I had the incredible opportunity to participate in ISPJ at International Christian University (国際基督教大学), immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Japanese language and culture. This experience exceeded all my expectations, allowing me to forge deep connections with both the language, culture, and the people.

The program's comprehensive curriculum seamlessly integrated language lessons with cultural explorations, providing a holistic understanding of Japan's heritage. Through engaging classes and interactive activities, I not only honed my language skills but also gained profound insights into the nuances of Japanese customs, traditions, and way of life. I particularly enjoyed the lectures on cultural psychology, calligraphy, and Japanese literature, as well as the selection of elective classes, as they allowed me to expand upon my knowledge at the time.

One of the highlights of my journey was the meaningful interactions with Japanese students who shared my passions and interests. Collaborating on projects, participating in cultural field trips, and simply spending time together both in the dorm and travelling around Tokyo fostered genuine friendships that transcended cultural boundaries. These connections not only improved my language proficiency but also enriched my perspective on global diversity and unity.

The serene campus of ICU served as the perfect backdrop for this transformative experience. Surrounded by lush landscapes and a serene environment, I found myself fully immersed in the learning process. The professors teaching us were very knowledgeable on their subjects, their passions shining through their lectures, and the programme coordinators and leaders were clearly invested in the students, traits that made us want to work harder. The university's dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive community further enhanced my growth and understanding.

In retrospect, the one-month program at ICU not only deepened my appreciation for the Japanese language and culture but also allowed me to cultivate lifelong friendships with both local and international peers. This experience has undoubtedly broadened my horizons and left an indelible mark on my journey of personal and academic growth. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking an authentic and immersive exploration of Japan's vibrant tapestry. 

While I applied to ISPJ with a focus on the academic opportunities the program offered, my experience at ICU went far beyond the classroom. Looking back, the most valuable aspects of my time in the program would be the connections I made and the memories I shared with my classmates and dorm mates. Through classes and free time, I met both ICU students and students from universities around the world, and the cross-cultural exchanges that followed from this environment were especially memorable, whether chatting in multiple languages or discussing the different facets of our respective cultures. The Japan studies module conducted classes in both English and Japanese, so we had many chances to collaborate across languages and teach one another aspects of the English or Japanese languages. Outside of these shared Japanese studies classes, I appreciated the opportunity to interact with ICU students in the context of Japanese language class-- as a learner of Japanese, I enjoyed hearing the types of language used by college students and discussing Japan’s or other countries’ cultures in Japanese. Even beyond the Japanese class itself, I feel that I became much more confident with speaking and listening through daily interactions with ICU students and exposure to different ways of speaking, and I had fun sharing English conversations with my English-learning friends as well. ISPJ’s structure cultivated a study environment I have yet to experience at my home university, and the impression of the university gained from our group’s culture has also sparked my interest in pursuing further opportunities at ICU. The connections I’ve formed through ISPJ have made me especially keen to return to Japan for work or study at my next chance. 

I had a really unforgettable experience during July this year. I will also use my whole life to remember this superb and colorful summer program. At first time, I was not sure if I could make friends there because all the students had different study backgrounds. However, after having a lot of common experiences with my friends, such as learning Japanese together, preparing presentations, and visiting different companies and attractions, we not only got to know each other, but also established a deep friendship. In addition to the friendship ISPJ gained, I was also impressed by the study programs at ISPJ. The ISPJ project is mainly divided into two parts: JLM and JSM. By learning Japanese at JLM, we not only learn about Japanese mythology and Japanese music like "Urashima Taro", but also let us learn Japanese through the content of these two chapters. In addition, I also learned about and organized my travel plan in Tokyo through JLM's presentation, and shared my "Tokyo Cultural Journey" with my classmates. The JSM program is mainly about learning Japanese culture through 10 themes. The topics that impressed me the most were Japanese cultural psychology, Japanese business, and Zen meditation. Through the study of Japanese cultural psychology and Japanese business, I combined the two together and added them to the content of our JSM presentation. For Zen Meditation, we went to Kannonji Temple located near Musashisakai Station. Here we learn about Buddhist food culture and personally experience Zen meditation and vegetarian meals. By participating in ISPJ, I have gained a lot in just one month.

ICU university’s summer program, offered numerous benefits that contributed to my personal, academic, and professional growth. Here are some of the advantages of my engaging experience:

Firstly, the  program that ICU held, provided an immersive cultural experience. Living in Japan allowed me to engage with the local customs, traditions, and language on a daily basis. This cultural immersion fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japanese society, history, and values. I had the opportunity to develop my cross-cultural communication skills, gain a global perspective, and become more adaptable and open-minded.

