Graduates here provide their perspectives after studying as Japanese Language and Culture Studies course students for one year.
※From 17th term, only Japanese messages are available.

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• October 2016 to August 201716th Term

  

  This year was a great experience for me. I was able to study Japanese language and culture that I could not study in my country, and learned more about Gifu and Japan. Before coming to Japan, I hadn’t thought much about the future, but over the past year, my attitude toward the future has changed.
  This was my first time to attend classes and lectures together with Japanese students, and I struggled a little at first. Once accustomed, I really enjoyed it. Writing a thesis was quite tough. Since I had never written a thesis or searched for previous studies, it did not go well initially. But it was very fun to do research on a theme of interest. Teachers gave me great advice and instructions, and so were thesis writing tutors. They helped me to learn new Japanese words and acquire thesis writing skills. I am truly grateful to them.

  I had three goals for studying in Japan.
  The first goal was to improve my Japanese. I feel my skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking have significantly improved. The second goal was to gain hands-on experience of Japanese culture. I joined a wide variety of events such as a tea ceremony, noh play, wearing a 12-layered ceremonial kimono, and pottery making. I appreciated the attractiveness of Japanese traditional culture. And the third goal was to experience local culture in Gifu. In class, we tried picking persimmons, a specialty of Gifu. We also learned about wagasa (traditional Japanese paper umbrella) and ukai (cormorant fishing) at the Gifu City Museum of History. We then went up Mt. Kinka and visited Gifu Castle, where we listened to a story about the Warring States period.
  Thinking back now, I believe I have mostly achieved my goals. Furthermore, I have gained the most important ability of thinking for myself. This is definitely necessary to read a lot of reference books in the latter half of the course when writing the thesis. But I also realized that it is highly significant to think for myself how to write my own unique thesis to satisfy myself.
  Looking back at the past year as a student at Gifu University, the first thing I would like to say is “thank you.” I learned various things and made new friends from other countries, creating lots of memories. I feel I have grown up.

  When I first arrived in Japan, I was afraid of everything since it was my first time living by myself, and my Japanese was not so good. Thanks to my teachers and friends, I soon got accustomed to life here. It is embarrassing to say this but I didn’t know much about Japan despite majoring in Japanese literature. By studying in Japan, I have gradually come to know more about Japan and Gifu. I developed not just Japanese proficiency but also an attachment to Japan.
  Japan and South Korea need to know more about each other for the future of both countries. I am determined to do what I can to maintain the good relationship between the two countries. Studying in Japan has been an unforgettable experience for me. In addition to Japanese language, I learned about life. I am glad I came to Gifu.

• October 2015 to August 201615th Term

  

  Having participated in the Gifu University Summer School in 2014, I looked forward to studying at Gifu University again for one year. From the beginning of my university life, whenever I had any trouble, persons in charge of international student support and teachers at International Student Center helped me. I really enjoyed excursions in and around Gifu Prefecture, especially my return visit to Gujo was excellent. In classes to learn about Gifu City, I obtained interesting information on various historical sites, ukai (cormorant fishing), wagasa (traditional Japanese paper umbrella) and other Gifu’s specialties. Having got to know other members of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course, I enjoyed having good food and being engaged in interesting activities together with them. On the other hand, I also had some problems. Matters that are usual for Japanese people, such as significant temperature differences and busyness at the end of a semester, were difficult issues to deal with for international students who were not used to them. Despite these difficulties, taking all the good and hard times into consideration, I am glad that I studied at Gifu University for one year because I will probably never have an experience like this again.

  One-year study in Japan provided me with a good opportunity to learn about real Japanese culture that cannot be learned just by reading books, which broadened my perspective. It is true that I had a hard time when I was busy with classes and tests. Looking back, however, even those difficult experiences are good memories in their own way. I believe that a wide variety of cultural experience programs for international students served as one of the factors that made my stay and study in Japan more enjoyable. Above all, I appreciate that International House, or a university dormitory for international students, is located near Gifu University.

