Report by CHOO HUI XIAN (Stella)

An Exchange Students Point of View: Some Final Words

Coming to Soka University (SoDai) has been a blessing. To come to a school where exchange students are valued, appreciated and well taken care of, it made life so much more comfortable and convenient than it might have been. Being in a foreign country, surrounded by a foreign language and foreign culture, I should have been scared and apprehensive. But I wasn't. I still am not. “Why?”

Because I ‘tried’ and ‘did it’. In so many aspects. Trying to live in dormitory and getting used to the strict rules; learning to communicate with people of so many different nationalities and cultures; to speak a language (Japanese) that I wasn't comfortable expressing myself in; studying at Bekka and trying to understand my teachers; taking on 1 Undergraduate course and 3 JAS courses, even when I knew that my time here would be shorter; meeting Japanese students and becoming friends with them…There have been so many things that I was able to do here that I couldn't before. These many things made time all the more exciting.

For this to be my final words for the exchange programme in Japan, no amount may ever be enough. Words cannot and will not be able to express the wealth of feelings, experiences, understandings and encounters that I have gained and gone through during these 4.5 months. But, perhaps this is the best place…to thank all who made this experience for me:

Thank You 国際課！ For making it easy to be in Japan in so many ways (more than I can state here)
Thank You 留学生会！For all the information and bonding sessions, and for being around. ^^
Thank You to all my teachers！
Thank You Cosmos Dormitory and 三号! For the life we had together for 4.5 months.
Thank You ALL MY FRIENDS!

The memories, precious thoughts, valuable experiences, little things accumulated, improvements in my Japanese, and the most treasured of all, THE FRIENDS, will never be forgotten or neglected. “No matter where we go from here, I’m sure we’ll meet again someday, someplace, sometime, somehow.” They have enriched this period of my life so much that no matter where I go, where I will be, what I will do, I’ll remember that…
*I was loved here by a bunch of the most fantastic people I can meet in my life.*

THANK YOU SODAI! AND JAPAN! BYE BYE!!~~

SURVIVAL 101 FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS: Food in Hachioji

Living in Japan for 4 to 10 months, other than school food and your bento, I’m sure you want to try more food! Different cuisines, different tastes, and different places! Here is your guide to delicious food (as friends have accordingly recommended) in Hachioji – around Soka University, and Hachioji Station:

★　Japanese Cuisine:

Sushi – Kurasushi

At Kurasushi, one may often see many groups of people walking in and settling into the booths within. Not just groups of students, families, couples and singles, can often be seen heading the way of the sushi restaurant.

Hmm…so why is it so popular? Firstly, being the nearest food outlet to both Cosmos and Hoyu Dormitory, it is easily accessible for international students who want to eat out together but not walk too far. The second major reason is the price. At 100yen a plate of sushi, food is cheap and affordable for many international and Japanese students. *I would highly recommend the Tempura Sushi.* Desserts such as Chawanmushi and Ice-cream Sundaes, are priced slightly higher, but remain under 200yen. The favorite desserts of students, children and adults alike, is the cheesecake and the chocolate cake. It has been highly recommended that both cakes should be eaten with some macha powder smeared on the top layer. Thirdly, the wide selection of Sushi and desserts is highly attractive for people who want variety in their meals. Lastly, for every 5 plates of sushi or dessert eaten, one ‘lucky chance’ is automatically awarded to customers, and if you’re lucky, you get a souvenir! These can be keychains, yo-yos, handphone accessories, etc depending on the season of your visit.

At Kurasushi, there are both counter and booth seats. The booth can seat up to 8 people, depending on the group that you go with. On weekends, the waiting time is testimony to the popularity of this food outlet. If prior booking has not been made, one can wait for over an hour to be seated within. But, the food is definitely worth the wait! So, go!

Okonomiyaki

Situated at the foot of Soka University from the Main Gate, it is convenient and easily accessible for students. The prices are affordable, ranging from 300yen to 700yen, depending on the type and size of the portion ordered. The wide variety of the types of Okonomiyaki offered makes it a popular choice among students. Generally, single-flavored Okonomiyaki are cheaper than the mixed-flavored ones. Some recommended flavors include the Kimchi-Buta (Pork with Kimchi) Okonomiyaki and the Seafood Okonomiyaki. For people who do not eat a lot, one portion is sufficient for 2 people. For people who have larger appetites, you can request for an increased portion at 150yen.

