I have to admit that I did not touch much of my Kumon sheets during my short stay in Switzerland last January, including flight time. The previous year, because DH could not join me, I ended up spending a lot of time by myself. This time, the trip was really short, DH was there and my family eager to spend as much time as possible with us.
After our return to Japan, I was terribly jet-lagged, caught a terrible cold that lasted 2 weeks and was really busy at work. As a consequence, I had a hard time going back to regular study of Kumon sheets.
There were some changes some weeks ago, not really sure why. At my level (BII-50-100---you can see some samples here) now, each chapter is a story. I can get a more or less clear image of all the stories, except one. When things make sense, it is easier to study...
And the fact that serious intensive studies of Japanese will start in about one month is another trigger, I guess.... Talking about that, I have to do some revision of the material used recently by the students, so that I am à jour.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Intensive Japanese course
Looks like I will be signing up for a Japanese language intensive course starting in April. Three mornings a week for 3 months.
I haven't been to such a formal class for years, in fact.
On Saturday, after work, DH and I went to Jimbocho (book town in Tokyo). Sanseido bookstore was carrying pamphlets of courses by the Asahi Culture center in Shinjuku. DH had taken courses there long time ago and we brought back an information leaflet of the school. I did not know that they also offer Japanese lessons for foreigners.
We went yesterday to the center, talked to the lady and I had a test. Intermediate (chu-kyu) is a little too difficult. I will take the pre-intermediate for 3 months. And if I decide to continue, the intermediate.
http://www.asahiculture-japanese.com/
The course is a practical one, for people living in Japan. The school does not sponsor visa, which helps in term of students' groups (a mix, rather then only Chinese students, who have a big advantage in term of kanji).
I have been studying on my own and with Kumon for years. And will continue. But I feel that I reached a wall that needs to be taken care of. I have been to Japan for 10 years now and feel a little guilty that my level is not better.
It will also help me with job prospects, the day I get bored of what I am doing now.
It is a little scary, thinking that I am about to get even busier than now, though...
I haven't been to such a formal class for years, in fact.
On Saturday, after work, DH and I went to Jimbocho (book town in Tokyo). Sanseido bookstore was carrying pamphlets of courses by the Asahi Culture center in Shinjuku. DH had taken courses there long time ago and we brought back an information leaflet of the school. I did not know that they also offer Japanese lessons for foreigners.
We went yesterday to the center, talked to the lady and I had a test. Intermediate (chu-kyu) is a little too difficult. I will take the pre-intermediate for 3 months. And if I decide to continue, the intermediate.
http://www.asahiculture-japanese.com/
The course is a practical one, for people living in Japan. The school does not sponsor visa, which helps in term of students' groups (a mix, rather then only Chinese students, who have a big advantage in term of kanji).
I have been studying on my own and with Kumon for years. And will continue. But I feel that I reached a wall that needs to be taken care of. I have been to Japan for 10 years now and feel a little guilty that my level is not better.
It will also help me with job prospects, the day I get bored of what I am doing now.
It is a little scary, thinking that I am about to get even busier than now, though...
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
spending too much time on youtube...
It is interesting, what one can find on youtube.com
I am not fond at all of home made videos (of others). Never was, in fact.
But you search, you can find some interesting stuff, such as BBC worldwide movies based on classical British literature, such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, etc.
These items are unavailable in Japan for rent. And we only get BBC news here. No BBC movie, drama, etc.
And after watching the movies, I just go back to the books...
All done in the sake of studying, of course. Listening comprehension, reading practice. Ah, ah...
I am not fond at all of home made videos (of others). Never was, in fact.
But you search, you can find some interesting stuff, such as BBC worldwide movies based on classical British literature, such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, etc.
These items are unavailable in Japan for rent. And we only get BBC news here. No BBC movie, drama, etc.
And after watching the movies, I just go back to the books...
All done in the sake of studying, of course. Listening comprehension, reading practice. Ah, ah...
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Taking a break
I am sort of taking of break of things.
After a very short trip back home (barely 10 days including flight time), I returned to Japan with 43 kg of luggages (lots of mine, very little of DH), including an old Bernina sewing machine that used to belong to an aunt. And a lot of my favorite chocolate (milk extra chocolate from Migros, in small round shapes, easy to eat).
We spent a lot of time visiting relatives and close family in Switzerland. Half a dozen of them had some kind of a cold. As soon as I was on Japanese territory, still recovering from the jetlag, my throat started to ache. It was the beginning of a two-week long cold. Went from throat to sinus to lung. I even lost my voice for 3 days.
Life was busy at work and could not rest. I even worked while my voice was gone.
This is why I have taken kind of a break of studies, crafts, etc. and just rested lazily when at home.
I should be going back on track soon....
After a very short trip back home (barely 10 days including flight time), I returned to Japan with 43 kg of luggages (lots of mine, very little of DH), including an old Bernina sewing machine that used to belong to an aunt. And a lot of my favorite chocolate (milk extra chocolate from Migros, in small round shapes, easy to eat).
We spent a lot of time visiting relatives and close family in Switzerland. Half a dozen of them had some kind of a cold. As soon as I was on Japanese territory, still recovering from the jetlag, my throat started to ache. It was the beginning of a two-week long cold. Went from throat to sinus to lung. I even lost my voice for 3 days.
Life was busy at work and could not rest. I even worked while my voice was gone.
This is why I have taken kind of a break of studies, crafts, etc. and just rested lazily when at home.
I should be going back on track soon....
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