3+1 Dispatch Program At the University of Tsukuba





Japanese Studies,

 Yoo YeonJung

I went to the University of Tsukuba as an exchange student in early 2009(6^th April~31^st July). I decided to come to Japan and study, because knowledge on current situation of the area is of significance as an area specialist. Therefore, my purposes for the program were obtaining the latest information, improving language skills and learning Japanese life.

Studying in Japan helped me collect materials that cannot be acquired in Korea. They were informative in organizing ideas for my thesis. In Japan, I concentrated on studying the “corruption in Japan after political reforms in 1994. Considering the recently unveiled political scandal concerning Ohzawa and Hatoyama of the Democratic Party, I looked for reasons why such corruption is still going on after the reforms. Thanks to the university, I could find out much information on the issue.

I have been studying Japanese for years, but did not have many chances to use it. Thus, it was a good chance to practice my language skills. With the help of classes and students(I had a tutor, by the way) from the university, my life in Japan was fine and I could feel the life of Japan. It was a short time, however, impressive enough to learn more about the culture and perceptions of Japan. In addition, since there were many foreign students in classes, I could see how people from other nations think about Japan.

In short, I had a great experience while studying at the University of Tsukuba. I hope other students also have such chance like I had. So, if you want, “go for it!”