KCP Intensive Japanese Language and Culture Program in Tokyo, Japan

I was very impressed by how much my Japanese language skill increased during my time at KCP. It was always fun to go to class and I received help whenever I needed it. The culture class was very interesting and exciting as we got to go on class trips throughout Tokyo and experience the culture first hand. My favorite memory from the culture class was our trip to Kamakura because we got to experience so much in the short time we stayed there. After completing KCP I now want to continue advancing my Japanese language skill and also want to return to Japan to visit my friends that I have made throughout my study.

While I was only able to stay for 3 months, my time in Japan learning at the KCP Institute was probably one of the most (and will continue to be) memorable events in my life. While the program was difficult, having acknowledged this beforehand was what I feel was the key to my successful trip. I feel that it is necessary to schedule out your time, ensuring that enough time is dedicated to school work, to get the most out of this program. If you are able to do this, everything should go quite smoothly and you will be able to enjoy your time there. Beyond the classroom, being able to explore Tokyo was amazing. Even if you are a person who prefers to stay inside, try to get out at least 2 times a week. Being in the biggest city in the world is not a chance you should pass up. What I found that really helped with this was to make friends and make excuses to go out to eat, check out an arcade, or just walk around. Ultimately, make sure you don't end up leaving with regrets. Partaking in this program is a great chance to become more independent and learn about yourself.

I spent Fall 2016 in Japan with KCP, and it was the best choice for my study abroad! If you want to learn Japanese, I highly recommend this program. You will be living and going to school in the middle of Tokyo, which makes the immersion experience so much more interesting. You will learn a lot in the intensive language program, so you will have to study a lot outside of school. This program is not for people who just want to goof off. However, I managed to balance my studies and still go out and see everything Tokyo had to offer as well! The teachers are kind and understanding, and they genuinely want you to succeed. I also recommend making use of the English Support lessons, where everything you learn in regular class can also be explained to in English, just to make sure you understand. The administration is also wonderful, and they will not hesitate to help you with any aspect of life in Japan. For my entire time in Japan, I felt supported both in my academics and in daily life. As for other activities, KCP has a variety of clubs that you may take part in as well. I was in the Koto club, where I took lessons every week. I never expected to get the chance to be able to learn a traditional Japanese instrument as well. KCP was a rewarding experience, and I've already begun signing up to go back fro an extended term next year. This program is for anyone who is willing to put the work in and who wants to learn Japanese in the most efficient way.

Through KCP I got to meet a bunch of international students and converse with them solely in Japanese. My language skills improved a lot through the rigorous yet rewarding course. While only taught in Japanese, the teachers (I had Kimbara, Yamada, and Kohiyama) are great at explaining new concepts for even beginners to the language. While I made time to study, it was easy to find a balance to have fun. My favorite aspect was getting close with my host mother; we would drink together and watch sports on TV. It was the absolute best! For those really wanting to improve their Japanese and maybe even attend Japanese university, go to KCP!

I went through 3 levels, with 10 different teachers, and I never had a teacher I didn't like! Every single person who works at KCP is willing to take time out of their day to help you. I had friends who struggled with conversation skills and our teacher would stay after class just to practice with them for 15mins a day or so. When I had a cold I was afraid to go to the doctor's by myself, so someone from KCP escorted me. I lived in a dorm, and my dorm manager was super nice! She always threw small parties at the dorm and invited me. I've studied abroad twice before, and KCP is the best experience I've had.

When I was trying to decide which study abroad program to enter, I had a hard trying to decide where to go. I knew I wanted to go somewhere in Tokyo but I had no idea how to go about it. The American support staff were incredibly helpful in answering my questions and solidifying my choice with KCP. When I came to Japan, the Japanese staff was very welcoming and kind and made en effort to make me feel comfortable and welcomed.

I chose to do the Short Summer Program, which consists of two weeks of intensive study and field trips. Afterward you are mixed into regular term classes with international students. The program is very intense and you will definitely learn a lot from it. You need to be on your game all the time and keep up with your studies or it will definitely be difficult to pass classes. But, your teachers are also super willing to help and work with you as well.

There are two pieces of advice I would like to give for students who are coming to KCP:

First, expect to spend a lot of time studying. You get what you put into it, and so if you really want the best learning environment you should take advantage of all the programs and support KCP offers.

Second, you'll be giving a lot more time to schooling than you'd expect. Which means staying after class, making up exams, talking with teachers, etc. So keep in mind you might have to stay a little longer than you'd think.

Over all, I had an excellent time and I loved the people I met through the program. I highly recommend it!

- Staff extremely helpful:
reading/understanding maps, etc
struggling with classes
etc.

- Really helps improve mastery of Japanese
Japanese immersion

- Safe area
Also very popular area.

Incredible program at a super reasonable price. I can't imagine any other study abroad would be better.

Great Teaching - I am generally very critical of most foreign language education (and I have experienced many approaches) but I was very impressed by all of my teachers and the teaching methodology. They were very effective and still managed to have class be a lot of fun.

Intensive, Not Oppressive - I was worried about the workload going in, but it turned out to not be too bad at all for me. I personally did homework as soon as I got home each day, which took a couple hours. I then had several free hours every evening and totally free weekends (apart from when I had my US culture courses on some weekends). I did quite well in the class and I didn't really have to study much, though, so I probably spent a little less time on schoolwork than most.

Housing - I cannot speak to the housing provided by KCP because I arranged my own housing with a family I knew. I had sub-mediocre Japanese and lived with a host family who mostly didn't speak English, which was very difficult at times but overall very fun and much more rewarding than the dorms would have been.

Criticism - The only disappointing thing I found with KCP was the lack of language exchanges with Japanese students trying to learn English/Chinese/Korean/etc. In Autumn 2014, KCP only set up one such exchange and I couldn't go because they only allowed a limited number of students to attend. It's hard to meet locals on your own.