Becca Goes to Japan

\\Kansai Gaidai, Osaka Japan//Fall Semster 2012\\

[beccagoestojapan]

Hi Becca! Could you share about the courses which you took while you were at Kansai Gaidai? Any courses which you would highly recommend to take? And how is the timetable at Kansai Gaidai usually like? Thanks! :)

Of course!

My classes included Reading & Writing level 2, Speaking level 2, Japanese Popular Media and Culture and Intro to Japanese History.

In fact, here is my schedule!  As you can see, the earliest class is 9AM.  Japanese classes are held in the mornings and lecture classes are held in the afternoons.  

I HIGHLY recommend taking Pop Media, especially if you’re into manga, anime or dramas.  Korean dramas are super popular right now and you find out why in that class.  It was certainly my favorite.  The history class was a let down for me.  While I really like history, the teacher rambled often…it was also a late class, 4:40-6:10pm…it made for a long day.  I recommend not taking a late class if possible.  The cool thing about this class was that many outings were offered like bike rides to certain temples and hikes to festivals.  I’m not really an outside kinda girl, especially in the humid Japanese summer, but it may be something to consider.

Other classes that I heard good things about was ANY class with Professor Hollstein.  He taught the pop media class and he is a joy.  I loved his lectures and wish I had taken another of his classes.  He offered a class of Japanese fairy tale monsters and another interesting class that was called something “yakuza and geisha”?  I can’t recall exactly, but I recommend anything with him.  Another class was one that a friend took, it was basically an anime film class where you watched a movie and took it apart by discussions and in depth papers.  If writing isn’t your thing, I wouldn’t recommend the class.  My friend ALWAYS had papers due.

There are ceramic and yuki-e classes.  Both looked really interesting and fun, but I don’t have any first hand knowledge about them.

They had several religion classes on Buddhism, Shinto and one or two more.  

There will be a chance for a Hiroshima trip through KGU.  You’ll get to ride the shinkansen (bullet train).  It’s a day trip (unless you book a hotel) and the shinkansen fair is roughly $70, I’m sure it varies, but keep that in mind.  There are limited spots, so keep your eyes and ears open for the sign up sheet, (it doesn’t hurt to ask your lecture teachers about it either!).  

KGU certainly does not lack interesting classes, there is something for everyone!  The minimum a student must take is 2 lecture classes.  You can take 3 (as a friend of mine did), but the faculty actually recommend taking only 2 lecture courses so you have time to experience Japan more.

That’s another really cool thing about KGU.  At least with the professors I had, they were all understanding when there were certain events and festivals going on.  Most were willing to work with you, say if you wanted to be in Kyoto or somewhere for some event, but you had hw due.  My history teacher was super understanding and often encouraged students to skip class LOL (as long as work was turned in ;) )

That’s all I’ve got for now!  Feel free to ask more questions! :3

[beccagoestojapan]

hey! i'm going to kgu in the fall, and i was just curious if you did the home visit program? or know of anyone who did? i signed up for it (as well as the speaking partner program) and i'm really nervous about it! thanks!

Congrats on going to KGU this coming semester! :D

I personally did not do the home visit program because I was afraid my food allergies would be a burden to the family, (cucumbers, shellfish, as well as nuts).  This was the same reason KGU recommended that I live in the dorms instead of homestay.

Anywho!  I had friends who did participate in the program and thoroughly enjoyed it!  Not only did they make a new friend with their home visit partner, but with their family as well!  It’s a really great way to meet more Japanese students who are eager to meet you as well!  And chances are that they will also introduce you to their friends!  It’s seriously a great way to meet more friends and lasting friendships as well.  I promise you will be glad you signed up ;3

And just remember, the Japanese students that sign up to have language partners and/or home visit partners have to undergo many tests and interviews.  This is not something they sign up for on a whim.  So they really want to do this!  They have to understand a certain amount of English as well, so while there may be some language barriers, it won’t be something crazy ;3

Please hit me up if you have any more questions! <3

[beccagoestojapan]

I know KGU internet is pretty slow...I was wondering how you kept in touch with your family and friends back home? It's important to me to be able to stay in touch.

Of course!  It was the same for me.  Skype works although depending on when you do it, it can lag or be slow and you may get kicked off from time to time, but just redial.  I stayed in touch day to day through FaceBook messaging, but I would skype with my parents at least once a week.  During the first 2-3 weeks it was much more frequent than that, (I’m an only child and it was my first time out of the country and being away from home for that amount of time).

