The Doshisha Student Staff Asks 100 International Students at Doshisha:
What Was the Most Memorable Thing Studying/Living in Doshisha, Kyoto?


The photo provided by Public Relations Department, Doshisha University
  1. After meeting a middleaged woman from work, I made a conclusion that people in Kyoto tend to tap ones back whenever they try to make the moment more fun. But to me, it only looks as if they are trying to make me look stupid. I only have a bad impression: Peggy, Graduate School of American Studies, 2006-2008, Indonesia

  2. Within the 8 years I've been in Japan, I've lived in Kyoto for 5 years. I have an impression of Kyoto being very hot and humid in the summer. The first problem I faced was when I was approached in the Kansai dialect. To me, Doshisha is my loving school: Lan Lan, Faculty of Law, 2002-2006, China

  3. In April, I went to go to see the cherry blossoms in Arashiyama with my friends. It was very beautiful. They had takoyaki, karaage, and other stands around the area. It was delicious: Wang Jing, Graduate School of Economics, 2007-, China

  4. As an international student in Japan, my experience is quite unique compared to my classmates. I graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 1999 and worked for about 8 years before deciding that my previous profession was not for me. So, looking for a change and an adventure I came to Japan without any knowledge of the language or culture outside of movies and rudimentary history lessons. The staff and professors are excellent and spare no effort to help their students even one's as remedial as I was when I first entered the school. On top of that, the international experience of being in the program of Center for Japanese Language has allowed me to meet people from other countries that I would never have had the opportunity to meet: Bryan Gerard, Center for Japanese Language, 2007-2008, USA

  5. The most memorable thing is when all the international students rode the train to Shiyogakuin. We had curry for lunch with disabled and emotionally unstable persons, which I still remember the taste. Before we left, they sang to us, which I will never forget. I also enjoyed the illumination at Arashiyama and the Gion Festival. I've known those events through the TV when I was in Korea so I was really excited: Song Jisun, Center for Japanese Language, 2006-2007, Korea (6 ` 15) The Japanese Center for University of TuNbingen, 2008, Germany

  6. I think it's amazing how there are convenient stores everywhere. (Claudia, Germany)

  7. Woman dressed in kimonos shyly smile in the narrow streets. (Jun, China)

  8. When I lost my Student ID the first day, someone dropped it off at the police station 3 days later. Japanese people are very helpful. (Patrizio, Germany)

  9. Japanese people's point of view and the way they think is funny. (Roland, Germany)

  10. Participating in the tea ceremony at Urasenke. (Ludgera, Germany)

  11. Thanks to all the good experiences in Kyoto, it made me want to live here. (Frencesca, Italy)

  12. I enjoyed walking along the Kamo River. (David, Germany)

  13. I like how Japan's traditions and modern nature coexists. (Gordon, Germany)

  14. I had fun hanging out with my friends from the club. (Tobias, Germany)

  15. Japanese people ask strange questions like, "Can you see the moon in Germany?" (Carina, Germany)

  16. I've always had the fact in my mind that Kyoto was the old capital of Japan. But the most memorable thing is Kyoto being beautiful. The Kamo River dyed with the color of the cherry blossoms, the Gion Festival in the summer, the sunset in Arashiyama in the fall, the Daimonyama covered in snow in the winter: Srisophon Pasurot, Center for Japanese Language, 2007-2008, Thailand

  17. The bond I have made between my friends is the most memorable. The memories I have made with them will always remain in my heart, no matter how much time passes by. It will leave me with happiness just by thinking about it. Things that cannot be seen such as friendship is amazing because it has the power to stay in your heart forever: Ketrunghiran Narintorn, Graduate School of Policy and Management 2008-, Thailand

  18. I'm thankful I got to live at Richard's House, which was close to the campus, because I was able to make many Japanese friends. Since I was in Center for Japanese Language, there weren't many opportunities in meeting Japanese students. Therefore, I am very glad that I had the chance to meet people while living together. It was great being able to exchanging each other's culture: Jeon Hari, Center for Japanese Language, 2006-2007, Korea

  19. After I finished studying at Center for Japanese Language, I joined the Faculty of Letters for a year as a special student. Then the year after, I passed the entrance test for the regular international program. I will not forget the two years it took me to enter Doshisha. The Kamogawa River I spent for 6 years while being in Kyoto would have to be the most impressive memory. There are four seasons, and the river that flows calmly which represents Kyoto itself: Han Kika, Faculty of Letters, 2003-2007, China

  20. The Gion Festival was the most memorable to me. It is known to be one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, which attracts many people from all over the world. In the evening, the street close down and is only allowed for pedestrians: Meng Na, Center for Japanese Language, 2006-2008, China