Secondly, studying at ICU was an opportunity to access to top-quality education. By participating in the program, we students benefited from exposure to different educational methodologies, innovative approaches, and diverse perspectives. This experience enhanced our academic skills, broadened our knowledge base, and strengthened our intellectual capabilities.

Moreover, living and studying in Japan exposed us to new friendships and networks. Engaging with Japanese students and fellow international participants helped us make lifelong connections. These relationships can provide valuable insights, cultural exchange, and potential collaboration opportunities in the future. Building a global network can be advantageous for personal and professional growth, offering a broader perspective and potential career opportunities.

Furthermore, the program enhanced my personal development. Living in a foreign country challenged me as an individual to step out of my comfort zones, become more independent, and develop problem-solving skills. I learned to adapt to new environments, manage my finances, navigate cultural differences, and overcome various challenges. These experiences contribute to self-confidence, and resilience, which are highly valued qualities in an increasingly interconnected world.

In conclusion, as a student participating in this exchange summer program in Japan, at ICU university offered me an array of benefits. It was a transformative experience for me. It broadened my horizons, expanded my perspectives, and equipped me with valuable skills, making them more competitive in an international job market. I am very happy for having the opportunity to be a part of this beautiful community.

 ICU 全部してくれてありがとうございました! 

This program was no doubt a memorable experience because of the wonderful friends, classmates, and teachers I met here. Participants of this program came from diverse backgrounds, and as a student who had hardly travelled in the past few years because of the pandemic, this program was a valuable opportunity for me to open myself up to the outside world and meet people of distinct origins. By chatting with people of different nationalities, I learnt about intriguing lifestyles and facts around the globe.  We spent time sharing our hometown traditions, and I was excited to introduce my home language and tradition to others. Our discussions have prompted me to reflect on the fact that despite coming from myriad places, people have much in common at the same time.  I formed new friendships during the program, and we made lifelong memories in Japan, such as going to firework festivals, visiting museums, shopping etc. I am looking forward to meeting them again in the future, anywhere in the world.

I also believe my Japanese language skills and understanding of Japanese culture has improved through this program. By having intensive lessons of Japanese and opportunities to speak to Japanese people, my Japanese oral and writing skills were greatly challenged during my stay. Other students' eagerness to learn and diligence inspired me to pursue extracurricular learning opportunities in the future if I wish to advance my language skills. On top of the Japanese language lessons, the diverse learning experience provided in this program broadened my knowledge of Japanese culture. Adding on the wide range of topics discussed in the Japanese Studies Module, we also visited the Ghibli Museum, Team Lab Tokyo, Yokohama for a History trip, Glico's factory and more. It was so fun visiting different places and gaining further insights of the Japanese society. 

On July 3rd, I found myself at Warsaw Chopin Airport, alone, with a slightly worn sky-blue Fjallraven backpack that had served me through school. It was late at night. Most stores, even the food court, were closed. I ventured into a still opening cosmetics store and tested various perfumes on paper strips, hoping to find a scent reminiscent of a boy I had met, with whom I had shared a morning atop an ancient castle. However, my search yielded no results as my nose became overwhelmed by the scents. I left the store and headed for my flight's gate. This day marked my 20th birthday, signifying the end of my teenage years. I was about to celebrate this transitional birthday on an airplane, uncertain of what lay ahead. After a 13-hour flight, I landed at Narita Airport, located east of central Tokyo.

Over the next four weeks, I resided at International Christian University (ICU) and participated in its revamped summer program, which not only offered Japanese language classes but cultural classes that exchange students could took with local students. Unlike many international summer programs, this one was meant to redefine immersion. I had Japanese roommates and classmates, practiced calligraphy with a teacher who spoke only Japanese, and even had the chance to reimagine the ending of "The Tale of Princess Kaguya."

After two years of Japanese language study, I was fortunate to be placed in a level 2 language class, which presented its own challenges. The classes were conducted entirely in Japanese, and given my limited practice outside the classroom back in the States, I initially struggled to comprehend what the professors were saying. So I leaned on my classmates for assistance. However, communication extended beyond words. In fact, all our senses worked together to make sense of the world. From the professors' expressions, gestures, intonations, etc., I gradually found my pace in this more advanced classroom environment. 

The final project entailed researching a public infrastructure, composing a 1500-word essay detailing its history, function, and design pros and cons, and delivering a 15-minute presentation with Q&A based on the essay. I chose Nippori Station as my subject, an important station in central Tokyo connected to Narita Airport via the Skyliner. Beyond its cultural and practical significance, I was drawn to the station because, on the night of my arrival, I accidentally dropped my trunk while descending the stairs from the raised exit to the ground. The sight of people dodging my sliding trunk was simultaneously comical and embarrassing.