Also, if you get any kind of phone, even the basic ones offered on campus, you can email.  It’s really old school, but it can be done in case you are not near a computer or have wifi.  That was a key reason why I wanted a phone, for emergency purposes such as that.

EDIT: will you be staying in the dorms or with a host family?  This is key because not all Japanese homes have internet, (surprising, I know!).  

If you have any more questions, please let me know!

-becca

[beccagoestojapan]

Hi Becca, not sure if you're still answering asks on Kansai Gaidai, but if you do, could you advise if there's wifi on campus or students can only access the Internet through the school computers? Thanks!

I’m always looking for a chance to talk about Japan and KGU! ;3

During your first week, they have to set a network up for your laptop so you will have access at school and the dorms.  Before they set it up, you will be using an ethernet cord in your dorm (be sure to bring one!).  Sadly, you only get to use wifi on ONE device at KGU.  I suggest using it on your laptop, but i do believe some put it on their tablets.  the only other place ON campus that you can use wifi on a separate device (ie ipod, a tablet that you did not get wifi assigned to, etc) is in the McDonald’s. i would use my ipod to access facebook while i was there.

please note: regardless of ethernet or wifi, KGU’s internet is frustratingly slow.  even for teachers.  it’s rumored that KGU “chokes” the internet connection so students can’t not play games and such, so they can focus on studies.  

(not made by me)

If you or anyone has any questions (or if I wasn’t very clear), please let me know!  Like i said, i love looking for reasons to talk about Japan and KGU.  I also have a friend who just returned from KGU this past May, so if can check on the latest updates if needed!

-Becca

[beccagoestojapan]

what should i pack for japan? should i pack lightly or should i prepare myself for any situations? did people bring halloween costumes?

i'd prepare yourself for any situation.  now, that is obviously different for every person. for example, if you're female, bring your own feminine products, do not count on Japan to have the type you have in your home country.  if you get headaches, menstrual cramps, etc bring advil or whatever you take to ease the pain.  Japan is not too big on pharmaceuticals, don't expect them to have an equivalent of advil or an antihistamine (another example, JUST MAKE SURE TO DECLARE IT IN YOUR YAKKAN SHOUMEI, AND MAKE SURE YOU CAN BRING IT INTO THE COUNTRY.).  also, bring deodorant.  apparently, Japanese people don't sweat or at least not a lot.  deodorant is hard to find and usually only the kind for guys, so be prepared for that.

some people did bring halloween costumes, so that's definitely something i would suggest unless you'd like to find something in Japan!  In Shinsaibashi there is a Bodyline store that has tons of lolita outfits as well as cosplay and sera fuku.  Plus, many places carry kigurumi costumes.  Totally up to you, either way you'll have fun!

um...this is kind of a broad question, so if you have anything more specific, feel free to ask!

[beccagoestojapan]

Realized I hadn't posted any pictures from "Infes", the international festival!  All the booths were put together by the students!  It's pretty amazing.  You Fall Semester students will also get to experience this! :D

[beccagoestojapan]

was japan really that fun?? do you plan on going back there in the future or even living there?

oh my goodness, yes!  as soon as i get my bachelors degree, i plan on moving to Japan to teach English or some other profession.

to be completely honest, since i returned on December 15th, 2012...not a single day has gone by since i think about Japan and how much i miss it.  sometimes i get really sad about it!  when i was in Japan...it just felt...so natural.  There was a girl in my speaking class who said that Japan felt more like home than her actual home in the US felt.  Whenever i skyped with my family they always commented on how happy i looked.  i was really very very happy while in Japan. :]

But yes, Japan is amazing!  I just love it so much!  The culture, the people, everything was just great.  I enjoyed my stay there immensely.  So, i definitely want to plan on returning for a more extended stay for teaching (2+ years or so)...and i'll see where it goes from there!