  21. The most memorable event is going to the Gion Festival wearing Yukata's with my friends: Shan Hui, Graduate School of Commerce, 2007-, China

  22. I've really enjoyed meeting such a variety of peopleboth international and Japanese students. Everyone in Kyoto has been so friendly and welcoming: Bertram, Greta Robertson Ricard, Center for Japanese Luanguage and Culture, 2007-, UK

  23. In relation to my work, I had the chance to go to Japan last year. I stayed in Osaka for most of the time but I went to Kyoto once to do some sightseeing. Since Kyoto has a long history, it includes rich modern elements, which allows it to stay new at all times. Just like Suzhou, China, Kyoto is a charming city: Geng Kunpeng, Center for Japanese Language, China

  24. I think Kyoto should be known as the cradle of traditional culture. I went to many events during these past 6 months, but the most memorable event has to be the Kawanabekyousai Special Exhibition. I was deeply fascinated at his pictures: Lin Jie, Center for Japanese Language, China

  25. As one of the major cities in Japan, Kyoto can be known to be busy but also quiet. Kyoto is a wonderful city because it has traditional traits and modern buildings which harmonizes perfectly: Lan Yunchin, Center for Japanese Language, 2007-, Taiwan

  26. The place that made the biggest impression on me in Kyoto was Kyoto-? dere. I visited there first thing in the morning when it had opened. There were very few people there so it was peaceful and beautiful. I was surprised at how Japanese people react while talking on the phone. I thought it was funny how they would use gestures even though it's impossible for the person to see it: Thomas Peter Asquith, Center for Japanese Language and Culture, 2007-2008, UK

  27. I think Kyoto is a beautiful city. It is quite different from other cities, but it's calming. I love Kyoto. I'm planning on going back home in August, but I hope to come back one day: Chong Laiping Agatha, Center for Japanese Language, 2007-2008, China

  28. When I visited Kyoto with my mother 3 years ago, my impression was that it was a relaxing ambience. I'm happy to have been able to deepen my understandings of Kyoto more while living here for a year: Wang Yalin, Center for Japanese Language, 2007-, Taiwan

  29. I think Kyoto is a beautiful city because it has traditional history and technology. They kept the old buildings, which best capture's the image of Japan: Wu Chihchu, Center for Japanese Language, 2008- China

  30. Despite all the temples in Kyoto, I think it was wonderful that Jo Neesima built a Christian school 133 years ago. I feel honored to be a graduate of Doshisha: Li Yan, Graduate School of Letters, 1992-1998, China

  31. The most impressive experience for me is the days I spent with the kids of Keihanan International Kids Camp in 2006. I was so lucky to have such a wonderful chance to communicate with Japanese little kids. Deep friendship was fostered among us after 5-day camplife, playing sports, swimming, and studying English together. My best wishes for those cute kids forever: Xiao Yajing, Center for Japanese Language, 2005- 2006, China

  32. I will never forget my professor's kindness: Li Yang, Center for Japanese Language, 2005-2007, China

  33. Kyoto is a very peaceful city, which allows me to relax. Even though Osaka is only 40 minutes away, it has a completely different feeling. That's when I realized that Kyoto was better, in the sense of being able to bring out my academic skills: Zhao Lianwei, Faculty of Social Studies, 2006-, China

  34. During my first two months, I was introduced to a family that was interested in China through the Kyoto City International Foundation Center. I've been keeping in touch with them ever since. We discussed about each other's history and exchanged ideas and opinions. They've taken care of me and celebrated my birthday, which was a lot of fun. As an international exchange student, I am very thankful that Kyoto had the International Foundation Center. I don't think I will ever forget this experience: Liu Haixin, Faculty of Policy Studies, 2008-, China

  35. I participated in the "Doshisha American Football Audience Mobilization Improvement Campaign" for one of my seminar class. As a member of the committee, I was able to spend time with Japanese students and work together towards the same goal: Zhang Chi, Faculty of Social Studies 2005-, China

  36. The S-cube introduced me to an assistant, who came with me to class every week and helped me with my studies. I was touched at how well they treated me: Zhu Shaobo, Faculty of Law, 2008-, China

  37. I was impressed at how reliable, dedicated, and hard working Japanese people were towards their work: Ma Qianli, Faculty of Social Studies, 2005-, China

  38. To me, Kyoto is quiet and relaxing, compared to Tokyo and Osaka. I like how the trains for commuting to work school are hardly packed: Meng Wei, Faculty of Commerce, 2005-, China

