Alumni Interview with Sophia Warren

What inspired you to go abroad?

I wanted to deepen my language skills and create a personal connection with the Japanese culture. I figured the best way to do so was to create a personal experience through meeting people and living in Japan.

Why did you choose KCP International Japanese School?

KCP seemed to be the most rigorous and worthwhile program that had both enough structure within classes and freedom to travel during Golden Week and longer weekends. The school is made up of students from all over the world, so it is not guaranteed that English speakers will be in your class; therefore, you're encouraged to solely speak in Japanese during class. This helps your language skills in terms of explaining your opinions and ideas in creative yet succinct ways.

Were you able to create friendships with your peers in Japan?

My host mom was amazing and helped me meet many Japanese people my age who I still keep in touch with.

What made your experience abroad unique?

My host mother was unique in that she'd been hosting students for 22 years and knew how to make me feel welcome in her home and comfortable making mistakes when speaking. I also learned a lot about kimono and yukata, as she taught a class for foreigners on how to properly put them on. She fostered a community of Japanese and foreigners that was very positive and fun to be around.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The staff was very organized and well-informed. They helped students who were sick during appointments at the clinics, ensured our transportation allowance was sufficient, and were available daily during school hours.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I had spent more time getting to know my teachers and gone to office hours more to clarify things I might not have gotten in class.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

I would wake up early to watch morning dramas with my host mom and then explore different parts of Tokyo before my four hour afternoon class. Sometimes I would go to the English review sessions on test days; otherwise I'd hang out around Shinjuku. My class covered grammar, kanji, and conversing with others. I really enjoyed that the teachers went over intonation as well.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I went to a lot of art exhibits and ate a lot of sweets and ice cream in Shinjuku and neighboring areas either on my own or with some friends from KCP. During Golden Week I went to Naoshima! Otherwise, I would spend time with my host mother.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

I had my own room on the second floor. My homestay was in Saitama, which was quite far from Tokyo but a nice enough change of pace that I never felt overwhelmed. I loved spending time with my host mom every night, talking and watching the Olympics.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Be patient with the adjustment period as it is a big transition, especially for younger students and people visiting Japan for the first time. Do your best to not make assumptions about Japanese people, culture, or even your own language skills. Go into your program with an eagerness to learn.

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?

I recently studied abroad again in Japan through another program and will be visiting my host mom from KCP. I keep in touch with several friends I made during my time abroad. I also gained confidence in speaking and letting myself make and learn from my mistakes.

What advice do you want to share with potential future participants?

I would suggest having more hands on cultural experiences where students are actively engaging and having tactile activities while practicing Japanese.