  It was a pleasant and fruitful year. I had various experiences of Japanese culture while studying Japanese language. Because this is my first visit to Japan, there were many things that I did not know. Although I had a hard time at the beginning, soon I got used to living and studying in Japan thanks to kind teachers and friends. People around me often tell jokes, saying “Gifu is a provincial prefecture,” but, in fact, everyone loves both Gifu and Gifu University. This year is a precious treasure to me. I learned many things and matured while sharing both delightful and difficult times with my friends. I feel fortunate to have studied at Gifu University as a student of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course. Thank you very much. I will treasure all the wonderful memories of this year for my entire life.

  I think that Gifu University has more programs for international students than other universities. During the autumn semester, thanks to the support of the faculty members of International Student Center and in charge of international student support, I participated in various cultural activities and made many wonderful memories. Particularly, Professor Morita’s class “Local Field Study - Discover Gifu” allowed me to realize that Gifu is blessed with many charms that Tokyo does not have. In terms of the spring semester, on the other hand, I had a very hard time in writing a thesis. I gave up many opportunities to have fun because of the thesis. Here, I would like to give two pieces of advice to new students of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course for the next semester: 1. I recommend you to have fun as much as possible during the autumn semester, and 2. collect reliable data before determining the theme of your thesis.

  I really enjoyed my year as a student of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course. I am glad that I had various cultural experiences, including the tea ceremony and the Gujo Odori dance, besides studies. The Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course allows students to take on challenges to improve their Japanese competence, characterized by its curriculum that includes not only Japanese language but also presentations, a thesis and cultural understanding. Writing a thesis seems difficult at the beginning. Contrary to expectations, however, it is not so hard in fact. As long as you follow your teacher’s advice, you can complete your thesis without difficulty. Students gain practice in writing a thesis in various classes, which is very helpful.

• October 2014 to August 201514th Term

  

  I feel that my life as a student in the almost-one-year Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course at Gifu University was truly productive. All the faculty were kind and provided me with support not only for my studies but also for my daily life. Since you can participate in a wide variety of visiting tours and take interesting classes at Gifu University, I’m convinced that it really is the best place to study. At the International Student Center and the dormitories for international students, there are tutors you can rely on any time when you have trouble. In addition, if necessary, administration staff members are sure to contact you, making you feel at ease. I guess that once you visit Gifu University, you will surely feel that you would never like to leave. I would like to express my appreciation to the faculty of Gifu University for taking care of me for about one year. Thank you very much.

  The best points for me were the faculty’s instruction methods and the atmosphere of my class. On top of studying in a classroom, I was able to visit a wide variety of places and enjoy a wide range of experiences, through which I learned a lot. Although it was difficult to write a paper, the faculty and the paper tutors gave me a lot of advice and many suggestions, enabling me to complete my paper. The paper is proof of my hard work. The people around me, especially my friends, always supported me not only in my studies but also in many other matters. They were always kind to me, and thanks to them, I now have many delightful memories. I’m so happy that I was able to study at Gifu University. Thank you very much.

  As a student of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course, I have spent one year at Gifu University. It was a long, but at the same time, a short period. Compared with other bigger cities in Japan, it can be said that Gifu is fairly provincial. However, I took buses and rode a bicycle, so transportation was not that big a problem for me. What struck me particularly was the scenery of the streets and the Nagara River. Furthermore, in my first year at Gifu University, I was able to study not only about Japanese language and culture, but also about my own country. In one class, each of the 10 students of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course explained about his/her country. This enabled me to learn about the characteristics of each country and helped me realize the characteristics of my own country’s language and culture.
  I feel that the cultural experiences offered to students of the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course at Gifu University are totally special, and that no university can compare with Gifu University. While taking care of each student, the university took us all to a wide variety of places in Gifu, and these experiences are my best memories. Thanks to these excursions, I was able not only to accumulate knowledge from textbooks, but to also actually view and experience reality as much as I could. I had truly amazing experiences.

  While spending fun time at Gifu University together with the friends I made from different countries, I studied a wide variety of things. Even though I felt tired from the tough classes, I was able to relieve my stress by talking and laughing with my friends.
  Compared to other universities, I feel that Gifu University’s Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course was quite demanding. However, I was able to learn many useful things. In particular, although I had never studied in my own country to improve my skill of writing reports and papers in Japanese, I have been able to greatly improve this skill. In addition, I put a lot of effort into study and other aspects of my daily life, leading to my mental growth. My experience in Japan taught me that it is necessary to understand deeply what it means to live alone and study in a foreign country, and to overcome difficulties by myself. Moreover, life in the dormitory taught me how to get along with people from other countries. I am happy that I was able to receive a scholarship for one year and have the opportunity to learn from the faculty of Gifu University.

