Monika Waronska

STUDENT INTERVIEW: Monika Waronska (SILAC)

Patty: Hi Monika, thanks for agreeing to do the interview.
Monika: Oh, no problem.

P: Where are you from?
M: I'm from Poland.
P: And how long have you been studying Japanese?
M: I've been studying Japanese for about 6 to 7 months.
P: I see. Why did you choose to study Japanese?
M: Well, I like the sound of Japanese, so I just decided to learn it.
P: So, have you visited Japan before?
M: No, this is my first time visiting Japan. I wanted to learn more Japanese and see how people live here.

P: Since it's your first time in Japan, what are your first impressions?
M: Well, so far, I like it a lot. Okazaki Castle is nice, very beautiful. I'm planning to go to Yokohama and Tokyo to visit friends. I would also like to go to Kyoto during weekends.
P: How about the general cost of things?
M: Well, at first I thought it was very expensive, but I'm beginning to realise that it's not too bad. I mean, maybe milk and bread are more expensive, but sushi and things that you find commonly in Japan are much cheaper here than compared to Poland
P: You're fine with Japanese food?
M: Oh, I'm fine with it. In fact, I like sushi a lot.

P: Why did you choose to study on SILAC?
M: Well, I chose SILAC because it's short and I get lots of speaking opportunity. Likewise, it's good that I get to choose the length of study so I can fit it into my holiday schedule.
P: So how do you find the class?
M: It's great. Since we only have two students in my class, me and another girl, we get a lot of attention from the teacher.
P: Would you prefer to be in a class with more students?
M: No, I think the class size that I'm in right now is perfect because it gives us more chance to practice our conversation skills.
P: How do you normally prepare for your lessons?
M: I try to memorize new words everyday and review the ones that I've already learned. I also try to practice some grammar, that's all really.
P: Where are you living at the moment?
M: I'm staying at the Student Village right now.
P: How do you like it?
M: It's very nice and clean. Sometimes students gather together to study and have fun. I think it's a good place for short term students to meet people. The 24 hour convenience store is right outside, so you can pick up whatever you need very easily.
P: So do you try to communicate with other students using Japanese?
M: Well, I try to use Japanese whenever it is possible. Sometimes it's hard to understand the Japanese spoken by local people because it can be different from the teacher's Japanese. But I'm trying my best, and I'm sure later on I will understand it more easily.

P: So, what are your plans after you finish studying at Yamasa?
M: I plan to go back to Poland and finish my thesis, so I can get my masters degree in law. I want to be a lawyer. However, I wish to come back to Japan again. Hopefully for a longer period, like 2 months or more.

P: And finally, any suggestions for newcomers?
M: Come to Yamasa! Spend time on studying and visit lots of places and speak as much as possible. Oh, one more thing. Instead of bringing your mobile phone with you which doesn't work in Japan, bring an electric plug converter which is much more useful.

P: Thank you very much for your time to do the interview.
M: You're welcome.

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