Perhaps the best thing about this shop, is that you have to make the Okonomiyaki yourself! For those who have never done this before, bring a friend who has, with you! Or, have no worries! The shop owner can guide you the correct way to make a delicious Okonomiyaki!

The only setbacks for this restaurant, are the waiting time and the smell. (>.<) It takes a while to mash the ingredients together before frying it, and this takes effort and skill to properly mix the foods together. The frying further takes time to ensure that the food is totally cooked. This shop is thus highly recommended if you have time to spare. Secondly, the smell of the Okonomiyaki – the oil and the food – lingers on your clothes and hair even after you leave. Definitely, you will have to change immediately.

Ramen – いつものところ(Itsumo no Tokoro)

Highly recommended by both international and Japanese students alike, the main attraction point for this shop is the slight charcoal taste in the ramen soup. This taste is perhaps different from other ramen, that one may find around Hachioji station. Types of ramen and the size of each portion offered remain as per at other ramen outlets, i.e. a huge portion for small eaters. You will definitely leave the shop feeling full and satisfied. Prices of the ramen are affordable at 600yen, and in my opinion, this is reasonable for the size of the ramen.
A testament to the popularity if this shop, is that it is always crowded. According to recommendations, the waiting time depends on the number of people you go with, and the timing. The close proximity to Hoyu Dormitory also makes it popular among exchange students.

The only setback is the few tables in the shop. The tables are able to seat few people (around 6), and thus makes it a wonderful place to gather at for small groups of people. Others generally sit at the counter and order their food. The small shop makes it a really cozy and comfortable place to sit and enjoy the food.

Takoyaki – 銀だこ (Gindako)

One of the most famous Takoyaki shops around Hachioji station, Gindako is highly recommended by Japanese students to foreign students. It has reputedly the best Takoyaki in Hachioji.

*Disclaimer: I have not tried it thus far and cannot attest to how fantastic it is*.
But, do try it and see how good it is!

★　Korean Cuisine:

Kimchi Nabe – Kintaro

Situated near the foot of Soka University, it is convenient for students walking down from the Main Gate and past Makiguchi Kinen Kaikan (Makikuchi Hall). A little shop located off the path, the appearance of the shop may not look promising or that attractive, but the delicious food makes up for everything. The shop is manned by a ‘little’ lady, and several students help to serve the food. Inside, the shop is ‘tatami-room’ styled, and you can often see students sitting around the tables, enjoying the food heartily. The prices here ranges from 350 to 800yen.

Several food to recommend are: Kimchi Nabe, Chichimi and Stamina-don. Kimchi Nabe, which refers to the Korean hotpot, seems the top pick for people who go there in groups. While one person can indeed finish one pot by herself/himself, for greater variety, one pot for at least 2 people is recommended. Kimchi Nabe is served with rice and kimchi, and soup as well. The portion of Kimchi Nabe to order differs according with the number of people who go. Chichimi, a Korean pancake which is made from flour, kimchi and other ingredients, is a ‘lighter’ contrast to the strong taste of Kimchi Nabe. Ordering both and having the meal with a group of friends is definitely filling. Stamina-don, so-called because of the relatively greater amount of meat cooked with it, is a fantastic meal to enjoy by yourself.

Delicious as it is, you must be prepared to wait a long time. Kimchi Nabe takes a long time to prepare and cook, thus time is definitely needed. Additionally, the kimchi smell lingers on your clothes and hair even after you leave the shop. The last setback for the place, is that you may get mosquitoes and flies in summer if you open the windows.

★　Thai Cuisine:

Tom Yum Goong – Thai Lan Na

A little out of the way, this restaurant near Hachioji Station will take some time to find. But it is worth the effort and time, according to the Thais. Why? Thai Lan Na serves authentic Thai food and drinks, with some allowance – spiciness is tempered down for some dishes – for people who are not used to spicy food. Additionally, the ambience is fantastic. The restaurant is located on the second floor of a building, from which you have the view of the streets in Hachioji. In the restaurant, Thai pop music is played, with Thai ornaments and souvenirs laid around the shop. Although the service people are Thai, they speak Japanese too, so you do not have to worry about communication!

