2017/04/19
Giovanni
Italy
Shinjuku school standard study abroad course
Q. Why did you decide to start studying Japanese?
Since I’ve always been interested in the history, language and culture of Japan, I’ve studied Japanese for about four years at the University in Italy. However, even though I practised a lot my reading and writing skills, there were few opportunities to speak or ask questions in Japanese. I studied with two native Italian teachers and a Japanese native speaker, but even my Japanese teacher spoke Italian all the time: therefore, I decided to come to Japan and study Japanese.
ARC Academy classes are taught only in Japanese. At first it was very hard, but now I’m accustomed to it. There are many chances to speak a lot. I think it’s better to attend classes which are taught directly in Japanese.
Q. Is this your first time in Japan?
Yes, it is. Japanese people are very kind, and I think Japan is a wonderful country. So far I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many people, and they’re all really friendly.
Q. Were you worried before coming to Japan?
I wasn’t worried, but my mother was. Even when I lived in Italy she was worried about me, since I lived in Venice and she lives in Rome.
Q. How do you spend your time after class?
After class, I usually go home. I spend my time studying, talking with my friends, watching TV, sleeping … I don’t do anything special. In the guest house where I live, there are also many Japanese people, therefore I can speak Japanese even at home. On the weekends we usually spend time together and have fun. Tokyo is a huge city and there are many ways to try a lot of new experiences. I like crowded places where you can meet many people, such as Akihabara, Harajuku or Shibuya …
Q. Do you think that prices in Japan are high?
Before coming to Japan I thought they were very high, but as I came here I realised that prices in Rome and Tokyo are similar. In Tokyo you can buy many cheap things and eat out at a ridiculously low price (such as udon, ramen, etc..). The underground, however, is expensive. Since I live a bit far from school, the price of the monthly pass is high: in Rome, the public transportation pass applies to the entire city, but in Tokyo I can use it only from the nearest station to my house to the closest station to school. On the other hand, in Rome there are only 2 subway lines and in Tokyo there are 13 …
Q. What are you going to do once you are back in Italy?
First of all, I still have to take 5 exams and then I must graduate: they are difficult exams in Japanese economics and law. Once graduated, I would like to come back to Japan and look for a job. Tokyo’s pace in everyday life is hectic, therefore I would like to work in a different place, but still do not know where. Anyway, it would be OK even in Tokyo, perhaps for one or two years …
Q. Please give your advice to those who are considering studying in Japan.
Give it a try and drop by! ARC Academy staff is very friendly and the lessons are fun.