Joyce Chiang (University of Waikato) at Senshu University, 2008

My name is Joyce Chiang. I was on an exchange program for a year at Senshu University which is located in the Kawasaki area of fTokyo.

I arrived in Tokyo on the 8th of January 2008. I was told to get to the campus by myself, which was a huge challenge for me. Luckily, I met a couple who were very nice and helpful. They took me from Narita airport to the Shinjuku train station, and even helped me to buy the ticket to Mukogaoka-yuen station, the station closest to the campus. I arrived at around 8 in the evening.

I was staying at  ‘Ikuta-kenshukan’ dormitory, which is where the university places all single year exchange students. The room comes with shower, toilet, small kitchen, beds, tables, and a television. There can be up to 3 people in one room and it costs 3,6000yen per month (including electricity, water, and internet), which is roughly equivalent to NZ$720. The university normally places people who cannot speak the same language in the same room. Honestly, it was very hard for me, since I felt as though I couldn’t speak Japanese at all at the beginning. After a few months I could feel the improvement in my speaking ability in Japanese.


I normally spend under 100,000yen (NZ$2000) per month as my living cost.

Senshu University has provided a Japanese Language and Cultural Program for exchange students to study not only Japanese but also the culture of Japan. I have taken the winter, summer, and autumn courses. The class time is from Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm. Occasionally we would go outdoors on trips to visit elementary schools, factories, etc..

Apart from the JLCP Course, I also attended lectures and Seminarsatn the university.  It was very hard, as it was taught in Japanese, but I had a lot of fun.


The JLCP course took us to the Jiburi Museum (I have the green scarf).

I also had a chance to train with the Senshu University Badminton team. It was another awesome experience for me. Through experiencing the different training style, not only has my technique improved, but I am better able to communicate in Japanese and have learnt much about Japanese team spirit.  


Going to the Badminton Tournament Hold at Chiba (I am second from the right)


At the Badminton Training Camp (I am at far right).

It is very hard for me to describe how meaningful this experience has been for me. I met so many wonderful people in Japan. I got to feel almost as though I can really speak Japanese like a native speaker.  All these experiences will help me and support me in the future. This is an unforgettable experience which will stay with me for the rest of my life.

 
Travelling with friends, to the ski field at Nagano (I am far right).


Travelling with friends, to Kyoto (I am third from the right).