Regine Mowill

Teaching my fashion drawing class

Which course are you studying in?

I'm studying in the Academic Intensive Japanese Program.

What were you doing before you came to Yamasa?

I was studying business management at Kings College at the University of London. I've just graduated with my BSc.

Did you start as a beginner?

I had studied some Japanese before. At Yamasa I started in a beginner class so it was revision for me.

Where did you study (Japanese or what) before?

I did 1 year at university but that was 3 years ago. It was about 2 hours per week for a total of 60 hours or so.

How long have you been at Yamasa?

I've been here for 5 months now.

Is this the first time you have lived in Japan?

Yes. 5 years ago I visited for 5 weeks as a tourist and when I was a child I came here for a couple of weeks.

What are you plans after graduation?

I don't know yet, no concrete plans anyway. For the time being my plans are to return to London and study Art.

Where are you living at the moment?

I'm living in a single apartment in Yamasa Villa 4. I've changed my accommodation three times now. I started in the Student Village and then I moved into a homestay for 2 months. When the homestay couldn't be extended I decided to try the Villa apartments.

What is your accommodation like?

Its a small studio apartment. It has a nice bathroom and is comfortable. For some reason dust accumulates very quickly - it would be nice if Yamasa could provide a mop.

How do you get to classes?

I ride my bicycle, it only takes a couple of minutes. I bought it from a student and its the "mama's-chariot" type. Big shopping basket, 3 gears and a bell.

Writing my homepage

What is the biggest challenge or problem you've faced so far in Japan?

Obtaining the visa was annoying. The process is bureaucratic, its not like moving around the different countries of the European Union. I guess the main challenge is that Japan is slightly expensive. London is expensive too of course but at least I know where to go and what to buy. Here I can see something cheap in the supermarket but not know how to cook it, things like that. Also travelling is expensive - the fares and accommodation prices are high so day trips are the way to go. It would be nice to be able to do longer trips.

Any surprises you would like to share?

I was here 5 years ago so most of the surprises were back then. I found communication to be difficult - getting over the language barrier. I was very surpised at how few people can speak English etc.

If a new student was entering your class today and asked for some advice, what would you say?

The language skills you learn in class need to be practised in context and friends made etc. Its best to be speaking to people with similar interests. I think I'd advise them to join activities as soon as possible - join a club, a circle or a karate dojo etc. I taught an art class and made a homepage.