“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
(Frank Smith)

Dinusha Gunawardhana
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

 As we know the Saitama University is in the top 10% of Universities in the world. They gave a great opportunity that is 4 week intensive Japanese Studies Summer Program provides international students who have an interest in Japanese culture, beauty and a good chance to study various aspects of Japan. When I was received my confirmation email from Saitama University I was looking for this summer program. It is about one month program but provides lot of things by different programs; Japanese language class, students interaction program, online homestay and Oasis program.

Firstly, want to tell about my class. Actually it gave me more motivation to keep learning the language and also gave more reasons to visit and travel through Japan. Irodori text book is more valuable to learn Japanese in easy way. In the class we faced many problems when learning Japanese but the Sensei honestly help us to solve all things. I really appreciate and grateful meet classmates in 12 different countries. It was such a memorable moment to attend this Summer program and this is the 1st time to learn with international students. It was grateful to know new friends. This is the virtual exchange experience and awesome to all.

 During the Summer program we faced four events of student interaction. We got chances to questionnaires, quizzes, free talking with SU students that was a wonderful experience. It is about one hour but we share lot of things about beauty of japan, Japanese culture, foods, some occasion etc…Not only that, SU students became friends of us. They helped to learn words that is used in the daily life in Japan explaining with meaning. These all will help when we go to Japan in future.

On the other hand, we got a chance to online homestay program and Oasis program. Online Homestay is great opportunity to meet a family in Japan. Specially, they shared the Japanese culture and Japanese ceremony. According to my host family, tea ceremony is major in Japan. It is Japanese traditional steeped in history. Also it was get everyday life in Japan and their habitats.

I can’t believe the month has already passed. Thank you so much for this opportunity to be a part of this program. And I would like to show my respect to Sensei and all for sharing with us your knowledge.

On behalf of University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.