Food highly recommended by the Thais include the Tom Yum Goong, the Beef in Oyster Sauce, and the dessert ‘Tapioca Balls with Coconut Milk and Coconut Icecream and Jackfruit on top’. Tom Yum Goong is a famous dish in Thailand, where it is commonly cooked with seafood and mushrooms, and had with rice. The sauce-soup is spicy, but extremely tasty. The Beef in Oyster Sauce is another recommended dish – the beef is succulent and well-cooked, and the appearance appetizing with the mix of both red and green pepper. The dessert is the last highlight for the restaurant. The taste is indescribable, and the only advice is: Try it!

Unfortunately, the prices for this restaurant are steeper than the rest of the food here, but for authentic Thai food, it is really worth it. So, be prepared to enjoy the food, but pay the price!

★　Indian Cuisine:

Naan – Bal’s Spicy Deli

Situated near Daiei, this shop should be easy to locate. A small shop, it cannot accommodate big groups of people, but is a perfect place for people who want to sit around with a few friends and enjoy their food. This shop offers a rather limited selection of food. Their specialties are Naan (which is a fried flour bread), and Curry. There are 2 types of Naan offered: Plain, or with Cheese, but customers have a variety of Curry to choose from. Depending on the day, the selection of curry offered differs. The curry can be eaten with both rice and Naan. My pick is the Naan-Curry set meal. The set meal offers 2 bowls of curry (of your choice) and a huge piece of Naan for an affordable price of 660yen. For small eaters, the portion can definitely be shared between 2 people. For vegetarians, no fear! Vegetarian curry is offered, but has to be ordered at the counter because it is seldom displayed.

The fantastic food, good ambience, and pleasant service has made it my favorite place with friends. The only setback is that the curry taste is not strong comparing with Indian food in Southeast Asia. Nonetheless, for Japanese and other international students who prefer ‘lighter’ tastes, the curry should be just nice.

SURVIVAL 101 FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS: Places to Gather with Friends in SoDai

“Ding Dong～” The bell rings. Classes have ended for the day.
But, I don't want to go back to the dormitory! I just want to sit down and relax, and have a nice chat with my friends!
Hmm, where shall I go then…?

If you have ever thought this to yourself before, then have no worries! I can tell you where!

From my research, the places on campus where I see students gathering to relax, are:

1. Library 図書館

The “Browsing Room” at the library is a place where students can eat, study or even chat and listen to music. The couches and listening stations provide a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

2. Canteens/ Food Halls　食堂

Food!! The best form of relaxation one can take after a long day in class. The food halls are extremely popular with both Japanese and foreign students because, besides just eating, students can sit with friends, drink tea, and enjoy a variety of desserts too! o(^.^)o

3. Bekka – International Center　別科―国際交流センター

Bekka’s Lobby and Second Floor have open seating areas and 2 computer rooms, which are provided for students to enjoy or study with their friends. Students are also free to have lunch or snack in these areas, making it a convenient and popular place to pass time.

4. Honbutou　本部棟

Honbutou has a fantastic view of Soka University’s campus from the top floors as well as Mount Fuji on clear days! Perhaps the most attractive area for international students inside Honbutou would be the World Language Centre lounge, which is a lively place for multi-cultural interaction and language-learning.

5. Student Hall　学生ホール

Another area popular with students is the Student Hall. Here students can buy food, drinks, and a variety of snacks from the small convenience store on the first floor and then go to the top two floors or outside to eat. On sunny days, the good weather gives incentive to sit outside with friends. On warm rainy days, the comfortable couches inside lure students in to enjoy the air-conditioning!

6. Takiyama Terrace (at Building A)　滝山テラス

On the terrace with an overhead shade, one can enjoy the outdoors and still avoid the sun. Here, vending machines selling food and drinks are available for students to grab snacks. Meetings between teachers and students are also held here, over a drink! As students love to gather here in groups, it is certainly a lively and noisy place to be!

7. Other places at Building A – the Rooftop　A棟

Benches are placed around the rooftop, where students can be seen gathering during breaks to have snacks and drinks. The view from the rooftop is especially beautiful at night, since you can see the entire SoDai campus! The view of the pond from above gives a special soothing feel, and makes it a perfect place for friends to gather and view the campus scenery!