[beccagoestojapan]

how are the holidays treated in Japan, or KGU at least? ex. thanksgiving, halloween, christmas, new years

HALLOWEEN IS SUPER FUN AT KGU!!!  Japan doesn’t really celebrate Halloween, but you’ll notice a lot of jack-o-latern-themed things popping up in stores and pumpkin-flavored stuff coming out.  it kinda confused me because my Japanese friends were like no we don’t really celebrate halloween, but there was hallowee-themed things everywhere, LOL idk  but KGU has a great halloween costume contest and lots of little activities!  it’s encouraged that you dress up!  i didn’t have a costume, but i wore all black with a cat hat and gloves that i had bought (i also painted my face a bit).  it’s really, really fun.  the Japanese students are SO creative.  you’ll see a lot of anime cosplay (especially vocaloid!) as well as goth-loli.

thanksgiving isn’t celebrated, but international students get a holiday! i can’t recall if we got one or two days off.  some of the students in the dorms organized a thanksgiving feast!  turkeys are not common in Japan, so if you do find them, they will be small and expensive.

Japanese christmas is very different from american/western christmas. while you will see santa clauses, mistle toe, rudolph, etc etc everywhere! it is not celebrated traditionally. first of all, it is not connected at all with christianity, it is only the commercial part of christmas. second, christmas eve is kinda like…a couples thing.  it’s odd. LOL like, if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you simply have to be together on christmas eve, supposedly very romantic, IDEK.  but you will have from the middle of december to the end of january off :]  the Fall semester ends in the middle of december.

i only stayed until december 15th, so i can’t really tell you about new years other than it’s a pretty big deal.  lots of traditions and shrine visiting. :]

let me know if you have any further questions! :3

[beccagoestojapan]

quick note about the last post...

...the last two weeks or so of the Fall semester get pretty chilly.  i don't think i expressed that very well.  bring a good coat, it doesn't have to be a super bulky winter coat, but a good warm coat.  

but also...you have the option of buying clothes IN Japan.  if you are of "average" weight, you'll have no problem.  i'm overweight and was able to find a few shirts and skirts at the store up the street from the dorms (they tend to carry "foreigner" sizes).  so keep that in mind as well.  one of my friends bought her coat at the mall near the station for a very reasonable price.

i didn't mention shoes.  GOOD WALKING SHOES.  you will be walking and standing the majority of your stay.  on average, it's about a 20 minute walk to the school from the dorms.  you'll be going shopping and traveling, so good walking shoes are key.  i think once you get used to the amount of walking, you can kinda tone down what shoes you wear.  i eventually wore my TOMS quite a lot.  also bring water resistant shoes.  walking 20 minutes in the rain to school with soaking shoes is not the best. ><;;;

ladies, warm leggings with skirts in october and november are pretty great. just fyi.

Japan loves scarfs and hats.  you will find loads there.

ummmmm...again, if i didn't touch on anything, let me know! <3

[beccagoestojapan]

How's the weather around late August until December? I'm still quite unsure what to pack clothes wise .__.

so sorry for the delay!

august through mid/late october is extreeeeeemely humid!  Like 90%+ humidity.  i live in north carolina where i thought i knew humidity…it’s nothing compared to Japan.  It’s also quite hot, temperature-wise,80’s and 90’s.

for these months, i suggest layering with light-weight shirts and camis (for gals, of course). skirts saved me, to be honest.  i wore barely anything else.

while it will be incredibly hot and humid, please note that it is VERY inappropriate to show cleavage in Japan.  i do not show cleavage, but some shirts that i usually don’t wear camis with, i chose to wear them. i think the youtube user “myhusbandisjapanese" made a reference that if your shirt is below your collarbone, it’s too low.

HOWEVER!~~~

in Japan, you can show as much leg as you want.  there were Japanese girls that honestly surprised me because their shorts or skirts were so insanely short.  one thing to keep in mind while wearing skirts, the trains, during the summertime, blow cool air throughout the train.  i had an awkward moment with a new skirt that i had never worn before this trip…it was cut a little strange, so when the air blew in the train car, my skirt surprisingly flew up! >_<  it didn’t go all the way up, but i was really embarrassed and really self-conscious in that skirt.  i didn’t wear it again for my entire stay, LOL

okay.  November through December!  November is still slightly humid, but the temperature is down a bit and quite a bit towards the end and through December.  It doesn’t get SUPER cold, but it does get windy and that wind will cut through your clothes! ~___~  I suggest one heavy jacket and a couple medium coats/jackets (like thick hoodies etc).  Again, i really think layering is the key.

