Emmanuel Guefif

I studied Japanese for two years before coming here and because I study sociology and I wanted a different perspective to see your own country. So coming here we can look at things with a different perspective and discover our own country and discover Japan.

I could go to Waseda University but Chuo seemed better, and I heard that accommodation is better at Chuo. Also I talked to some students and teachers before choosing, and I found it even better than I expected. Japanese people are very helpful and it is very welcoming here. It seems everyone remembers my name and Chuo gives you a positive feeling and makes things easier.

I live in my own apartment in Higashi Nakano. I'm a bit older, so I need my independence. It is a good place because it is only ten minutes by walk to Chuo and I have friends living close by.

I have eight classes of Japanese, 12 hours per week, three hours a day. There's lots of talking and you have lots of homework, but I understand the best way to learn a language is to use it every day, so it's good. The rest of my classes are in English. I liked Anthropology best and it is good to study in English as I could improve my proficiency. Studying both in Japanese and in English, and thinking in French, I have three languages in my brain. It's tiring but very interesting.

I want to do something connected to Japan, I am thinking of becoming a producer, on the business side of movie making because I really like Japanese movies, and I think the system of Japan cinema is very special.

I recommend Chuo because it is welcoming. If you are lost in Japan, you know there is someone to help you. Japanese are helpful and friendly, though sometimes there can be misunderstanding and confusion when you are new here. And in Japan, I'm not sure if it's good or bad, but people try to avoid confrontations. People want to solve problems in Japan, and find some solutions.