But academics, I guess, were the least of what could be mentioned if one were to spend four weeks in this very city of Tokyo. It was a brief stay, yet long enough to savor the city's vibrancy and quirkiness: Karaoke, Monjayaki, izakaya, 18+ manga, and the fireworks. Even joining a group of people waving hands at Kabukicho at night was enough to understand the beauty of what couldn’t yet didn't need to be translated, because next to me were my friends, with whom I would soon part ways. I knew that on some lonely nights, when I stared at the slides across from my bed, I would think about how incredible life was for us to meet in a foreign land. Because it was my first month being 20, and I felt how real life could be. Because Tokyo was more than just Tokyo. 

The ICU International Summer Program in Japan (ISPJ) offers an amazing and enriching experience for not only ICU students but also students from around the world. One of the highlights of the program is the opportunity to explore Japan, a country rich in history, tradition, and modernity. Through a series of exciting field trips, participants get to visit iconic landmarks, immerse themselves in local culture, and witness the captivating beauty of Japan's landscapes. Moreover, the program creates a diverse and vibrant community of students from various countries, fostering an environment where participants can make new friends and exchange cultural perspectives. This multicultural setting not only enhances the overall experience but also broadens students' horizons and understanding of different cultures.

With me, one of the most wonderful things in ISPJ is its comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects. From psychology to calligraphy, and from history to pop culture,  business to environment, participants have the opportunity to delve into various fields of study in just one course. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches students' knowledge but also encourages critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experiences.

Moreover, the program allows participants to gain profound insights into Japan's unique culture. Through engaging cultural activities and workshops, I can learn about traditional practices like calligraphy and experience the essence of Japanese aesthetics. Additionally, literature review sessions provide a glimpse into Japan's literary heritage, offering a deeper understanding of the country's values and storytelling traditions. I'm ICU graduate student from Vietnam and I just have two years to explore Japan so ISPJ is extremely valuable with me. I have a chance to know about calligraphy, sadou, about Japan history, ICU history, Japan traditional culture. The ISPJ also provides me with the chance to explore famous places in Japan include Yokohama Port, Ghibli Museum, Teamlab, Nogawa Park, Glicopia. 

Overall, the ICU International Summer Program in Japan offers for me an extraordinary journey of discovery and learning. Through exciting field trips, cultural immersion, and a comprehensive curriculum, I get to explore Japan's rich heritage, make lifelong friendships, and gain valuable insights into various fields of study. The program's emphasis on experiential learning and language immersion further enhances the transformative experience, making the ISPJ a truly unforgettable adventure for me and other students seeking to broaden their horizons and embrace the wonders of Japan. This is one of my best summer! 

This ISPJ was so memorable for me! In the lesson, some had time to interact with oversea ISPJ students through field work to Glico and Ghibli museum etc, which was a good time to have cross cultural experience: how anime is popular in other countries and about the market related to pop culture and so on. Even inside ICU, there was a lesson of Shodou, Furoshiki, and board games, which I could actually try and had fun, although all of them was difficult for me. Studying about Japan in English and having opinion or knowledge from overseas students was new to me, and it enhanced my understanding of Japan itself and Japanese too. Since I have stayed in a dorm with foreign ISPJ students, when the lesson is over, I also had so much time to interact and had unforgettable time! Needless to say going to sightseeing or eating outside such as in Hama-sushi or Kichijoji was enjoyment, just chatting in the dorm and walking long-long Kassouro (main gate road) was also variable time for me. I think this ISPJ could not be done without the faculty members and every ISPJ participants. Thank you so much for all the people who related to this program! 

When I first decided to join ISPJ, I did not exactly know what to expect. Since I am studying to become a Japanese teacher, I was mostly excited to assist the teachers and students and gain firsthand experience in the Japanese Language classes. About halfway through the program, I noticed that this program made me re-realize the joy of teaching Japanese and also learning more about Japan from various perspectives. It was especially memorable to me hearing the overseas students talk about Japan and why they're interested in the Japanese culture. Meeting everyone and talking to them motivated me to strive harder towards my future goal to work as a Japanese teacher.  

However, more than anything, I feel that the friendship I gained in this program is priceless and it is something that I want to value evermore. Everyone had such genuine and unique personalities, while always being so inclusive towards all members. I had never been in a program where I got to create strong ties with so many people. There was truly never a dull moment when I was with them. I hope to see everyone soon again :)