I thought kanji and grammar went as a perfect pace.
Which events or activities did you find the most satisfying and why?
Culture classes were regularly the highlights of my week. They allowed me to explore new areas with fellow students as well as Tanaka-san and Ryuhei-san as guides. Their knowledge and context was invaluable!
What were the most productive and interesting aspects of the program for you? The least interesting and productive?
I thought kanji and grammar went as a perfect pace. Vocabulary was well organized, though sometimes lesser used vocabulary would be passes over or easily forgotten. I feel weakest in listening and speaking, so I would like more class time dedicated to conversing freely.
What activities or materials did you find most helpful (e.g., pair work, drill practice, tests, small group sessions, textbooks, games)?
I found the most helpful practice to be what came at the end of most chapters -- when the grammar is all taught and now we're free to have conversations using those grammar points as well as the others we'd learned in previous lessons. Reinforcing past lessons is always a great help. Games and interviewing other students gave us ways to learn while having fun and getting to know each other.
Any suggestions for improving class activities or materials?
I learned a lot when our sensei gave us extra examples outside the textbook to use new grammar patterns on. When doing drills from the textbook, it's easy to read without fully comprehending the new grammar points. Those extra examples were a perfect challenge.
What did you find most valuable in the Culture Course?
The historical context and extra information learned from Tanaka-san and Ryuhei-san, as well as the opportunity to visit new places I may not have on my own.
Anything you especially liked in the living arrangements? Any problems you experienced?
Ikebukuro's dorm is the closest to the school, and in a very cool part of Tokyo. I'm happy to be here despite the room's small size.
Any comments or tips for prospective/new KCP students?
Attend classes ready to give it your all! We're all learning, so you don't have to get everything perfect. As long as you try, you will succeed. Don't overwork yourself either. The mind needs rest and good health to let new lessons sink in, so enjoy your time in Tokyo!
