STUDENT INTERVIEW: Lim Ling Khim (SILAC)

Lim Ling Khim

Lim Ling Khim, a student from Brunei, kindly agreed to do the interview for this week's newsletter.

Patty: Thanks for agreeing to do the interview.
L: Oh sure, no problem.

P: I'll go straight into the questions. How did you find out about Yamasa?
L: I was browsing through the internet for a Japanese school, because I have studied Japanese before, and I wanted to pick up where I left off. Then I found Yamasa because it gives a lot of necessary information you need to study in Japan.

P: When did you come to Japan and why did you choose SILAC?
L: I came to Japan three weeks ago and I wanted to study short term, so I chose an 8 week SILAC program.

P: So, how do you like your classes?
L: Classes are alright, I can pick up Japanese fairly quickly.
P: Which part of studying do you find is the hardest?
L: Well, listening, reading, and writing are alright, but speaking is still not too good. I cannot speak very well probably because I don't speak as much Japanese as I should after classes finish.
P: How do you study?
L: Basically, I try to review what we learn each day, do my homework, and prepare for the next day's lessons.

P: You mentioned earlier that this is your third week in Japan. What do you normally do in your spare time?
L: Besides studying, grocery shopping, and surfing the internet, I like to travel and take pictures. I went to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo during the past few weekends. In fact, I was in Kyoto with the school's weekend tour last week.
P: I can see you have been busy traveling during weekends. About the tour, how was it?
L: It was interesting doing sightseeing and visiting all the temples along with my friends who are in other SILAC classes. Unfortunately, it rained over the weekend, so it kind of spoiled the fun a bit.
P: Sorry to hear that. So, what do you think of the places that you went to?
L: Well, Osaka and Tokyo are very big and modern cities with lots of people. I think most of the young people like to go to big cities because they are new and provide lots of opportunities. As for Kyoto, it seemed to be more traditional and with many older people. Even nearby cities, such as Kamakura, seemed to be very traditional too. I felt like there was a generation gap when I went to those places.

P: As you mentioned earlier, you like to take pictures, I assume you have taken a lot of them during your weekend trips?
L: Oh yes, I did. However, I have not developed any of them yet because my family owns a photo shop, so I'll just wait until I go back to Brunei.

P: Speaking of Brunei, how is it different from Japan?
L: Well, Brunei is small both geographically and population-wise if you compare it to Japan. However, it is a how a small town feel, similar to Okazaki.
P: How about the food? Any difference in the food?
L: I'm actually Chines so back in Brunei we have a lot of Chinese food. I think some of the Chinese dishes are quite similar to Japanese, so I have no problem with Japanese food.
P: It seems you've adjusted to life in Japan pretty well.
L: I guess so.

P: Changing the subject a bit; how is your accommodation?
L: I'm staying at a shared in the Student Village. The size of the room and the facilities are all good. Everything is there. Only occasionaly noisy at night. However, apart from that, I think it's a nice place to stay.

P: So what are your plans after you finish studying at Yamasa?
L: Well, after I finish my 8 week course, I'm going to so some traveling.
P: Where do you have in mind this time?
L: Well, I plan to go to Tokyo again and visit my homestay family in Yamanashi Prefecture.
P: So, you've been to Japan and done a homestay before?
L: Ah yes, I was in an exchange program two years ago. However, I was only in Japan for ten days and did a two day homestay. So, since I'm in Japan now, I thought I should visit my homestay family before I go back to Brunei.
P: That's nice.
L: Likewise, my friend from Brunei might join me here and we thought about traveling around central Japan for a bit too.
P: Sounds like a great plan.

P: And finally, any advice or suggestions for new students?
L: Well, if you have the time and money to stay longer in Japan, it might be a good idea to apply for AIJP in order to learn more Japanese. Moreover, try to go out more nad make friends with Japanese people, so you can improve your speaking skills. Lastly, try to join other activities that the school provides, such as weekend tours because you get to see more of Japan than just plain studying. I guess that would be all.

P: Thanks for being this week's interviewee.
L: You're welcome.