  39. Studying about impartiality and war at Doshisha for three months was the most memorable thing to me. Also, students' being passionate towards studying was impressive: Fu Yuexia, Graduate School of Commerce, 2008-, China

  40. At Doshisha, ones individuality is respected. The fact that the foundation of the school, moral education, is based on Christianity is appealing to me: Zhou Weiwei, Faculty of Commerce, 2006-, China

  41. Even though it's already been three months since I started school, I cannot say that I am used to my lifestyle. In the beginning, there were times when I felt down, not only because of schoolwork but also because of the language barrier. But I eventually opened up and made the effort to make new friends. I am looking forward to having fun and studying hard for the next three years: Liu Cheng, Faculty of Economics 2008-, China

  42. Doshisha is surrounded by rich nature and is filled with energy. It is a wellknown, international college, which holds a great amount of history. The fact that it concentrates on foreign languages is great: Chen Kan, Faculty of Engineering, 2007-, China

  43. Doshisha is overflowed with academic atmosphere. I admire how the students are positive towards everything they put their mind to. If one says Kyoto is the city of studies, you can say Doshisha is the sacred place of academics: Wang Peng, Graduate School of Commerce, 2008-, China

  44. Doshisha University has a fine faculty for researching. I am excited to have the opportunity to spread my knowledge, since my professor has researched many different fields: Wang Jixi, Graduate School of Commerce, 2008-, China

  45. Since the school buildings were similar to my old university, I felt relaxed and at home. At the campus, you would see people reading and studying, which allows you to get a feeling of the academic traditions. I am very glad that I came to Doshisha: Tang Qian, Graduate School of Commerce, 2008-, China

  46. Being a foreigner in Japan is an indescribable experience, to pinpoint a single thing or event that had the biggest impression on me during my stay in Japan is therefore impossible. I believe it's a combination of everything, such as food, people, culture, language, just about anything. If I have to choose on of them I would say the Japanese people left the biggest impression on me. Friendly, funny, interesting and also some strange people as the Japanese can only be found here. Kaj Lavander, 2008-, Switzerland

  47. I am extremely glad to have decided to study in Kyoto. Kyoto has many famous temples, shrines and festivals so there are always a million ways to spend your free time. It is also a small city, so you can get used to it quickly and eventually know it quite well. The most important aspect, however, has been my personal growth. Meeting new people allows me to see the difference between others and myself and understand myself much better: Lan Le, AKP (Smith College), 2007-2008, Vietnam

  48. Since there are many different clubs, most students tend to join. They are serious when it comes to clubs: Lee Minhyang, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Korea

  49. I was impressed with how many people go out for a walk in the city wearing their kimonos: Lin Chiapei, Center for Japanese Language 2008-, Taiwan

  50. I met a very kind woman in Kyoto. One day when it was raining, I was carrying things with both of my hands, not being able to open my umbrella. Not only did the woman share her umbrella with me, but she also gave me the umbrella: Hsieh Yiling, Center for Japanese Language, 2007-, Taiwan

  51. The fusion of the various nationalities and culture and the ancient traditions is Doshisha's charm: Huang Hsini, Graduate School of Social Studies, 2007-, Taiwan

  52. Enjoying Kyoto, Japan while spending time along the Kamo River and bathing in the cherry blossoms: Wang Chengming, Faculty of Economics, 2006-, Taiwan

  53. Actually visiting the temple we were learning about in class was the most impressive memory: Marina Suga, 2007-, Faculty of Letters, USA/Japan

  54. I was impressed with the number of buses they have. I've used it a few times, but I still don't know which bus goes where: Shi Jionq, Faculty of Economics, 2004-, China

  55. My most impressive memory living in Kyoto has to be the traditional Japanese image and the gap living in Kyotanabe: Kurahashi Shusuke Bob, Faculty of Letters, 2008-, USA

  56. Since Kyoto is famous for sightseeing, I enjoyed going around the city with my friends on the weekends. Arashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple were the most beautiful: Wang Ling, Faculty of Economics, 2007-, China

  57. I don't understand why college students have brand named things. Are most Japanese people rich?: Chen Yubin, Faculty of Law, 2008-, China

  58. Honestly not really. I'm not that into temples, which was one of the largest parts of the history class, so that wasn't so great for me. But it was nice to see about why Japan is set up the way it is and the language class I also had a lot of problems with. Overall, I didn't enjoy school very much: Steven Q Singleton, Stanford University, 2006, USA

  59. I think Japan's clothing is too simple. They attach greater importance towards the combination of the outfit but not so much on the color combination. I think people should dress more in color: Han Bing, Center for Japanese Language, 2007- China

