University Life in Japan

A less well known way of living and studying in Japan is by engaging in an exchange program with a Japanese university. I have found that living in Japan as a student (on a student visa) has many benefits which are not accessible to someone who lives here semi-long term on a landing permit (3-6 months).

For example: guaranteed study of the Japanese language. Attending a Japanese university provides an ideal environment for studying the language, as you are immersed in the language in both an academic and a social way. As these courses are for learners of Japanese, many programs will also have cultural based classes taught in English, therefore making the experience accessible to more people.

On a student visa it is possible to work up to 28 hours a week. There are many jobs out there for students, such as working in restaurants or teaching. The opportunity to work, even for a few hours a week, allows you to gain new skills and to meet new people. It also gives you more of a taste of ‘living’ in Japan.

Although, as a university student you perhaps won’t be as immersed in ‘general’ Japanese life as a standard resident, the experience itself and the community atmosphere of the campus is enough to make the opportunity both noteworthy and unique. If you have the opportunity, I recommend it.

Internship at Asahi Nihongo

Nice to meet you. My name is Saki, I am a student at Kagoshima University and currently doing an internship at Asahi Nihongo.

My major at university is Chemistry.

Last year, I went to Canada for working holiday because I am very interested in international relations. I hope I can use the experience I got in Japan and Canada to support Asahi Nihongo and its students.

My hobbies are football and making bread. See you all soon.

My name is Gautam,I am from India. I am studying in Kyushu Sangyo University. My major is ‘International Mnagement’.

My hobbies are playing table tennis and cooking.

After finishing my schooling I studied Japanese language for three years and started working in a Japanese travel agency as a Japanese interpreter. I worked there for two years but I wanted to improve my Japanese and work in Japan so I came here two years ago in Oct. 2011.

I am looking forward to experiencing work at a language school.

My name is Ding Yingmin, I am from China.

Now I am studying at Fukuoka University. I want to work in Japan after my graduation. I am doing an internship to gain some experience about work life in Japan.

I have been learning English since I was in primary school. I like to communicate with many people.

I didn’t use English for a long time since I came to Japan and I’m afraid that I can speak only a little or even forgot most of it.

However, I want to take part in the events at Asahi Nihongo, like the International Party. Thank you to everyone who helped me and I also want to help others. I want to promote my ability through the internship and gain experience.

"Level Up" Japanese Tutorial

Introduction:

Everybody knows you can take Japaneses classes at our school. But we do not stop there.
On every Thursday, we offer the "Level Up" Japanese Tutorial.

The most important part of learning a foreign language is being able to express yourself. This can only be done by speaking! Speaking is the best way to practice and gain confidence.

We give you an environment where you can practice your skills with other students and get support from a native Japanese teacher. Our teacher will guide you, raise your skill and keep your motivation up all of the time.

You will learn how to use Japanese in the best way, and get skills that you can use in the future. If you have a pasion for Japanese, you will get the tools and methods you need to express yourself and lead discussions.

For example, we encourage you to prepare a presentation in Japanese about a topic you like, you can share it with fellow students and get useful tipps and advice from our teacher.

When & Where:

Every Thursday afternoon, from 16:00 to 16:55 at Asahi Nihongo.

 

Internship at Groundwork Fukuoka - by Daniel Bannert

My internship at Groundwork Fukuoka took place from August 19 until September 6.
Unfortunately I was ill during the first week, so the real start date was August 26th. Groundwork Fukuoka operates as an NPO, a non-profit organization.

On my first day I met all staff members of Groundwork Fukuoka, and most of the staff members of "Enya Kobo", another company located in the same building. I received a warm welcome and had a great start.

My first task was to write a self-introduction in English and Japanese, which was great because I could learn some new vocabulary and Kanji. This introduction was published on the website of Groundwork Fukuoka. My new colleagues helped me whenever I had questions.

I learned how to write proper Japanese and how to take phone calls in Japanese, too.

Since Thursday the 29th, I am helping out at "Herb Garden", a school for children who suffer from a visual impairment. Groundwork Fukuoka takes care of the maintenance of that school, eg.g. cleaning the building and environment. I was really looking forward to this and I am glad I can help and work with the children during my internship.

The atmosphere at Groundwork Fukuoka is really nice, their aims and activities made my interest in social and environmental topics grow. I am very happy I chose this organisation for my internship.

I am always looking forward to the next day and I know my the remaining time will be great, too.
 

Internship-Report Frederick-san

Frederick-san has done an internship at “Hakata Ono” Restaurant in Fukuoka.

Find his report below. Thank you for coming and good job, Frederick-san!