Also, bring a rain jacket.  You can buy a cool umbrella in Japan, so no worries there…

ummm…if there’s something that i didn’t touch on or if you have a more particular question, please let me know :]

[beccagoestojapan]

Hello! Do you have any suggestions for the future KGU students, such as places to eat, shop or simply to hang out? =)

of course!  Places to just hang out are usually Karaoke places near the station.  They're open until the wee hours of the morning and karaoke is funnnn~  There are some clubs in Osaka city and in Kyoto, but clubs aren't my scene.  But yeah, around Hirakata station, there are many restaurants and karaoke places.  A cool thing is that you can go to the mall down the street that has a grocery and get snacks to take to the karaoke place! XD  And yeah, there's a mall that has a nice 100yen shop, lots of clothes shops, shoes, luggage, toys, and an arcade!  The sucky part is the mall closes at 8pm D:  Around the station, there is a Mos Burger (very popular burger chain in Japan), it's a nice place to kind chill and eat at when coming back from a day trip.  They play current American music, so i could keep up with the latest American music while in Japan! LOL The same goes for Tsutaya, the CD/Book/DVD store...i cannot tell you how many times i heard one direction and call me maybe in there, haha  

My favorite place to shop was in Shinsaibashi <3 I miss it! They also have some nice arcades ;D Neko Cafes too!  Amerikamura is a neat place too, walking distance from Shinsaibashi. :]  Umeda has a lot of shopping/eating places, but it's so confusing o____o

If you have any other questions, let me know!  Or if you want more specific answers ^^

[beccagoestojapan]

Questions!

Come at me, bro!

[beccagoestojapan]

In case for some reason you guys don't have these yet:

http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/04_campus_life/03/02.html

http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/pre_arrival/04_housing/02.html

おやすみ～

[beccagoestojapan]

Could you give me a little more information about the dorms? I'm not sure which seminar houses to choose, and it seems like there aren't much information about Seminar House 1 & 2. Also, which is the closest dorm from campus? Thanks a lot!!!

I lived in SH 3, so i can't really give you much information on them, but all the dorms are in the same general area.  2 and 3 are side by side, 1 is clustered in there and 4 is down the street just a bit, but not far at all.  not enough to make a difference on choosing for distance.  i really do not recommend the Hotani campus dorm...it is far away and very inconvenient.

the dorms all have the same type of rooms, so that i can tell you about that.  you will be sleeping on a futon (aka on the floor).  if you want extra padding or pillows, there is a store up the street, (the one that i mentioned about buying towels at), that you can buy things like that there.  i bought a very cute sanrio twin stars pillow there!  your room's floor is tatami.  you have a closet that is actually a pretty decent size.  it has drawers and room for hanging clothes.  you have a desk that is nice as well.  the last important thing about your actual room is that you have your own air conditioner...it will save you during the Japanese summer heat/humidity.  

here is video of my suite and room at SH3:

And literally, that's what all the rooms consist of, no matter what dorm.  Look up Kansai Gaidai on youtube and you will find a lot of guides :]

SH4 gets a lot of attention about being "the best" dorm...i think a lot of people apply for that one, i think it's supposed to be rather lively.  i really liked 3 tho.  i enjoyed the privacy of a suite (having kitchen shared with only 6 other people was a huge plus for me because i had to cook the majority of my own food).  my roommate was great and i really bonded with my suitemates.  SH3's mom and dad are wonderful too <3  every dorm has an okaa-san and an otou-san as well as Japanese RAs.

another thing about the dorms...they are in a residential area.  you are smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood.  you will be instructed on how to behave while in the neighborhood, but the most important thing is to not be too noisy, especially at night.  Japanese houses have very, VERY thin walls so people can be heard outside even just talking at a normal level...so....when walking around the neighborhood at night, it is very important to be quiet!  KGU will actually get complaints from the neighborhood if students are too noisy.  there is a small park near SH1,2,3 dubbed "beer park" because a lot of people like to gather there late and drink (there are beer drink machines, did you know this?).  Please don't do that.  Be considerate.  You are in a another country and need to respect its rules, etc.

my thoughts are kind of scattered right now because it's late, but if there is something i didn't talk about, let me know!

one last thing!  the washing machines cost 100yen and you can either hang your clothes to dry out on your balcony (yes, you have a balcony...at least i think all dorms do...) or you can dry them in the dryer.  the dryer is another 100yen for 40 minutes. 

dorms also have drink machines...yay Japanese vending machines!

