The students' names, home countries and university names are given.
Five years ago, as a high school student, I came to Osaka to study, and I fell in love with the place. I discovered Takarazuka Revue at that time and decided to attend the Maple Program so I could learn more about this musical theater troupe. When I return to Brazil, I want to write a thesis about the link between theater like Takarazuka Revue and Japanese culture.
As a Maple Program student, you can learn both from experience and from the many courses the program provides, all rich in content. This was really important for me for my studies abroad. Also, I love owarai (Japanese comedy). Osaka is the center for owarai in Japan, so, living and studying in Osaka, I can go directly to the theater and see rakugo (comic storytelling) and comedies. One day I want to do research of some kind on Japanese owarai.
I studied Japanese for six years in high school and at university. It was my dream to study abroad in Japan and learn about the language and culture. Students from all over the world gather here, so through the Japanese language I could become friends with students from many different countries. I am enjoying my studies and my daily life here. I am discovering so many things about Japan I did not know yet! My days are filled with wonder and discovery.
TAs (Teaching Assistants) and TFs (Teaching Fellows) support Maple Program students’ learning. TAs are Master Course students, and as such stand close to the students. TFs are Doctor Course students, and are able to provide the students with learning support from a more specialized position.
Below, you can find messages from the TAs and TFs to future students.
I’m very glad to study with students from all over the world and have culture exchanges by the Maple Program. When we under the multicultural shock, we can not only locate our own national culture, but also find ourselves in it. I hope you will have a delightful time in the Osaka University!
Since this program has students from many countries, I believe that you will not only learn about Japan, but also from many different perspectives. I'm just a graduate student starting out as a Japanese teacher, so I look forward to learning with you all!
In the Maple Program, you will be able to meet students from many different countries. I hope you will have a meaningful experience to learn not only about Japan but also about your own country and other countries through your study abroad life. I am looking forward to touch various cultures with you all.
The Chinese culture that Japan once embraced has become Japan's own unique culture. This is the starting-point of my comparative research. Through cross-cultural experiences, you will rethink your country in all aspects critically which can be an eye opener to many of you. Please enjoy the moment you have in Japan!
I look forward to meeting everyone at the Maple Program. Enjoy your study abroad life while learning language and cultures with international students from all over the world!
When we study about a language or a culture with a group of people from different cultural backgrounds and who speak different languages, sometimes we get to see some different aspects of the target culture or language, that we would not be able to notice by ourselves. I hope that here you will enjoy seeing Japan through your peers' eyes as well as your own and I will be happy to help you along the way.