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After finishing my 4 weeks of Japanese classes at Asahi Nihongo, I took the chance to do an internship in my professional field via Asahi Nihongo. I’ve been working at a hotel in customer services in Montreal, Canada for 10 Years. They referred me to many places; one of them was Hakata Ono, one of the many restaurants of the Ono Group in Fukuoka. I was told it was a friendly place and one of the nicest restaurants in town. I had my interview on June 22 and on the next day, I started. What a nice experience! Ever wanted to work into a Japanese restaurant in Japan? (This one actually serves Chinese food, though). Well, I had the chance to work there and as well improve my Japanese every day. It was a new, nice challenge for me.

I learned how to greet my co-workers (when I started working: おはようございますand when I left work: おつかれさまでした), and customers as well (when they entered: いらっしゃいませ or left the restaurant: ありがとうございました). Something typically Japanese. Also, I learned how to give おしぼり(wet tissue to clean your hands before eating) to the customers by saying ようこそ and how to make Onigiri. I also prepared a few cocktails and beers at the bar, served drinks to the tables, cleaned glasses and dried utensils. The usual restaurant job, but this time in Japan! 

The staffs were friendly and professional, and the managers too. For me; these 4 weeks of internship overall were a fun experience and moreover a chance to practice Japanese in a nice environment in Japan, rather than working in an office building in front of a computer. I love working with people at my hotel in Canada, so for me, it was very nice to socialize with the clients and staff here in Fukuoka. I think everyone was happy to practice English a bit, and I could practice Japanese. A Nice cultural exchange! I recommend to anyone who wants do to an internship to apply at Asahi Nihongo, they will find you a place where you can practice your Japanese, communicate with Japanese people and improve your overall skills.

I can say that it was an unforgettable experience for me.

Frédérick Bonnefoy

Interview with Jasmina

Jasmina Kröber is doing the Internship program with the help of Asahi Nihongo. She comes from Fürth, Germany and is 18 years old. Jasmina found her place to work in the “Kyushu Gaigo College”, a Language School for Japanese people.

Why are you successful?

I try to see the positive things in every situation, even though it might seem hopeless. 

What are you doing in Fukuoka?
I’m working in the English school “Kyushu Gaigo College”. Sometimes, I take part in the classes there, but generally I help the staff with its daily responsibilities and duties.

What’s next?
After I finished the internship, I will return to Germany and start a job at a hotel.

Please give advice to those who are going to do the work and travel program in Fukuoka.
Don’t be too shy, take every help you get offered and just try to enjoy every Japanese custom. 

Thank you very much! 

Interview with Roxana

Roxana is 25 years old and does the work and travel program with the guidance of Asahi Nihongo. She comes from Finkenherd, Germany.

She is working as a waitress in a bar and a restaurant.

Why are you succesful?

I am adaptable not only to every situation, but also to the requirements of different companies and cultures. I value punctuality, as well as always being optimistic.

What are you doing in Fukuoka?

I am working at the “International Bar“ and the “Days Kitchen“ Restaurant. There I mix drinks and work as a waitress. Most important there is time to talk to the customers and to enter in conversation with them, because most of the people who are coming there, want to learn English.

What's next?

After I go back to Germany, I will finish my studies of Japanese Studies and Media Studies. If possible, I want to take a master`s degree afterwards.

As a profession, I want to be a media translator.

Please give advice to those who are going to do the work and travel program in Fukuoka.

I strongly recommend to do your work and travel program only with the help of an organization, since it is very hard to find work on your own without any major Japanese skills.

Thank you!

Interview with Tobias

Tobias Thamm is 18 years old and one of the Interns at Asahi Nihongo. He comes from Germany, Berlin. As his Internship he does the Assistant-Teacher program at Ritter School. At the Ritter School he does the German Tutorial, as well as some lessons for regular German-learning students.

Most of the time, he is doing office-work and preparing activities for the students.

Why are you successful?

I try to look ahead in every situation, even when there seems to be no way out of it.

What are you doing in Fukuoka?

I am doing an internship at the Ritter School as an assistant teacher, where I have some classes and do office-work, but also lead several events for the students of the Ritter School. While living in Fukuoka, I try to get in touch with the Japanese lifestyle and culture.

What's next?

After finishing my internship I want to study at university in Berlin.

Please give advice to those who are going to do the work and travel program in Fukuoka.

Prepare well before you come to Japan. You get lost easily in Japan without guidance.

Also, keep being open-minded and learn from the Japanese culture, which can be both, inspiring and confusing. 

Thank you very much!