[beccagoestojapan]

Was it difficult getting used to transportation in Japan (trains most definitely)? I'm from a town where you drive to get EVERYWHERE, so I'm really nervous about forgetting my stop, train etiquette in Japan, and train fares.

i’m the same!  i drive everywhere, no trains or buses.

it is a little difficult, but you’ll get used to it!  your Japanese friends and language partner(s) will definitely help you out.  it’s one of the main reasons for the Kyoto trip during orientation week, to show the exchange students how the buses and trains work.

the Hirakata station is very English friendly and most stations are…there were only few stations where there was no English (very small stations).  i suggest if you are going somewhere unfamiliar, to write down the kanji for the place you’re going to…that way, if you happen to stop at a small station like that, you can spot where you are going on the maps at the ticket stations.

train fare is different for different places, so you have to look at the map and find your destination which will show you how much to pay.  it sounds a little difficult, but with some practice, you’ll be fine and it will become second nature :]

as for stops, most trains have little tv screens in each car showing where the train is going, where the next stop is and when it arrives at a stop it shows on the screen, in Japanese (kanji and hiragana) AND English, where you are.  It’s also announced on the train in Japanese.  Some smaller trains do not have the screens, but they still announce the stops and such, so just be sure to listen carefully on those trains.

also, if you get off at the wrong spot, you can always just hop on another train to the next spot or to the previous spot very easily!  literally, if you get off the train and you’re like “oh crap! i should have kept going!", just wait for the next train and get on!  that easy! you don’t have to go through another ticket area or anything!  same thing if you have to go back a stop!

another thing to be aware of is that there are different types of trains which you will be able to tell because they are different colors.  there are express trains, local trains, and a couple others.  the express trains stop only at major stations and those are usually the trains you want to take. the local trains are suuuuuper slow because they stop at every station…so unless you are going to a particular town or area, you really don’t need to take those trains. 

train etiquette is simple: be quiet and don’t bother anyone. LOL  it’s true!  if you’re with friends and want to talk, whisper or just keep it down.  even if there is a group of Japanese people (usually middle or high schoolers) being super loud, that doesn’t mean you can be as well because they are are being super rude.  the faculty will tell you during orientation week how to behave, but it’s really just as simple is being quiet.  there are certain seats on the trains (and buses) that are reserved for the elderly and pregnant, so don’t take those seats unless there the train is fairly empty. 

it sounds difficult and definitely takes some getting used to, but with the help of friends and experience, you’ll do fine!  :]  if you have any other questions about trains or buses that i didn’t answer or you want more info on, just let me know! ;]

[beccagoestojapan]

What goes on during orientation week? Is it real hectic and busy? Was it difficult making new friends during this time?

Orientation week is pretty busy.  you have to get settled in your dorm or home stay, get a bunch of paperwork done (bank accounts and various other things), you have to buy a bike and get the correct paperwork done for that (only if you choose to use a bike, i didn’t), you have to take your placement test(s) (that wasn’t too big of a deal tho and it’s only if you’ve taken Japanese courses before, if you have not, you don’t even have to worry about the placement tests).

it’s really easy to make friends during this time!  this is coming from someone who is very introverted!  my advice is to talk to everyone you meet.  just say “hey! my name is -whatever your name is-! i’m from -wherever you are from-!" or something like “Have you studied Japanese before? What level are you?"  Finding out what levels people are can really help because if you are the same level, it’s possible you may be in the same class or you guys can study together since you’ll be learning the same material.  if you meet someone above or below your level offer to help them out or ask them for help sometime.  

also, i’m not sure if it’s happened yet, but you can sign up for a language partner, aka a Japanese student to help you with your Japanese and you can help them with their English.  these language partners actually have to go through some really hard tests to even be considered to be a language partner.  they are great to hang out with and will introduce you to their friends which will give you more Japanese friends.  

just be friendly and really open and you will make friends very easily! :]

[beccagoestojapan]

Which places in Japan have you visited while you were living in Japan?

I visited Kyoto many many times.  Shinsaibashi was another favorite place to visit. i visited Nara, Umeda, Osaka city, Uji, Tokyo (Harajuku, Shibuya, Akasuka, Ueno).  I'm sure there are a few more, but that's just off the top of my head. :3