• October 2013 to August 201413th Term

  

  As a student of the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course of Gifu University, I studied the Japanese language and spent a delightful time in Japan for one year. I believe that accumulating hands-on experiences of Japanese culture is quite important for me and other Japanese language learners. The one-year stay in Japan provided me an ideal opportunity to experience, learn and feel traditional Japanese culture and Japanese people’s ways of thinking, based on all my senses. Such hands-on experiences materially helped me improve my Japanese proficiency and develop multiple perspectives.
  I also feel heartfelt gratitude to Gifu University’s kindhearted academic supervisors and Japanese students. Thanks to the supervisors’ instruction and Japanese students’ generous support in my study and daily life, my first study abroad ended up being rewarding and memorable. I am determined to remember my precious days in Japan for the rest of my life.

  My one-year stay in Japan was very significant. I am confident that I made the most remarkable progress in my personal development in my year in Japan. While staying in Japan, I became acquainted with many people, studied with international students from various countries, gained hands-on experiences of Japanese culture and went on journeys to various tourist destinations, which all provided me with a wider perspective. I also strived to respect cultural differences, building close friendships with Japanese people and other international students. Although it was laborious to complete the thesis, I was able to find enjoyment in the hard work. It is not easy to receive instruction on research methodology in my own country. In contrast, at Gifu University academic supervisors kindly instructed me how to proceed with my study and helped me look for literature and reference materials. Their instruction and support will be surely useful for my future study and research. I am deeply grateful to everyone I encountered as well as for every experience and memory I had in Gifu.

  It was my first experience to come to Japan and study in Gifu as a student of the Japanese Language and Culture Studies Course of Gifu University. Before participating in the course, I had felt both excited and nervous about staying in Japan. Because my Japanese skills were poor and I had no experience living alone, I was worried about whether or not I could manage as a foreigner for one year in Japan. Looking back on my one-year experience in Gifu, I can say there was really no need to have such worries. In Japan, I had frequent occasions to feel Japanese people’s spirit of hospitality toward foreigners. Academic supervisors of the International Student Center and other support staff members were always considerate of me and kindly provided academic and other various advice to me. Japanese students of the Ryugaku Love club, thesis tutors and any other Japanese students whom I met at Gifu University were also kindhearted. It is sometimes difficult for international students to accurately communicate their intentions to others in Japanese. In such cases, Japanese students attentively listened to me and advised me how to explain in Japanese what I wanted to say.
  Because classes were conducted in Japanese, I am confident that my Japanese proficiency has greatly improved in the past year, compared to when I was in my country. In writing a short thesis during the second semester, I learned how to organize a thesis and gather necessary reference materials. Because I have to complete a graduation thesis to be submitted to my university after returning to my country, the experience of writing a short thesis in Japan will surely serve as useful advance training for me in the future.
  Other than academic classes, the course provided a wide variety of cultural classes that were intended to help international students acquire hands-on experiences of traditional Japanese culture. I was very satisfied with the cultural classes. The workshops on kabuki performances, noh & kyogen programs, sado (Japanese tea ceremony) and sumo wrestling were valuable first-hand experiences that could be gained only in Japan as an international student of Gifu University. After returning to my country, I am determined to study harder by making full use of the knowledge that I obtained in Japan, aiming to enter graduate school in the future.

• October 2012 to August 201312th Term

  

  It was a great experience for me, as I major in the Japanese language at my home country. Unlike populous big cities, Gifu provides a tranquil, livable and comfortable environment. Overall, the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course was challenging, because it included demanding Japanese language lessons and writing assignments. It is because of the challenging course that my Japanese level is now much higher than when I was studying in my home country. The most challenging tasks were writing reports in the first semester and a thesis in the second semester. I learned a lot about how to write reports and theses in Japanese. This experience will be useful when I write reports and theses at the university back in my home country. I also learned a lot from oral communication lessons, which were very difficult for me, since I was not good at speaking Japanese. My Japanese speaking skills improved through presentations and debates. Through this program, I learned a lot about Japan by attending various Japanese culture classes. Moreover, I was pleased that I was able to take optional subjects according to my interest. These optional subjects allowed me to attend classes conducted in Japanese together with Japanese students.

