Lukas Kubin

In the PC Lab, Aoi Hall

Which course are you studying in?

I started in the AIJP and then my company decided to recall me early - and then changed their minds - and then changed their minds again. So 8 weeks ago I transferred into the SILAC program when I knew that I wouldn't be able to complete a full quarter of AIJP studies.

What were you doing before you came to Yamasa?

I was working in Prague as the Marketing Manager for the importing agent for BMW AG.

Did you start as a beginner?

I started as an absolute beginner. I started with A, I, U, E, O....

So you hadn't studied Japanese at all before?

Thats right. I had studied English, German and Russian but I hadn't studied any Asian languages. I've been interested in Asia since I was a child, especially China and Japan. Its a personal interest.

Photocopier

How long have you been at Yamasa?

Nearly 5 months now.

Is this the first time you have lived in Japan?

Yes, my second day in Japan was at Yamasa.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm going to continue studying Japanese of course, but I probably won't use it much at work. I'm going to keep working in Marketing in Prague which is mostly English or German based.

Where are you living at the moment?

I have a single apartment in Yamasa Villa 4.

What is your accommodation like?

It was cold during the winter but generally very nice. Best thing is that you don't have to share anything and I like my privacy.

How do you get to classes?

I bought a brand new bicycle on the second day I was here. It was only 10,000 yen so it wasn't too much more expensive than the second hand ones. Its good, it only takes about 5 minutes to get to school and I can do all of my shopping etc just with the bike. Its cheaper and actually quicker than the bus. The city streets are fairly flat so its easy to get around. Its good exercise too. In Prague I always drive! I've lost 11 kilos in 5 months!

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

With Onishi Sensei

After 3 months I was a little homesick. This is the furthest I've ever been away from home and I missed family and friends. The weather was still cold and I was a bit depressed for a few days. I got over it quickly enough by talking to friends etc. The teachers are super. They were very supportive as well as good teachers. They're really nice people. Also being busy with homework etc also helped. Its an advantage to be busy...

Any surprises you would like to share?

Its very expensive - I knew that it would be expensive but I was shocked at the price of food for a week compared to Prague. I learnt how to manage and how to conserve my money. Buying fresh foods in smaller quantities etc. It was a good experience for me.

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

This was my big dream and I was very motivated. I think I would advise anyone who was very serious about learning Japanese to review every class everyday, spend 2-3 hours everyday after classes studying alone and of course then getting out and speaking Japanese to people. Putting theory into practice.