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Messages from Participants
2012 Summer School Program
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The most enjoyable and interesting experience was staying with my host family. I am not very talkative or fluent in Japanese so I was nervous at first, but my host family was very kind. We did all sorts of things together, such as exploring a cave, a waterfall, visiting Gujo Hachiman Castle, and visiting a hot spring. The scenery of the places we visited was beautiful. Being a nature lover, I enjoyed it very much. Every evening I talked to my host family for many hours, which boosted my confidence in Japanese conversation.
Before taking part in this overseas study program, I seldom had new experiences. In Japan I had numerous new experiences and attempted new things every week. I am no longer apprehensive about new challenges. This is the greatest transformation that has occurred to me, as a result of studying in Japan. - Although there were many interesting, enjoyable and memorable events during the study program, the memory I cherish most is that of the home stay in July. By staying with my Japanese host family, I learned many things about Japanese ways of living and culture. Although brief, it was a very valuable experience.
During the home stay, I often compared Japanese and Swedish lifestyles, reflecting on their differences. Discovering differences in the ways of life was intriguing.
The summer school program included other events that were equally if not more enjoyable than the home stay; the excursions, for instance. The not and kyogen performances were especially memorable. The overnight trip to Kamikochi was wonderful. The nature and landscape were impressive, and the hot spring very relaxing. I never knew that tracts of nature like the ones in Kamikochi existed in Japan. -
The first things about Japan that struck me on arrival were the kindness of the people, the hot climate and cleanliness of the streets. I was surprised that even strangers were kind, and my impression hasn’t changed. The people we met when traveling, my host family⎯they were all very kind. I was nervous before staying with the host family, but I eventually felt very relaxed, as if we had become a real family.
Taking part in the Gujo Odori dance was very enjoyable except for the rain, which was quite heavy. I felt that by participating in traditional events, the Japanese people were reaffirming their national origins. Unfortunately, such events are rare in Korea. If any they are on a much smaller scale, which made me envy Japan while watching the Gujo dance. - I realized only today that many of the words I frequently use seem to be Japanese. There is no doubt that the summer school expanded my knowledge of the Japanese language, but above all, it provided an experience that gave me immeasurable pleasure. I wish it could go on forever, but the end is imminent and inevitable. I intend to revisit Japan for study, if not for another summer school, and spend more time in Japan.
Although I was fond of Japan even before coming, after visiting my love has increased manifold. The experience not only taught me academically but also helped me develop as a person. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity. I can say without a shadow of doubt that I made the right decision by participating in the summer school.