  At first, things were difficult for me, because I had culture shock, and I could not communicate well with Japanese friends. I felt a little lonely, because Gifu is rural and does not have many amusement spots. However, as I lived longer in Gifu, I came to like its peaceful atmosphere and serene landscapes so much that I would not like to leave this place. I think Gifu is a perfect place to study.
  I am happy to have learned a lot and experienced various aspects of the Japanese culture during the past year. I viewed noh and kyogen performances, experienced pottery and participated in various other cultural activities, but chado was the most interesting for me. The chado instructors were always kind, and their instructions were easy to understand. This course will be even better if it also offers ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) lessons.
  Writing a thesis was very hard, because it was my first experience in my life. In the beginning, I did not know how to find reference materials and my reading speed was slow, so my thesis writing did not progress well and there were times when I thought of giving up. However, thanks to kind instructors who encouraged me, I weathered such hard times and completed my thesis. I am truly grateful to them. I would like to come back to Gifu in the future if I have a chance.

  My love for Japanese anime since I was a child led me to start specializing in Japanese, and eventually to study at Gifu University for one year as an exchange student. After enrolling in Gifu University, I took a Japanese placement test. To my surprise, I was placed in the most advanced class. Although I was happy to enroll in that class, I knew that the most advanced class would be the most challenging one. The first semester focused on learning Japanese. Although I had fewer classes to attend in the second semester, I had to do a lot of things to write a thesis. The first semester was tough for me, because I had no confidence in my Japanese skills, and often I could not make myself understood and could not understand what others were saying. I once thought of dropping out of the course after the first semester. However, my instructors and classmates encouraged me, enabling me to continue working hard to complete the one-year course. The second semester was also hard for me, because I had to complete my thesis. However, I think that overcoming this challenging task is one of the objectives of this course.

  I knew nothing at all about life in Gifu before enrolling in Gifu University. After arriving in Gifu, I heard from some former course participants about how tough the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course was. Looking back, I think that is true. I learned a lot during this course. In the autumn semester, classes were very hard and demanding. However, it is because of that that my Japanese ability improved so much. I was informed that I would have to write a thesis in the spring semester, so I thought that I would not be able to go anywhere during the semester. Then, during the autumn semester I enjoyed visiting various places, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido.
  Writing a thesis was the hardest assignment for me. I had never written a thesis even in my native language, so at first I could neither properly analyze collected information, nor express opinions about reference materials. I received advice many times from my instructor, making revisions, additions or deletions. Although I had a hard time, eventually, I was able to produce a good thesis and improve academically, thanks to my instructor.
  What I experienced during the course could be summed up by a Japanese old saying “Shippai-wa-seiko-no-moto” or “You must spoil before you spin.” My life in Japan went well, thanks to all the instructors and friends. I am truly grateful to them. I would like to meet them somewhere again in the future.

  Looking back on my one-year life as a Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course student, I had a hard time attending many Japanese language classes in the first semester beginning in October, and I had a tough time with my thesis in the second semester beginning in April. However, during the second semester, I also visited many places and enjoyed various activities that can be rarely experienced even by Japanese people. Throughout the year, I was able to not only improve my Japanese skills, but also grow as a human being.
  I had been informed that the course is challenging, and I actually thought that it was a bit tough, but I think that Gifu University makes its utmost effort to help course students learn effectively. I am happy to have been able to take part in this course at Gifu University.