  60. Like the term "doshi", I was blessed with meeting wonderful people. I was able to have a meaningful stay at Doshisha for six years: Tang Xianghui, Graduate School of Letters, 2004-2006, China

  61. I was most impressed with the Imperial Palace coming to Kyoto. I was moved at how large it was and how the greenery was richer compared to a man built architecture. While it has the holiness of the Royal Family's palace, it maintains to coexist the peace with the nature and the common people: Wang Sheng, Graduate School of Business, 2008-, China

  62. It has already been two years since I first came to Japan in September 2006. I look back at the times I spent at Doshisha Center for Japanese Language with nostalgia. I enjoyed experiencing Japan's traditional history such as food, tea, and kimono. I would like to express my appreciation to my professors at Center for Japanese Language, and I plan to make use of everything they have taught me throughout graduate school: Sun Mingyu, Graduate School of Policy and Management, 2008-, China

  63. I first came to Japan in April 2002. Before I went to Kyoto, I spent six years as an international exchange student in Kobe. I feel like the buildings in Kyoto are a little behind in time compared to Kobe. To put in other words, due to the various district history, us foreigners end up having different impressions. It's hard to say that living expenses are pretty comfortable, especially with the soaring prices of housing. Since I've only been here for four months, I haven't been able to deeply understand the city: Graduate School of American Studies, China

  64. The best bakery in Kyoto, which names Le Petit Mec, is just nearby the apartment which I lived in. Their breads are too awesome to describe. I enjoyed breakfast at that lovely bakery every weekend and I will never forget those wonderful times: Diana Dung-Hua Chen, Center for Japanese Language, 2006- 2008, Taiwan

  65. The most memorable happening for me is all the friends I made at Doshisha this year. I will not forget them even when I go back to America: Andras Molnar, AKP (Connecticut College), 2007-2008, USA

  66. Kyoto has the convenient factor of being a city, but also has the beauty of nature. It is awesome living in Kyoto!: Sam Shoushi, AKP (Middlebury College), 2007-2008, Jodan/Philippines

  67. There were times when I was studying and I didn't understand the contents. Not only did the professors at Doshisha help me explain about schoolwork, but they also gave me advice on things I had trouble with. In Kyoto, there are many traditional history and sightseeing, which makes me like Kyoto more: Saisakulpinyo Tippayaporn, Center for Japanese Language and Culture, 2008-, Thailand

  68. Last year, I went to the special sightseeing of the Kiyomizu Temple. The temple and the rock path glittered underneath the night sky, and the moment I saw a maiko, my heart was attracted to Japan, as if I fell in love: Wang Xin,Faculty of Social Studies, 2008-, China

  69. When I first went to the Kyotanabe Campus, I was surprised at how big it was. Also, I was impressed at how all the facilities were well regulated. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to study at the Kyotanabe Campus for a year: Yang Liu, Faculty of Social Studies, 2008-, China

  70. The mountains, river, greenery, and temples can basically sum up Kyoto. The reason is because you see those scenery wherever you go: Li Liang, Faculty of Commerce, 2008-, China

  71. Last week, I went to the Gion Festival with my friend for the first time. I couldn't help notice seeing couples wearing Yukata's holding hands while walking along the festive streets of Shijo Street. That is when I truly thought that Kyoto was a romantic city: He Lefan, 2007-, Center for Japanese Language, China

  72. On Saturday and Sunday's at the Imadegawa Campus, the painter of the bell located on the left side of the main gate can be seen. The Chapel, the conscientious monument, the old, and big tree's traditional ambiance is capable of attracting people. I am proud to be a student of the Doshisha University: Wang Kun, Faculty of Social Studies, 2008-, China

  73. The traditional atmosphere of Kyoto was the best: Choi Insun, Center for Japanese Language and Culture, 2007-2008, Korea

  74. I don't think it was possible to have an amazing year without everyone's help. They gave me tours around the city, cooked various Japanese cuisines, and helped me out during harsh times. I am thankful for the professors at Doshisha and the family in Kyoto that has helped me throughout this time. I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart that I'm glad I came to Kyoto and to Doshisha: Phaplu Sakaoduean, Center for Japanese Language, 2006-2007, Thailand

  75. Supposedly, the term "ochazuke" means go home in Japan: Suhartono Ryosunata, 2007-, Indonesia

  76. When I came to Japan, I was shocked at how short the High School girl's skirt was. It was long when they got it from the school, but they made it short themselves. I don't understand why they would do that. I was also shocked how they did their make-up on the train: Wang Chun, Graduate School of American Studies, China

  77. I like the Kyoto in the fall. The beauty of the autumn leaves is the most impressive memory: Jie Chunyi, Faculty of Policy Studies, 2004-, China

