Japanese students learn English in Malaysia
A GROUP of 32 trainee teachers from the Baiko Gakuin University (BGU) in Japan chose to complete their English Language module at INTI International University recently.
They spent eight weeks strengthening their proficiency of the English Language by attending the Intensive English Programme every day during the week.
They also had the opportunity to take part in various campus activities alongside INTI students and academicians.
The trainee teachers visited tourist attractions including Petaling Street, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Dataran Merdeka, Putrajaya and Melaka.
They also managed to visit the Mah Meri Cultural Village in Pulau Carey, Selangor where they learned about the community.
They also learnt about their woodcarving and witnessed how wood is carved into intricate art pieces and also how the womenfolk make beautiful woven baskets, mats and other items using pandan leaves.
In exchange, the trainee teachers conducted a presentation in English on Japanese culture and its people to the villagers.
One of the trainees, Konatsu Fukuda, said one of her most memorable experiences was the invitation to visit her new Malaysian friend’s home.
“It was the first time I got to visit a home outside Japan.
“I was able to see how a typical Malaysian family lives.
“This was one of the reasons why I wanted to attend the English lessons here, because I wanted to connect with people from various nationalities to learn about their culture and appreciate our similarities while celebrating our differences,” she said.
Fellow trainee Ashizawa Mone said it was an opportunity of a lifetime to visit Malaysia.
“We visited Melaka, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
“It was amazing to learn that Melaka was one of the greatest trading ports in Southeast Asia,” she said.
At the same time, she added that she was able to improve her English Language skills.
INTI Centre of Liberal Arts and Languages director Assoc Prof Phawani A. Vijayaratnam said: “The BGU students started on the right footing and were very eager to master their English Language skills.” “Within eight weeks their improvement was very evident.
“Their confidence in the language showed when they started speaking and writing better.
“We also had the opportunity to learn more about Japan,” she said.
She said the university looked forward to hosting a longer student exchange programme in 2019, when BGU students will complete the Intensive English Programme over nine months.
“We are glad to have made a difference. This is part of what we do to ensure students gain an international perspective and prepare them to become global citizens of the future,” she added.