  I had a very good time during the past year. I made many friends and enjoyed various activities. I am happy to have chosen to study at Gifu University.
  At first, my Japanese was very poor, but instructors taught me gently and earnestly. I am truly grateful to them. I learned not only the Japanese language and culture, but also the manners and values of the Japanese society. I think that I was able to grow significantly in many aspects.
  I was impressed not only by classes offered through the course but also by a variety of activities, such as visiting Gujo and various other places and participating in events to experience various aspects of the traditional Japanese culture, such as kabuki, noh, kyogen and Gujo-odori dancing. I think that the course will be much better if more events like these take place.
  I am grateful to fellow students for becoming my friends, and making trips and enjoying drinking parties together. I would like to meet everyone again in the future-fashionable M-chan, cool E-san, funny C-kun, brainy Y-chan, calm D-kun, serious A-chan, gentle T-sensei, cute A-san, active M-san, earnest Y-san, princess-like S-chan...

  I vividly remember arriving in Japan for the first time as if it were yesterday. The excitement about starting a new life was the strongest of all my emotions. I cannot describe this past year in one word. The teaching methods and principles of Gifu University were new to me. I was impressed by the fact that many classes were debate- or presentation-based, requiring active involvement of students. Such practice is not widely seen in China. Therefore, at first I had no confidence and rarely expressed my opinions. However, instructors of Gifu University always encouraged me when I was feeling insecure about myself. Thanks to them, I came to strive to express my own opinions and eventually, I came to feel more confident about myself. I participated in various cultural events and familiarized myself with the traditional Japanese culture. For example, I had the opportunities to appreciate the attractiveness of some aspects of the traditional Japanese culture, such as kabuki and noh. I also watched sumo, Japan’s national sport. I was able to see sumo wrestlers closely and directly feel the vibrant atmosphere of the stadium. I was impressed most by the spirit of sumo wrestlers fighting hard despite their injuries, not by who won or lost. During the winter vacation, I participated in a home-stay program and experienced Japanese family life. I felt the warmth of family life while having Japanese dishes and watching TV with my host family. This relieved my loneliness of being away from my own family in China.
  I worked hard for about six months to complete my thesis. It was a valuable experience to make a thesis presentation at the end of the course. I felt nervous, because that was the first formal presentation I had ever made in front of many people. Fortunately, it went well. This presentation enabled me to evaluate the work I had done for the past year, and writing my thesis motivated me to pursue further the area in which I had long been interested. For the first time in my life, I lived away from my family for one year. This experience helped me move closer to my goal of becoming independent.
  After returning to my home country, I will continue to work hard, strive to use what I have learned in Japan to make contributions in China, and keep challenging myself throughout my life.

• October 2011 to August 201211th Term

  

  What I remember most is a conversation I had when consulting my academic advisor about essay writing. When I asked if the weekly seminars ever felt tedious, the instructor replied that the seminars are always enjoyable, because they are informative and useful for both students and teachers, who by no means know everything. I was very impressed. I think Gifu University is unique in the degree of commitment teaching staff make to engaging with and instructing students. My year at Gifu University has given me many pleasant memories and instruction methods to take home, thanks to my teachers, to whom I am extremely grateful. I can recommend Gifu University with confidence to students who are currently considering or having reservations about studying abroad.

  Although the Japanese Studies Students (Nikkensei) Program is available at many other Japanese universities, I think Gifu University offers the best Nikkensei experience. Both faculty and students are very friendly, making study and other activities truly enjoyable. The essay initially seemed like a headache, but once completed makes you feel that you have made great progress in your studies. I wish you all the best of luck!

  Gifu University enables you to grow. This is because it encourages you to take on challenges, both in studies and in everyday life. The classes invariably demand hard work of the students, resulting in the development of one’s knowledge. In terms of student life, Gifu University has ample opportunities for interaction with both Japanese and other international students, allowing foreign students to familiarize themselves with life at a Japanese university. I took part in club and circle activities as well as other events, which provided many valuable experiences. In all instances I was welcomed very warmly, so I have a very good impression of the Japanese people. I am totally satisfied with my one-year student exchange program.

  On reflection, I spent a very happy year in Japan. Each day brought a new challenge and an encounter with a different culture, which proved a wonderful experience. I immersed myself not only in the Japanese language but in Japanese culture as well. The first essay writing in Japanese, assigned in the latter half of the program, was very tough and therefore memorable. Thanks to advice from very dedicated instructors, I was able to complete the essay and give the final presentation without major glitches. Although I have completed my year-long Nikkensei program, I still have a long way to go in my studies in the Japanese language and the country’s culture, and to complete my research. I look forward to carrying on, based on what I have learned during this program.

