Anna Patricia "Yapi" Santiago

With Hase-sensei

Which course are you studying in?

I am studying in the SILAC program.

What were you doing before you came to Yamasa?

I'm studying Art at the University of the Philippines, I've been there 3 years now.

Did you start as a beginner?

I started in Level 8. So I wasn't an absolute beginner but in Yamasa's curriculum I had the equivalent of about 50 Yamasa program hours.

Where did you study before?

I was actually self taught to some extent. I'm very interested in Manga and animation so my first exposure to the Japanese language was via popular art. I started studying by myself so that I could read the inscriptions and from last year really started getting into it.

How long have you been at Yamasa?

I've been here only 4 weeks.

Is this the first time you have lived in Japan?

Yes. I've visited before but this is the longest I've spent in Japan and the first time actually living here, staying in the same location.

What are you plans after graduation?

I'm going to do a little travelling first and then head back to university. After I get my BA I'm hoping to do a postgraduate degree in Japan studying fine arts BUT - I'd actually like to get into Manga.

With my kickboard...

Where are you living at the moment?

I'm living in the student village. I'm sharing a room with a girl from Taiwan who is also in the SILAC program.

What is your accommodation like?

Its very clean and I like the atmosphere. The resident manager takes good care of us. I like the interaction, its very friendly and everybody knows everyone.

How do you get to classes?

I use a kickboard! I bought it at the bicycle shop on the way to school. I bought one of the more expensive ones - it was 12,000 yen. It takes about half the time that it takes to walk. I can fold it up and take it with me on the train - so I'll take it when I go travelling after my course.

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

Nothing big so far but when I get lost - for example at a major train station - its very confusing. All of the signs are written in Kanji so its a bit frustrating. But so far no problems that I haven't been able to get out of...

Any surprises you would like to share?

The teachers! One of the teachers even lent me a CD player for a month. Things like that. I haven't had too many surprises outside, but not much. One surprise is that there were no policemen on the streets. When I was lost I started looking for one. I asked my teachers why there weren't any and they said that because it was safe they weren't really needed much around here. Plus everybody is friendly so I can practically ask anybody with too much worry.

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

Relax! Its so comfortable that you don't need to worry - so just enjoy it. Learn as much as you can.