Jason Pierre Ollison

Jason Ollison

Which course are you studying in?

I've been studying for 10 weeks in the SILAC program. For my first 8 weeks I never had more than 4 students in my class, and then I went up to a higher level which had only 9 students. I never experienced the class ceiling of 15 students - there are an impressive number of levels.

I think I've been able to accomplish everything I wanted to do. My vocabulary has expanded considerably, my understanding of grammar, and if nothing else I feel a lot more confident with what I know.

What were you doing before you came to Yamasa?

I was studying at Georgetown University pursuing undergraduate degrees in international relations and history. This is my summer break.

Did you start as a beginner?

No. I had studied Japanese for my first 2 years in university but if you have a major other than Japanese then its not exactly your first priority - so I found that I'd forgotten a lot of stuff. At Yamasa I started with the Minna no Nihongo II text at chapter 26.

Where did you study (Japanese or what) before?

Georgetown University. We covered most of the grammar but there was a lot that needed to be brushed up on and Yamasa made my really feel that I finally understood the grammar. Frankly I'd like to recommend the texts/materials used here to my university.

How long have you been at Yamasa?

10 weeks. I finish tomorrow.

Is this the first time you have lived in Japan?

Yes, a week staying with a friend while I was on my way to China. Just one previous visit to Tokyo. I've now been to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo and Hiroshima. Nagoya of course.

You mentioned before the interview that you thought prices were high...

Yes, I think so. Maybe especially so for westerners. I guess I'd like to advise people to budget for an expensive experience. Its much more expensive than Georgetown.

What are you plans after graduation?

I have to finish up the my last year of schooling. I have to past the oral proficiency test at university in Japanese, which I'm very confident of now thanks to Yamasa. I'll also probably be coming back to Japan in the near future for career purposes etc.

Where are you living at the moment?

A single room in the student village.

What is your accommodation like?

The single room gives me everything I need. The other facilities compliment the room. The kitchens are wonderful because I love cooking and its got everything. Same with the common rooms.

One bit of advice - I didn't bring a laptop so I was a bit dependent on the village PC - if I came again I would bring my own laptop. In fact by the middle of the summer I was actually wondering how much it would cost to ship my desktop over.

Communications are pretty good. I had my own phone in the village so I didn't need to rent a cellphone.

How do you get to classes?

On my mountain bike. Takes 5 minutes.

What is the biggest challenge or problem you've faced so far in Japan?

I guess the feeling that no matter how proficient I become or acquainted with the culture that I'll always be a foreigner. Dealing with it mostly means acceptance - it helps that I'm not planning to live here for a long period of time.

Any surprises you would like to share?

The simultaneous old and new. I took a picture of a "yumamba girl" in a yukata with a fan in one hand and keitai in other!

If a new student was entering your class today and asked for some advice, what would you say?

Review all the time, nothing is too easy, get out and speak Japanese - even if its just with other non-japanese students.