• October 2010 to September 201110th Term

  

  I enjoyed a year in Japan as a student in the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course at Gifu University. During the past year, I experienced various aspects of Japanese culture. It was exciting and great to experience and enjoy Japanese culture and events such as the tea ceremony, noh and kyogen, pottery making and a sumo tournament, closer at hand than ever. Another thing I will never forget is that I wrote a thesis on completing the course. Although writing the thesis was a painful process, I am sure I will look back with great pleasure on the experience of overcoming the difficulties on my own and on the helpful guidance I received from instructors. During the past year, I met various people and learned various things. My experience in Japan will be a valuable asset to my future.

  To put it simply (although it is not easy to do so), the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course at Gifu University offers diverse learning opportunities. Through this course, over the past year we were able not only to improve our Japanese language skills, but also experience various aspects of Japanese culture, such as noh and the tea ceremony. Moreover, while learning at first hand about Japanese society as well as its characteristics and problems, we were able to deepen our understanding of Japan.
  I could say this course was challenging because we had to learn at a very fast pace, but I have just realized that my Japanese language skills and knowledge of Japan have improved surprisingly. Therefore I would strongly recommend people wishing to deepen their understanding of Japan to choose the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course at Gifu University.

  Thanks to the Japanese Language & Culture Studies Course at Gifu University, I was able to spend a fulfilling time as an exchange student in Japan. Through this course, I learned to analyze Japanese society and culture. In addition, during the autumn semester, I attended a Japanese language course to improve my overall Japanese proficiency. During the spring semester, I acquired a deeper understanding of Japanese society and culture by studying general subjects. Meanwhile, I wrote a thesis on a theme of my own interests, while conducting research and attending a seminar. I also learned about various aspects of Japanese society and culture through hands-on experience and observation (performing noh, pottery making, attending a sumo tournament, etc). At first I felt a little lonely, but the instructors and students at Gifu University were kind to me and I made many friends. It took me six months to complete my thesis and that was hard. I still cannot forget how busy I was and how happy I felt.

  I had a fulfilling time during the past year. Everyone at Gifu University was very kind. Many people helped me cope with my life and studies. In the beginning, I felt a bit lonely because I was not used to the surroundings and I had few friends. I joined a circle in April and participated in various activities. In April I also began to write my thesis. Writing the thesis felt like the most important part of my life between April and August. I read numerous books to complete my thesis. My Japanese language skills improved under the guidance of dedicated instructors.

• October 2009 to September 20109th Term

  

  Thank you for everything you extended to me in the past year. I truly enjoyed the various experiences I had in Japan. I hardly need to say how happy I was to have had so many cultural experiences, such as watching sumo matches, kyogen plays and kabuki plays, and beating Japanese drums, which are things other foreign students rarely can experience.
  Also, I don’t think I will forget about my experience of writing a thesis. I am happy to have had an opportunity to write a thesis in Japanese, while I have not had written any even in the Korean language. I would like to extend my gratitude to the teachers who had guided us for our theses. Thank you for everything you extended to me. I was very lucky to come to Gifu University.

  I think I was fortunate to be a Japanese Studies student. Studying Japanese with people from other countries, taking observation tours in museums with my teachers, and in the second semester, watching a noh play and a kyogen play and attending a tea ceremony, as well as the presentation of my thesis―all of them are indelibly etched in my mind. My one-year stay in Japan was truly colorful in my memory. I don’t know if I can return to Japan in the future, but I would like to cherish my memories of the past year as my treasure for life. I’d also like to extend my sincere gratitude to my teachers who have kindly guided us.

  My one-year stay in Japan was the best thing I have ever had. I spent a perfect year studying at Gifu University as an exchange student. I met people from various countries and made many friends, some of whom became my soulmates. Thank you for giving me such an opportunity.
  In the first semester, I learned only Japanese, which made it easier for me to learn in classes with Japanese students in the second semester. It was great. I think coming to Gifu University was an excellent idea.

