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STUDENT INTERVIEW: Alejandro Silva (AIJP)

Alejandro Silva

Alejandro from Venezuela, studied on the Acceleration program Spring quarter 2002, and decided to come back again and is currently in AIJP.

Jon: Second time around how is everything?
Alejandro: It's good, pretty much the same as last time. I am having fun and learning a lot.

J: How does the Acceleration program you were in when you were last here differ from the AIJP course you are in now?
A: The pace the programs move at is different. I actually miss Acceleration because I was able to learn so much in a short space of time. I've got used to AIJP now and it's getting quite difficult so I have to study fairly hard.

J: Why did you decide to come back to Yamasa again, rather than go to a different school in a different location?
A: I considered going somewhere else to study but I heard some bad stories about other schools in Japan from friends. Mainly because I knew what to expect - I knew what the accommodation and teaching was like. I was actually going to extend my last stay at Yamasa but I couldn't in the end because my visa wouldn't cover the period I wanted to stay on for.

J: How did you find out about Yamasa?
A: I had just graduated from university and was deciding between learning Chinese and Japanese. I sat in front of a computer and entered the words 'learn Chinese Japanese' and on the first page on the right hand side where the advertisements come up was one which said learn Japanese in Japan. I don't normally take any notice of these but this seemed like exactly what I was looking for so I clicked on it and it took me straight to Yamasa's homepage. I looked at other schools as well but they just didn't seem to have what Yamasa could offer.

J: So you eventually chose Japanese over Chinese, but why exactly are you studying it?
A: I would like to find a job in Japan and you obviously need to have a good level of Japanese to do that. My mother was a Spanish and English teacher at Louisiana State University in America and got my interest going to learn other languages. The main aim is to find work in Japan.
J: What kind of work are you looking for?
A: I have a degree in Systems Engineering so I am looking for something in that field. My dream job is to make video games for a company like Nintendo.

J: What were you doing before you came to Yamasa the first time?
A: I graduated from university in October 2001, worked for 3 months and then came to Yamasa. I had been working again before I came this time.

J: Had you studied any Japanese before you came to Yamasa?
A: Nothing at all. I came here with the idea that Japanese people would speak basic English so I wouldn't have too many problems.....but I was totally wrong! I soon realized that nobody spoke any English, especially in Okazaki....it helped me to learn more quickly though!

J: What do you think of Okazaki?
A: There isn't a great deal to do in Okazaki. You have everything you need very close here but not everything you want. I love movies but the only movie theater in Okazaki is tiny.

J: You chose the Student Village as your accommodation choice both times you've been here. Why?
A: The first time it was because of the internet access in the rooms which was good because I could keep in contact with my family. But this time the reason is because it's the best place to meet people and make friends. Last time I found I mainly spoke English whilst living there but this time it's English, Spanish and also Japanese as my proficiency improves. There is always something going on, people to talk to and I don't spend much time in my room, but in the communal living area.

J: What will you do after you finish studying in December?
A: I will go back to Venezuela and keep on working, perhaps with the same company I worked for before I came to Japan. I plan to save some money and come back to Yamasa, maybe on a student visa for long term studies.

J: Any advice for incoming students?
A: If you are an absolute beginner learn hiragana and katakana before you arrive. I had to learn it really quickly soon after I arrived - in less than a week I think. Also try to find Japanese friends to practice your Japanese with. It's difficult to communicate when you're a beginner but I would still recommend practicing as it pays off later when you become more used to speaking and listening.

J: Are there any improvements you than can think Yamsa could make, or anything you would like to see added on campus, in the accommodation etc?
A: Put a table-tennis table in the Student Village and have a canteen or cafe especially for the students as I'm not much of a cooking person - yesterday I actually cooked my first meal since I've been in Japan, and that includes the last time I was here as well!
J: If the first time you cooked was yesterday what have you been doing all the time before that?
A: Well; I have lots of packaged food such as ramen and udon which is very easy to make. I even at an apple recently which I've never done before - I have to thank Barbara, my classmate, for that.

J: And finally any message for our readers?
A: Hi Mum!