Internship for students of the Faculty of Oriental Studies in Japan

In period from 30.08.2018 to 21.12.2018, I have been studying in Bunkyo Gakuin University in Tokyo, Japan, being first student from al-Farabi Kazakh National University to participate in Multi-Lateral Program.

         Starting from accommodation, there were two dormitories, International Male Dorm and Female Dorm Nishikata. In Dorm Nishikata residents are living in one-person rooms, with dormitory having kitchen, bathrooms and laundry area, which is really comfortable to use.

         Campus and dormitories are in distance of 20-minute walk from each other. Campus has everything you need to study – a library, computer and studying rooms.

         These subjects were taught: Basic Japanese, Social Development in Japan, “Cool” Japan, Japanese Literature and Performing Arts, Japanese Society, Japanese Business, Religion in Japan Japan and International Community. Except for Basic Japanese, all subjects were taught in English. The level of Japanese taught is approximately N5, which was not enough for me, so I was allowed to take other classes without getting credits.

         Teaching methods such as lectures, group work and discussion were used.

         In a course of Religion in Japan, our student group visited such places as Nezu Shrine, Kanda Myojin Shrine and Kichicho:ji Shrine. Shrine priests lectured our group, which is, in my opinion, very valuable experience. During the Nezu Festival, we were honored to carry a portable shrine called omikoshi. In Kanda Myojin traditional Shinto music gagaku was played and we got the opportunity to try to play it ourselves. In Kichicho:ji Shrine we practiced meditation by sitting in Buddhist manner.

         In a course of the subject, “Cool” Japan our group visited Ghibli Musem in Mito, Tokyo.

         During the period of class Social Development in Japan Tabunka Multi-Cultural Center was visited. There we interacted with foreign middle school student, who wish to enter Japanese high school. We exchanged cultural experience and played some games together.

         Other than that, we visited Disaster Center: here we were taught what to do during natural disasters. After that, lecture on the same topic was made in University.

         Except for studying, we visited such places as Tokyo Disney Sea, Kabuki theatre, No theatre, etc. by reduced price.

         I want to mention GCI group – a department, responsible for affairs of international students. They were very considerate and caring about all of us international students. Every question asked was answered thoroughly and I am grateful for it.

         Overall, I am very pleased to participate in this program. Studying, living circumstances, leisure time ­– everything was done carefully. There I was able to improve my Japanese and English, culturally exchange with people from different countries and make some high quality friendship. I learned the nature of Japanese people and how to live in Japan. That is a valuable experience that I will never forget.

Mukanova Alima
2nd year student of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Department of the Far East, Japanese Studies Department