Maria（Spain）
Q. What made you start studying Japanese? And why did you choose ARC ?
I started studying Japanese because I was interested in anime and Japanese culture since high school, and wanted to know more about that great unknown country for me. I chose Arc Academy because the Japanese academy where I studied in Barcelona recommended this site.
Q. Is this your first time in Japan?
No, the first time I came with my parents on family trip, then I came to Japan to study for two months. So this was my third time here.
Q. Were you worried before coming to Japan?
The truth is that I did not have many worries since Japan is a very safe and well-ordered country so I did not feel much insecurity, what worried me most was that I did not know how to communicate or transmit what I wanted to do or how to do about various paperworks to live here.
Q. How long have you studied at ARC?
I have been studying in ARC for almost 1 year. I am going to graduate in March of this year 2017.
Q. Is there any lessons you particularly enjoyed?
The EJU and JLPT exam preparation classes have been really good and efficient, i think. The teachers are very attentive and are always willing to resolve any my queries. The class that I have liked so far is definitely one of the optional classes “Visit a Japanese elementary school”. It really leaves me a good memory and it became a great experience.
Q. What do you spend your free time?
At the beginning, I studied Japanese after class because my level was still not good enough. After a couple of months, I found an arubaito (part-time job) and went to work some of the days every week and of course kept studying as well. Besides, sometimes I hang out with my friends or I just go to game centers or karaoke.
Q. What type of accommodation do you live in? How did you find it?
I live in a Share house. The academy where I studied in Barcelona recommended 3 pages of Share House websites and I chose the one that suited me the most. I book it from Spain.
Q. Do you think the cost of living in Japan is expensive?
The cost of living in Tokyo is expensive compared to other countries such as my country, but if you look at the average of Japanese salary, you can also understand that the standard of living is expensive because they also receive good salaries. You can also find cheap shops and bargains easily.
Q. Do you have any part-time jobs? If yes, how did you find it?
Yes, I have a part-time job. A friend of ARC recommended the job sites and helped me to go to the interview.
Q. Have you had any problems since you came to Japan?
One of the problems I had was about the contract of SIM card. I wanted to make a contract for the mobile phone, but I was still 19 years old at that time, so I could not apply for a SIM card without the consent of my parents or a legal guardian, so I had to wait for my birthday. When I became 20 years old, I could have my SIM card finally.
If you have any problems, ARC staff are always willing to help you, so you don’t have to worry so much. They will always have a solution for you, like how to open a Bank account or how to register as a resident at the city hall. In addition, you can always ask your friends and classmates of ARC who have already had in the same situation. They would kindly tell you what to do.
Q. What will you do after I complete studying at ARC?
I will return to Barcelona to finish my university studies and plan to study a master course in Japan.
Q. What advice would you give to the people who are considering studying in Japan?
Please don’t worry about the level of your present Japanese level. You will improve without a doubt at ARC with pleasure only if you have a clear purpose like you want to master Japanese or want to work in Japan. Please come and enjoy this experience! You might happen to meet not only good things but also negative things sometimes, but I’m sure you will not regret.
