Voice

As the saying goes, “Time flies!” It has been a year since I came to Japan. Since the school moved to the Obiyama area in April, a new refreshing life has begun for me. My family and friends gave me a lot of encouragement and support when I came to Japan. But now, whenever I have problems or worries, the YMCA teachers always help me and take care of me. I have had a lively time so far… I am always impressed with the teachers and appreciate their support and kindness from the bottom of my heart.

I graduated from Kumamoto YMCA Japanese Language School this March and am learning clinical psychology at Kyushu Lutheran College now. When I entered the YMCA, I had a very difficult time not only speaking Japanese, but also learning how to write in Japanese characters. Thankfully, with great help from the YMCA’s enthusiastic teachers, I was able to pass the College’s entrance examination. Even though I have many great memories from my school days at the YMCA, the most pleasing one was when I won the top award in the YMCA national speech contest. I greatly appreciate all of the YMCA teachers’ help and encouragement. The YMCA is a school where you can learn much more than just Japanese while having fun making friends from all around the world.

It has been two years since I first came to Japan. I graduated from the YMCA Japanese Language School this March and am studying social welfare at university. With the YMCA teachers’ help, I was able to focus on studying Japanese without worry, even though it was my first stay in Japan. As the YMCA class sizes are small, students have many opportunities to speak in class, and we always feel very close to our teachers. They are relatively strict at times, yet they teach us patiently and thoroughly. Also, the YMCA offers its students instructions and practice for having interviews for university entrance exam as well as teaching how to write application essays in addition to regular lessons. If ever there is a problem, students can always consult with their homeroom teachers. When I had a worry about my future (career) course, it was very helpful to receive advice from close teachers. Furthermore, the YMCA has a volunteer conversation service. I was able to improve my Japanese through this service by weekly conversations with volunteers. My dream is to make nursing homes in China. I’m doing all I can to make this dream come true. You can start studying at the YMCA Language School to make your dreams come true soon, too!