8.　Pond at the Literature Building　文学の池

A quiet and scenic place, students commented that the Literature Pond is perfect for secret gatherings. The small pavilion is an ideal place for friends to get together and share secrets!
Ranking:JapaneseForeign
1Food Halls, Takiyama TerraceBekka
2Student HallFood Halls, Student Hall
3BekkaHonbutou, Library

After surveying a number of Japanese students and foreign students, it is generally agreed that Bekka, Student Hall, Food Halls, and Honbutou are the preferred places students enjoy gathering at.
However, looking closely at the results, the difference between Japanese and foreign students can be seen:

Interesting, isn’t it? Points to note:

For the Japanese students, Bekka is a popular choice because many students want to go overseas for exchange, and the International Center is where students go to get information.

For exchange students, the library is a surprise, since the common thinking is that exchange students are here to play and have fun… But besides all the games and joy, there’s work to do still! Exchange students gather at the library to do their homework, while enjoying snacks and a quiet atmosphere.

Do you want to find out more?
…
…
COME TO SOKA UNIVERSITY AND YOU’LL SEE!!!

「Bekka:JAS」What’s there for YOU?

Prospective exchange students have 2 choices. The first being Japanese language courses under the Institute of Japanese Language (IJL), affectionately called by students as ‘Bekka’. The second is the Japan-Asia Studies program (JAS), where students take mainly Economics-related courses.
Studying under the IJL E(xchange)-class program, exchange students are streamed into classes based on a placement test. At the end of the first semester, students usually rise to the next level, but they may choose to take another placement test to try for a much higher level. But, does the level you take matter? According to an exchange student from the Philippines, PH Chua, communication in Japanese is beyond just the classroom –

“learning Japanese in Bekka doesn’t depend on levels too much…Students from a lower level class can communicate pretty well with higher level students. And this, I believe is a really good thing.”

So, what else is there?

In JAS, exchange students can take courses if they are proficient in English or if they have done well for the TOEIC test. This criteria also applies for Japanese students, so that classes can be more interactive between students. As JAS focuses on mainly Economics, some basic knowledge will be helpful but not necessary. Every semester, courses offered for JAS differ, so exchange students have the opportunity to take a variety of courses during their one-year stay.
In IJL, students in E2 class and above may take Undergraduate courses while those proficient in English or do well for TOEIC can take classes under JAS, however, this decision is approved with consultation and at the discretion of their teachers. Students under JAS can take undergraduate courses if these are in English, while a course in Japanese language communication is offered under IJL for their interest.

E5 to E2 students have 45min-lessons usually from 9am to 12.20pm, except for higher-level (E1, EX3 and EX2) students who take fewer language classes and begin lessons later. There are a variety of lessons, teaching styles and textbooks. For example, E2 class makes use of movies and animations to improve the Japanese language listening skills of students. In contrast, students in JAS have lessons at less structured timings, and classes are usually 1.5 hours long. Several JAS classes involve group discussions and textbooks are seldom used, although a fair amount of independent reading is required.

What about outside class?

Perhaps the most striking difference between Bekka and JAS is, one’s classmates. In Bekka, lessons are taken with foreign students, and learning here goes beyond the Japanese language:

“…I learned not only Japanese but a great variety of languages – Korean, French, Spanish, etc. from all the different exchange students…” – PH Chua, Philippines
“…the most important part is that I was able to live with people from all over the world and know their points of view in many aspects of life” – Liliana Figueroa, Bolivia

Here, one is exposed to many different cultures. In JAS, the majority are Japanese students who are largely proficient in English (because they have been abroad, or will be going abroad), and thus the JAS experience is of interacting with Japanese culture. According to Liliana Figueroa, the exchange student from Bolivia,

“…it is easy to tell who has studied abroad, because the Japanese who have
been abroad are more open-minded and enjoy interacting with foreigners. But
Japanese who have not, are more shy and keep to themselves more…”

Reflecting…

Bekka and JAS provide a rich experience on studying in Soka University, and the varying options offered to students enhances their choices. Considering between IJL or JAS is really more of YOUR desire, and YOUR fulfillment! So, don't just think! Explore YOUR chances here!

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