Deanna Kim

Deanna Kim

Which course are you studying in?

I'm studying in the SILAC program. Its a very interesting program. The teaching team use different learning approaches - very helpful. Very diverse. I have 4 teachers so the classes are interesting.

What were you doing before you came to Yamasa?

I was working part-time as a secretary during the summer break. I'm an undergraduate at the University of California - Berkeley studying sociology + education. I'm hoping to become a teacher.

Did you start as a beginner?

No. I've been studying Japanese for more than 2 years.

Where did you study Japanese before?

I first started studying Japanese at high school in San Francisco and then I've continued with 1.5 years at Berkeley.

How long have you been at Yamasa?

I've been here just over 5 weeks so far.

Is this the first time you have lived in Japan?

Yes. I hadn't even been to Japan before.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm hoping to go travelling for 10 days. Its not long but I hope to get to Tokyo and then up to Hokkaido, then back south to Kobe and Osaka. Then I head back to San Francisco and finish my degree. Then maybe grad school.

Where are you living at the moment?

I have a shared room in the student village.

What is your accommodation like?

Its excellent. The facilities are very good. The kitchens etc. Its so hot outside that I love the air-conditioning. The resident manager is great. She is very helpful and always there when we need help. I guess the only thing I find frustrating is the internet access. Its fantastic if you have your own laptop, but I didn't bring one so I need to access the internet from the facilities in the lounge - I usually have to wait for other people to finish so I wish there were more PC's.

How do you get to classes?

I ride a bike. I rented it from Nonoyama for 1000 yen/month. Takes me 5 minutes to get here.

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

I didn't have travel insurance or any kind of health insurance, so when I went to doctor I had to pay cash. It was pretty expensive.

Any surprises you would like to share?

Yeah, Japan is so clean. I didn't expect it. Okazaki is suburban and I thought that it wouldn't be so beautiful.

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

Don't be afraid to talk in class and make most of classtime. Reviewing is important.

Try to make friends. It is very helpful if you have a conversation partner. It can be difficult to meet young Japanese students because many of them have part-time jobs etc, but I made a friend at the Church opposite the Seiyu department store and the extra practice has been great.