{"id":21909,"date":"2025-01-23T22:30:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T13:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/summerinjapan.com\/?page_id=21909"},"modified":"2025-03-14T15:25:33","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T06:25:33","slug":"feedback","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/summerinjapan.com\/en\/feedback","title":{"rendered":"Students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n

Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Message from an SIJ\u2019s participant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n

SIJ2015, 2017<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yukiko Hayashida
4th year McGill University student<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

“My first experience at SIJ (Summer in Japan) was in 2015, and though it feels like a lifetime ago, the impact it had on me remains vivid. The program wasn\u2019t just about learning English, it showed me new ways to think and communicate. The teaching methods were dynamic and engaging, far from traditional approaches I\u2019d experienced at school. While the morning sessions laid a foundation in grammar and writing, the afternoon classes left the biggest mark on me.
In 2015, I chose the journalism option. Since we were a small group, about five of us with our teacher, it created an individualized and stimulating environment that helped me break out of my shell. Our teacher, Patrick, would tailor the sessions to our interests, which made learning more engaging. Thanks to the mix of casual conversation and a gamified approach to teaching, I found myself practicing both spoken and written English without the usual self-consciousness, which helped me grow my language skill exponentially.
When I returned in 2017, I decided to take the oratory arts option. Public speaking had always been a struggle for me because I was shy, and speaking in front of an audience was always nerve-racking. The teachers at SIJ, however, made me feel like it was achievable to be a good orator, no matter your English level. Instead of focusing on theory, they pushed us to step out of our comfort zones through practical exercises and games. They modeled the differences between effective and ineffective presentations, and showed us that confidence and clarity mattered more than perfection. Thanks to the seminar, I not only slowly overcame my fear of public speaking, but came to genuinely enjoy it. That transformation stayed with me and even influenced my career path, as I\u2019m now in my final year of a Bachelor of Education at McGill University, preparing to teach and pass along some of the knowledge I acquired in that very seminar.
Beyond the classroom, SIJ gave me something equally valuable: the chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. The program brought together students and teachers from all over the world, creating a space where we could share our experiences, learn from one another, and grow together. As a half Japanese and half French-Canadian student, I found it particularly meaningful to meet others who were navigating the complexities of balancing two cultures. Those connections reminded me that I wasn\u2019t alone in my experiences and gave me a deeper appreciation for the richness of intercultural exchanges.
Looking back, SIJ was more than just a language seminar\u2014it was a catalyst for personal and academic growth. It taught me to embrace challenges, it improved my English, and helped shape the person I am today.”
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"
Closing ceremony with Max, Maxwell sensei and peers (SIJ2015)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Yukiko with instructor Patrick (SIJ2015)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Yukiko promoting plastic recycling with her students and peers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Yukiko at her internship in at Americas Bicultural School in Santo Domingo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

SIJ2015, 2016, 2017<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yuki Matsushima
2nd year University of British Columbia student<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSIJ was a significant turning point where it expanded my perspective on my life. My journey with SIJ began in 2015 when I attended the camp following my parents\u2019 recommendation. However, the initial experience sparked a fresh enthusiasm in me, and by the next year, I eagerly decided to return on my own initiative.
Participating in SIJ was more than just an educational experience, it was a transformative adventure that offered a unique blend of language education and cultural immersion, enhancing the sense of independence I had not previously experienced as an immature elementary student. Among the many activities, the presentation on the life of a Harvard student stood out the most. This presentation exposed me to an interactive learning environment contrasting with the passive educational style typical in Japan. It inspired me to pursue a more active and self-driven approach to learning, ultimately influencing my decision to attend a university abroad.
Given these profound experiences, I highly recommend this camp, as it gave me the courage to step beyond my comfort zone and expand my personal horizons. This experience broadened my perspectives, which reshaped my worldview and encouraged me to think about the world on a macroscale. The lessons learned and connections made at this camp have been invaluable, deeply enriching the quality of my life and setting a solid foundation for my aspirations.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Yuki receiving his SIJ certificate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Yuki making a speech<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Yuki with his friends in Canada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Yuki showing his artwork<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

SIJ2024<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Kento<\/h4>\n\n\n\n