UTAR Perak Campus played host to Japanese students from four universities in Japan, namely, Josai International University, Kwansei Gakuin University, Toyama University and Josai University recently.
The students came for the two-week English Immersion Programme organised by UTAR Centre for Extension Education (CEE). The programme focused primarily on the teaching of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English to the Japanese students. They also engaged in fun and stimulating activities such as cultural performances and tours to Cameron Highlands, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Pangkor and Kuala Lumpur.
“Before coming to UTAR, I was very shy to converse in English,” said Arata Sodeno, a chemistry undergraduate from Toyama University. He added, “However, the English Immersion Programme has boosted my proficiency and confidence in using the language. I want to thank UTAR lecturers and helpers for being so patient in guiding me through this enriching learning curve.” English lessons for the Japanese students were conducted by lecturers from UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS).
Sharing Arata’s sentiments was Ayumi Kikuchi, a postgraduate student from Josai University. She said, “My supervisor encouraged me to take part in this programme after listening about its benefits from my juniors. They said that this programme has helped to improve their command in English. I am glad that this programme also exposed me to the multicultural elements in Malaysia.” Ayumi then expressed her penchant for Malaysian food and the likeliness of her visiting Malaysia again in the future.
