Student impressions about Homestay

At Kudan Institute of Japanese Language and Culture,「Homestay」is prepared as a means of accommodation for our students. Japanese language skills are firstly improved while staying with a Japanese family. Also, through everyday meals and living the day-to-day life with a host family, you will be able to personally experience Japanese culture itself.
As your coordinator, I would like to introduce the family that suits you.

Accommodation| Kudan Institute of japanese Language & Culture

Impression of Homestay

Name: Tanja
Nationality: German

Why did you decide to stay with a host family?: I wanted to fully immerse myself in the Japanese language, so it was an easy decision to stay with a host family. I wanted to be surrounded by people with whom I could speak not only formal school Japanese but also everyday Japanese. Additionally, I'm a family-oriented person, and without my Japanese family, I would have probably felt very lonely.
Did you have any fears or difficulties? If so, how did you handle them?: I didn’t have any fears or difficulties because I am a very sociable person who adapts quickly to new situations. I am the oldest daughter in my own family and have always taken on a lot of responsibility in family life. My two host siblings quickly became very close to me, and I went through thick and thin with both of them. If there were arguments or disagreements and tears, I was there as the big sister, supporting them both.
Was there something you particularly enjoyed about living with a host family?: For me, spending quality time with family is always important. Doing homework together, cooking dinner, going on trips — I really enjoyed that, and I still do it when I visit them.
Did you share your home country's culture or hobbies? (If you have related photos...): I didn’t share much because I didn’t feel there was much to share. However, one thing we did was celebrate Christmas together, and I cooked a typical German Christmas meal.
What was the most impressive experience during your homestay?: This is a difficult question. There were so many wonderful moments. But the most memorable and beautiful was when we celebrated my little host sister’s “Shichi-Go-San” (a traditional Japanese celebration for children). Also, the short vacation in Nagano, when we visited my host father's parents, was wonderful.
Do you still keep in touch with your host family?: Yes, I stay in very close contact with them. I try to visit Tokyo once or twice a year and spend at least 2-3 days with the kids and my host mom.
Do you have a message for students thinking about doing a homestay?: If you want social interaction and closeness to everyday life, I highly recommend staying with a host family. However, if you know that small children might annoy you or if you are someone who enjoys spending time alone, then this might not be the best option.

Name: Mr D
Nationality: Spain

How’s your homestay?: My host family is kind, and the homemade food is great.; Sounds great. I imagine you can have a fun conversation with your host family while enjoying delicious food.
What is your best memory doing the host family?: I remember well the time when I said goodbye to my first roommate. I also remember when another roommate's father came to visit, and these were some of the best memories of my homestay.; I see. You can also make connections with other students who do homestay with.
Do you struggle communicating with your host family sometimes?: I can communicate any basic thing though sometimes I feel embarrassed to talk in Japanese as I am a little shy and my level isn’t that good.; It's a feeling that comes from living with a Japanese family, where there are many opportunities to talk. It must be a motivation to study Japanese more!
What are the differences and similarities between Spain and Japan?: Both have a strong competent gastronomic culture, even though the meals and diet are not really that alike.; That’s true. You said, you are enjoying the Japanese food your host mother cooks!
　You are finishing your course soon. Do you have any plans for the future?: I will go back to Spain and get my master’s degree. Then I would like to seek for an opportunity of living in Japan while working online.; That sounds good. I hope you accomplish your goals and can live in Japan again. Thank you very much for your cooperation!

Name: Platt
Nationality: Australia

Before coming to Japan, why did you decide to choose homestay as your means of accommodation?: In chose the Homestay option, for the fact it would put me in a situation where I would be with native Japanese speakers. I can definitely say whilst my level of Japanese is that of a monkey. It has certain made my ability to understand jump forward in leaps and bounds.

What do you think about your choice of choosing to stay with a host family?: It was honestly a great decision, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent with my family. They’ve been very accommodating kind,and entertaining.

Is the Japanese language you have learnt at school useful for you to communicate with your host family?: As I have started before, I speak Japanese like a poorly trained Monkey. But my understanding of words and phrases is far better now thanks to me living with a Host Family. My classes have allowed me to stumble many conversation with them .Which is nice to see my progression.

What can you say to those students thinking about trying homestay?: I say,do it.If you enjoy the company of others,and want to learn a bit quicker whilst getting feedback,it’s well worth it.I’ve made lasting bonds with my family,and have full intentions of visiting them on future to Japan!

Name: Camilla
Nationality: Italy

Before coming to Japan, why did you decide to choose homestay as your means of accommodation?: I decided to choose homestay because I want to experience the real Japanese life style while practicing everyday conversation.

What do you think about your choice of choosing to stay with a host family?: Now I think that I really made the best choice.

Is the Japanese language you have learnt at school useful for you to communicate with your host family?: Yes it is,Thanks to what I learn at school I can understand and communicate a little with my family.

What can you say to those students thinking about trying homestay?: I can tell them not to be afraid and just try the homestay experience because it’s really useful and interesting.

Name: Alessia
Nationality: Italy

Before coming to Japan, why did you decide to choose homestay as your means of accommodation?: I decided to homestay because I wanted to learn about Japanese culture and it is a great opportunity to speak Japanese everyday.

What do you think about your choice of choosing to stay with a host family?: It was a great choice ,the family is very nice and they always help me improving my Japanese.

Is the Japanese language you have learnt at school useful for you to communicate with your host family?: Even if I learn a lot thanks to my host family lessons are very useful.

What can you say to those students thinking about trying homestay?: They should definitely try it. going to live with a new family may sound scary but it is a great opportunity to meet new people, learning about the culture and improve your Japanese.

Name: 許智翔（Hsu Chih Hsiang）
Age: 24
Nationality: Taiwan
Term: 　2017/4　-　2018/3

Before coming to Japan, why did you decide to choose homestay as your means of accommodation?

I wanted to learn about the lifestyle of Japanese people.
I wanted to try Japanese home cooked food.
I wanted to learn everyday conversation that I cannot usually learn in school.
I thought that I will have many chances to speak Japanese.

What do you think about your choice of choosing to stay with a host family?

I enjoy a lot. Whenever I have some troubles, my host family helps me out wholeheartedly. They treat me just as like their own family. I not only learn about my studies in school, but they also teach me so warmly about life itself. On our days off, we eat sushi, make okonomiyaki, and go sightseeing to many places during the summer holidays. I now not only understand the Japanese language, but Japanese culture as well.

What can you say to those students thinking about trying homestay?

Don’t think twice, just give it a try!