  78. My most impressive memory of my time at Doshisha would have to be of the teaching staff that taught my classes. I struggled a great deal as a student but the dedication and encouragement of the teaching staff remains my fondest memory. The devotion that they have to the students and their willingness to help and be available really made a difference for me in my studies. Given the number of students in the program the amount of personal attention that the professors are willing to give an individual student is something that I was/am very grateful for and I don't think can be so easily found somewhere else: Frank Django Mulholland, Center for Japanese Language 2005-2007, USA

  79. The thing I was most shocked when I first came to Japan was that the transportation system was always on time: Kin Hyobi, Faculty of Commerce, 2008-, Korea

  80. The Matcha parfait was delicious. There was a funny staff there. It was great being able to visit to well known temples. Kyoto was very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. I'm glad Doshisha was fun. The Japanese culture class would have to be my most impressive memory. I am satisfied because I was able to experience kimonos, tea ceremonies, kodo, and many other things. It was a very interesting class. I also like the campus, especially the Kambaikan. Not only were the professors and office workers at school kind but the people in Kyoto were also very nice: Chen Chenwen, Center for Japanese Language, Taiwan

  81. When I think of something that impressed me about Doshisha, I would have to say that a place called "Bazaar Caf" across from the West Entrance of the Imadegawa Campus. Although I have only volunteered there three times, this place has impressed me because it creates a welcoming atmosphere that anyone can go into (both foreign and Japanese alike). Furthermore, it has delicious ethnic dishes from countries such as the Philippines, Korea, etc): Angelika Ferguson, AKP (Middlebury College), 2007-2008, USA

  82. The air in Kyoto is wonderful and you can see the river and the mountains. I think it is the perfect environment to study: Gao Zhuofu, Faculty of Commerce, 2006-, China (83-91) Pulling the Kannonyama at the Gion Festival on July 17 was an unforgettable experience. Center for Japanese Language and Culture, 2008, and others

  83. Patrick Savage (New Zealand)

  84. Chirieac-Marinesc Joshua (USA)

  85. Daniel Marks (USA)

  86. Barlaan William (USA)

  87. Paciorek Andreas (Germany)

  88. Magnuson Mauritz Mikko (Sweden)

  89. Magnuson Mauritz Mikko (Sweden)

  90. Nicholas Henry (USA)

  91. Li Jun (China)

  92. My first image of Kyoto was that the air was clean. The view of children playing by the Kamo River, flock of ducks, and the way wild animals live with the people is a beautiful landscape. I love the way Japan cares about nature: Chou Peihsin, Graduate School of Policy and Management, Taiwan

  93. In the beginning of the year, I felt a little lonely not knowing anyone. But when I went into the office, someone called my name. Knowing that someone remembered me was touching. At Doshisha, each and every person is very important: Song Yanping, Graduate School of Social Studies, China

  94. The professors at Doshisha were very kind, and treated us, international students, equally. I will not forget how fortunate I was: Sun Minghua, Center for Japanese Language, 2005-2006, China

  95. The way Japanese people bow was memorable. They would bow whenever one says, "Sorry", "Thank you", "Yes", or "Good job". The number of times they bow in a day must be countless. One thing I'm not used to seeing is when Japanese businessmen guide their customers to the elevator, they bow right when the door closes. I think that is one of their distinctive characteristics. But since I don't know when would be appropriate to bow, I would always lower my head just to be polite: Ye Chen, Center for Japanese Language, China

  96. I think Kyoto is very calm, which makes it a perfect place to live. It is comfortable and allows me to live and study leisurely. I have inner reserves of strength and am capable of enjoying the things I am interested in. Since I came to Doshisha, I met many people and got to experience countless things: Yu Zheng, Graduate School of Policy and Management, 2005-2007, China

  97. The moment I saw the cherry blossoms swirl and fall to the floor, I felt glad from the bottom of my heart that Kyoto was in Japan.: Yu Jinling, Center for Japanese Language, 2006-2008, China

  98. I was able to release stress and feel calm whenever I would take a walk along the Shokokuji Temple and the Imperial Palace with my friends: Zhang Hailian, Graduate School of Letters, 2007-, China

  99. When I was walking on campus, I noticed there were many young and attractive girls. I enjoyed looking at their cute fashion sense.: Xing Linjun, Graduate School of Letters, 2007-, China

  100. I had the opportunity to be part of the Sports Festival as one of the members of the Chinese Foreign Exchange Team. I was able to break a sweat and work together with my teammates, which is now a great memory: Chen Liqin, Faculty of Commerce, 2006-, China

@ĤAKP (Associated Kyoto Program)

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