  It was wonderful for me to make friends with people from various countries, such as Sweden and South Korea. All of us Japanese Studies students visited Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya and Gujo together. Time passed too quickly for me. Probably I won’t be able to have another chance to travel somewhere with those seven students again. I don’t want to say goodbye to them, but it’s something I can’t avoid. Fortunately, I have a lot of beautiful memories.
  I look forward to seeing my fellow Japanese Studies students again someday.

• October 2008 to September 20098th Term

  

  I enjoyed my life as a Japanese Studies Student over the past one year. It has been a fruitful time for me. Having lived and traveled on my own for the first time, I became more independent during the year. As I experienced Japanese cultures such as a Noh play, Kabuki performance and Japanese drumming, I came to have better understanding of them.

  Being a big fan of Japanese animation since I was little, I had always wanted to come to Japan. I enjoyed staying in this country as a Japanese Studies Student over the past year. Each day was filled with good memories. Through the program, I met students from other countries including Sweden, Thailand, Scotland, Australia, Myanmar and Vietnam. They are my lifelong friends now. I am also very grateful to Japanese people who were always kind to me.
  I came from a town in the tropical area where there are virtually two seasons only - winter and summer. I came to know the meaning of four seasons for the first time after I came to Japan. One year has passed quickly while I have enjoyed Sakura blossom and autumn-colored leaves. Time really did fly. My life as a foreign student here is coming to an end. I would love to come back to Japan if I have a chance.

  I am really glad that I stayed in Japan over the past year. I not only improved my Japanese skills, but also experienced various aspects of Japanese culture. I enjoyed them very much. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the teachers and staff at International Student Center who always gave me such kind support. Thank you very much. I am looking forward to meeting you again.

  I love the Japanese language and Culture Studies course at Gifu University. There are not only Japanese language classes but also classes in Japanese culture, society and history. The teachers and staff at the International Student Center are very kind. The atmosphere at the University is lovely, too. I had a fantastic time during the year.

• October 2007 to September 20087th Term

  

  First, I would like to thank the teachers and the office staff of the student exchange division. Thanks to all of them, I had a great year. It was my first experience to study and have fun at the same time. I’m proud of being part of this course. I love Japan! I love the teachers and staff at the Center! Thank you very much for being so helpful. I was moved by the opportunities we had to see various places and get to know Japanese culture. Also, I was sorry to trouble you so much!

  I am so glad to have been taught by the teachers at the Center for the past year. Especially during the last half of the year, I was so busy but learned so much about how to write a thesis and Japanese traditional culture. It was also enjoyable to see a lot of things like kabuki, noh and traditional theatrical comedy (kyogen) and cormorant fishing.

  The Japanese Language and Culture Studies course at Gifu University is wonderful. I think it is the best in Japan. Please come and join this course.

  Teachers at Gifu University are all cheerful and love to teach. They are very experienced, listen to students’ opinions, and are dedicated to successful classes. The University’s campus is very nice and relaxing. Because this course includes not only study but also excursions, students are able to see and touch Japanese culture and society. I highly recommend the Japanese Language and Culture Studies course at Gifu University.

• October 2006 to September 20076th Term

  

  Studying Japanese language and culture for a year at Gifu University was a fantastic experience. I believe that Japanese language & culture learners should come to Japan to see and experience various things by themselves. Especially, Gifu University was a great university for me to study at. Thanks to the teachers’ kindness and their support in our daily lives, I had a safe year and the level of my Japanese has increased. This international course has allowed me to not only study Japanese but also to interact with people from many countries, which deepened my global understanding. I strongly recommend you to come; your experience will add a memorable page to your life.

  I am so happy to have spent a fruitful year as a Japanese Language and Culture Studies course student at Gifu University. This course was very interesting and I loved it. I believe this course has been beneficial in our growth. I would like to show my sincere gratitude to the kind staff and teachers at the Center.

  My Japanese skills have improved and I could see real Japanese culture through the Japanese Language and Culture Studies course. The teachers and staff at the International Student Center were so kind and looked after us both for study and student life. With their help I was able to study hard and have an enjoyable life too. I participated in the group called “Ryugaku Love (love of studying abroad)” and made a lot of international friends through interactions with Japanese students. The year I spent with various international students at Gifu University was very enjoyable and fruitful.