Asian Studies student work at Murdoch University


Jeffrey Ting

Ryukoku University


The highlights of my time in Japan

Travelling and sightseeing parts of Japan were really eye opening. Having the chance to see different parts of the world is always a great experience. However, probably the best parts about my life in Japan were the people that I met. The friends that I made at Kaikan made my life a great deal more enjoyable (and also a great deal more painful to leave Kaikan!).


Problems

One small problem was not being able to apply for a job. I believe that is also another way of studying Japanese. I still have a hard time understanding Japanese vendors because of their use of Keigo.


Japan is …

A fantastic place to do study abroad. Although I love Perth and I wouldn’t want to live here for the rest of my life, I have had a great time studying, living and experiencing Japanese culture in Japan. After experiencing many things and hearing many stories from Japanese people making a living here seems extremely tough. If anything it has opened my eyes about how harsh it is living in Japan and how fortunate I am to be living in Perth.


Other advice to prospective participants in JPN343

Living in a different culture to that of a westerner has really been a valuable experience for me. Just remember that everything isn’t pretty and just have a broad and open mind when coming to Japan, because this world is different just like everyone says. Being able to tolerate and accept a lot of differences in culture really helps.

Do not hole up yourself in your room if you do get the chance to come here. A lot of foreign students that come to study here hole themselves up in their rooms and don’t take advantage of the fact that they are in a different country. Don’t waste your chance if you ever come to Japan! Have as much fun as you can while you are here and enjoy your time.

If you do succeed in enrolling make sure you enjoy all that you can do in Japan and not lose to anyone in the amount of fun you have.