Crystal
Embarking on a journey to learn a new language is not just about mastering vocabulary and grammar rules; it’s about immersing oneself in a new world of culture, traditions, and experiences. Now, let’s delve into a day in the life of a Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip student, where Japanese language classes and cultural activities intertwine to create a unique and enriching learning experience you just can’t get at home.
Morning: Get your study on
After a hearty breakfast, probably from the nearby convenience store, it’s time to head to class. Depending on where your school is located you’ll either hop on the train or walk through bustling city streets to class. The journey to the school is not just a commute but an opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds of Japan, from the tranquil shrines scattered through the city to the vibrant streets filled with locals going about their day.
Language Classes: Where Learning Comes Alive
The hallways buzz with energy as students from all corners of the globe gather to embark on their language learning journey. The hallways are filled with students’ colorful handmade posters and advertisements for events happening in and around the school.
Of course, you might be nervous as you slide into your desk and take out your textbook, but you’re put at ease as soon as the experienced and friendly teacher enters the room and introduces themselves. The classes are taught 100% in Japanese even from the very beginning level, but the teachers are experts at guiding students through it using gestures, drawings, and of course encouragement.
From mastering kanji characters to perfecting pronunciation, every lesson brings you a step closer to fluency. You’ll have a ton of Japanese input, but you’ll also be encouraged to output. From day 1 you can expect to use Japanese with your teacher and classmates, and of course, you’re encouraged to take what you’ve learned outside of the classroom to practice what you’ve learned with locals. This is what some of our Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip Students had to say about the language lessons.
“The school was fantastic, everything that we learnt could be used outside of school, eg: asking for directions at a train station, ordering food, asking to try clothes on, etc. the teachers always made the lessons fun and interactive and there was always someone laughing. “ – Ellie, UK
“The classes taught at the school were quite fast at times. However, I thought the speed was perfect for the short amount of time I had in Japan. All of the teachers were very good at making each lesson interesting and fun.” – Cooper, USA
“The lessons at the Language School (Intercultural Institute of Japan) made me fall in love with Japanese even more (and I didn’t think it was possible!); the kindness, availability and preparation of the teachers is unsurpassed, their lessons in Japanese allowed me to completely immerse myself in the language without perceiving the slightest difficulty, I acquired a solid foundation of the language and I found the dialogue exercises they proposed very useful.” – Camilla, Italy
Cultural Immersion: Beyond the Classroom Walls
Learning a language is not just about what happens within the classroom which is why we have planned cultural activities for you outside of class. Go! Go! Nihon organizes a variety of cultural activities and excursions, allowing students to experience Japan like a local. From tours of historic landmarks to hands-on workshops in traditional crafts, there’s never a dull moment for a Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip student. These activities not only provide valuable insights into Japanese culture but also foster lasting friendships among course mates.
You can expect around 2 to 3 activities per week. Most of them will be in the afternoon or evenings after class, but we also have some weekend trips such as Hakone, Kamakura and Enoshima and even a 2 night Kyoto trip!
Afternoon: Exploring Japanese culture
As the afternoon rolls around, it’s time to continue the adventure beyond the school walls. Today you’re headed to a Shibori (Japanese tie-dying) workshop. First stop is Akihabara Station where you see the familiar smiling face of your Tour Leader welcoming everyone to the meeting point. Once everyone is accounted for, you’ll board the train together and head towards your destination. Your Tour Leader will guide you through Tokyo’s very convenient, but sometimes tricky to navigate transportation system. You’ll then wind your way through narrow alleys before arriving at the small shibori shop where you’ll be met by the extremely energetic staff. They’ll give a short intro about the history of this dyeing technique, method and materials before giving you an apron and gloves- now it’s your turn to give it a try. Chant along with the staff as you dunk the white tote bag in and out of the dark blue dye while squeezing it with all your might. It’s a bit of a workout, but once you’re done you’re given your one of a kind creation to take home with you and forever remember your trip to Japan! See what our past Go! Go! Nion study trip students had to say about their experience with us
“I had so much fun! The staff were lovely and responsive and we had a blast on the activities.” – Elizabeth, USA
“This Study Trip experience has quite honestly been a life altering moment for me, as dramatic as it may sound it’s true! Japan was always a dream destination for me but I wanted some pre-booked activities, classes & people to meet to make the trip worthwhile and the StudyTrip / GGN absolutely delivered and exceeded what was offered. I now have a clearer focus on my goals to study / live in Japan in the future thanks to the 3 week taster course of sorts, and we couldn’t have asked for more friendly, cooperative, and more understanding guides and staff to assist us through the journey. I leave Japan tomorrow feeling fulfilled, overjoyed, and with a group of new lifelong friends, thank you!! “ George, UK
“The most fun I’ve probably had, ever. Great staff, great activities, great memories.” – Finn, USA
“As I have told everyone, it was one of the best trips of my life. It’s not about visiting a lot of things, it’s about experiencing Tokyo from the inside. And I think this trip achieves that experience. You do not feel like a tourist who sees the city from the outside, you feel part of it and that is what makes it so special. I definitely recommend the trip. It is worth it. “ – María, Spain
Evening: A Time for Reflection
As the day draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the experiences and lessons learned. Whether it’s practicing conversation skills with newfound friends or jotting down kanji characters in a study notebook, every moment spent in Japan as a Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip student brings you one step closer to your language learning goals. And as you bid farewell to another day filled with adventures, you can rest assured knowing that tomorrow holds even more opportunities for growth and discovery.
Conclusion:
A day in the life of a Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip student is a journey of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and linguistic immersion. Through language classes and cultural activities, students not only learn to speak Japanese but also gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture. So, whether you’re dreaming of mastering the art of sushi-making, making international friends, or navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo, Go! Go! Nihon is your gateway to an unforgettable experience in the Land of the Rising Sun. Click here to get in touch with a Go! Go! Nihon Student Coordinator today to start planning the trip of your dreams.
Want to see more of a day in the life of a Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip student? Check out influencer Seerasan’s video where she joined our Winter in Japan course for a day!
