandings with the poor university student who had to be my roommate for two months. At the beginning of summer school, since I had some worries about my adaptation to the new environment, I tried to avoid talking with tutors. During the Welcome Party, because I drank alcohol, I could begin having conversations with the tutors. But they were well prepared. Since they patiently listened to our strange Japanese, I could tell various stories, without having to worry about my strange language.
The tutors have helped us for the past two months in various ways. They have been really helpful for us who are in a country with no acquaintances and who knew nothing about a culture quite different from ours. If it were not for these tutors, our Japanese would not have improved so quickly. With summer school ending soon, with my luggage to be sent by air, I’d like to pack my tutors instead of my clothes into the suitcase when I return to Sweden. In that way, I wouldn’t have to separate from my tutors.
- It was very fun for me to spend time in Japan. My impression of Japanese people is that they are very tender-hearted, energetic and kind. While living in Gifu, I had many wonderful experiences, such as bon dancing and noh plays. But the best thing I had was my kendo match with my kendo master. Also, I am glad to have been able to experience Japanese life while I was staying with a host family. It was a very fun experience. Among the many club activities Gifu University offered, I joined the gymnastics club. Everyone in the club was energetic and kind. The time I spent there was wonderful and I truly enjoyed it.
- Previously, I was a little worried about staying with my host family, but after I learned that my host family members were all gentle and kind, my mind rested a little easier. The foods served by the host family were all so delicious that I ate them until I was full. Participating in Gujo dancing was also a wonderful experience. Since we don't have many festivals nor do we dance in South Korea, I had a very good time enjoying Japanese culture. So, I hope to participate in the Gujo dance again. Wearing a yukata and attending a tea ceremony were also wonderful experiences that we don’t have many opportunities to do in South Korea. I am grateful to people in Gujo for allowing me to have such wonderful experiences. Also, I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to my host family members for being my family in Japan. Thank you very much.
