2018 Japanese-Language Program successfully concludes
2018/10/12
On September 28, Mr. Melemalt Benedict visited the Embassy of Japan after successfully completing a two-week Japanese language program for overseas outstanding students, which was held from September 5 to 19, in Osaka, Japan. Mr. Benedict represented Palau among 48 participants from various other countries. The program organized by the Japan Foundation, is held once every year for the purpose of inviting outstanding students learning Japanese overseas, to visit Japan and to deepen their knowledge of not only the language, but also its society and culture.
During his stay in Japan, Mr. Benedict took Japanese language lectures, as well as having opportunities to visit famous tourist attractions in Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima Prefecture. He visited sites such as Osaka castle in Osaka, Manga (comic) museum, Kinkakuji temple and other Buddhist temples and shrines in Kyoto, Itsukushima shrine and Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima. Furthermore, to learn more about the Japanese culture, participants had opportunities to participate in culture related activities, which Mr. Benedict chose classes to learn Japanese calligraphy and drums. He also had a chance to spend time with a host family, who took him on a sightseeing tour in Osaka, with two other participants from Belarus and Mexico.
Through participating in this program, Mr. Benedict feels that he was able to improve his Japanese language skills and learn more about the Japanese culture. In addition, he also had opportunities to make friends and explore Japan with participants from other countries. Mr. Benedict shared that he had some challenges in riding the bullet train by himself, as well as trying to communicate in Japanese language, especially trying to understand the Kansai dialect used in west Japan. However, overall he had a great experience and was especially impressed by how convenient everything was in Japan. He hopes to further continue his Japanese studies back in Palau.
The Embassy of Japan will continue to support the program, as well as supporting Palauans whom would like to pursue their education in Japan.
During his stay in Japan, Mr. Benedict took Japanese language lectures, as well as having opportunities to visit famous tourist attractions in Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima Prefecture. He visited sites such as Osaka castle in Osaka, Manga (comic) museum, Kinkakuji temple and other Buddhist temples and shrines in Kyoto, Itsukushima shrine and Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima. Furthermore, to learn more about the Japanese culture, participants had opportunities to participate in culture related activities, which Mr. Benedict chose classes to learn Japanese calligraphy and drums. He also had a chance to spend time with a host family, who took him on a sightseeing tour in Osaka, with two other participants from Belarus and Mexico.
Through participating in this program, Mr. Benedict feels that he was able to improve his Japanese language skills and learn more about the Japanese culture. In addition, he also had opportunities to make friends and explore Japan with participants from other countries. Mr. Benedict shared that he had some challenges in riding the bullet train by himself, as well as trying to communicate in Japanese language, especially trying to understand the Kansai dialect used in west Japan. However, overall he had a great experience and was especially impressed by how convenient everything was in Japan. He hopes to further continue his Japanese studies back in Palau.
The Embassy of Japan will continue to support the program, as well as supporting Palauans whom would like to pursue their education in Japan.