Student Voices: CJS

Center for Japanese Studies (Modern Japan Program)

Studying in the CJS program at Nanzan University has been one of the best experiences of my life. Before coming to Japan, I knew only very little Japanese, so I was a bit nervous about whether I would be able to communicate in class and navigate daily life. However, even before I arrived, the CJS program impressed me with its organization, clear communication and supportive staff.

One of the things I appreciated most about the CJS program was its accessibility for students at all language levels. I was placed in Fundamental Japanese 1 (MJP). Our class only had six students, which created a relaxed learning environment where everyone could participate comfortably. Our teacher was very kind and patient with us, always encouraging and explaining the course material clearly. Because of this, the classes were very enjoyable and I was surprised by how much progress I made in such a short period of time.

Beyond language learning, the variety of courses offered through CJS allowed me to explore Japanese culture from many different angles. In my Japan Studies courses, I learned about Japanese films, society, and history, which helped me understand the culture more deeply. One course that stood out to me the most was the Art course “Ikebana.” Every week, we practiced arranging flowers and even though the class was mostly in Japanese, everyone was able to follow along. The teachers explained everything through pictures, demonstrations and personal help. Ikebana quickly became one of my favorite parts of the week as we were also allowed to keep the flowers we worked with.

When I think back to Orientation Week, I can clearly see how much I have grown during my study abroad. Living in Japan taught me to be more independent and open to new experiences. Communicating in a new language, even at a basic level, pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop more confidence. I also had the chance to meet many people, both international and Japanese students, who made the experience even more meaningful. The friendships I formed encouraged me to practice newly learned vocabulary and grammar in daily life for example while cooking together.

After returning home to Germany, I plan to continue practicing Japanese so that I don’t lose the progress I made. I want to stay in touch with the friends I made at Nanzan, through texting, calling, or hopefully planning future trips to visit each other.

I highly recommend the CJS program to any student who is considering studying abroad. Whether you are a complete beginner or are already studying Japanese, this program provides a supportive environment to grow academically, culturally and personally. My semester at Nanzan University went by incredibly fast and it is an experience I will think about and miss long after it ends.