You should gather information on the Japanese lifestyle before studying in Japan

Mr. HEM Sethai

Yamano Japanese Language School – 1 Year University Preparatory Course

Profile

Born in Kampong Cham in 1995 (23years old). Undertook exchange for one year at Utsunomiya University while attending the Royal University of Phnom Penh. After graduating from the university in July this year, he went back to Japan again with a scholarship from the university. Currently studying at Yamano Japanese Language School in Shibuya, Tokyo, with the aim of going to graduate school to study Japanese language education.

Q. What brought you to Japan?

JICA reps came to my elementary school and I became interested in Japan. I studied Japanese at uni, and wanted to know more about the customs and wanted use the language more, and so did an exchange program.

Q. Did you come up against any troubles in Japan?

The rules for living are strict. For example, I didn’t know about standing to one side on the escalators, and was told off, “Nuisance!”. The trains were hard at first – I accidentally boarded the female only carriage. I wish I had known about such rules before coming to Japan.

Q. What did you find enjoyable about Japan?

As it doesn’t snow in Cambodia, skiing is a lot of fun. I enjoy drinking and speaking Japanese with the other international residents of my dorm. Everyone became fluent in just 6 months.

Q. What’s your goal for the future?

I’d like to learn the differences between the two countries’ education systems and utilize this in Cambodia as a teacher of Japanese.

Q. Do you have a message for Cambodians thinking about studying in Japan?

First, acquiring Japanese language is a must,but you should also ask students who have been about the Japanese lifestyle. Living alone

isn’t easy, and exchange is not all enjoyable. Before you decide, you should better to think carefully if you really want to study in abroad.

Upper: Entering the Yamano Japanese Language

School Lower left: A memory of a snowy day

Lower right: Sightseeing at Asakusa with friends