We beat the teacher here!
That was close!
Hey! Ready to go to school?
A few weeks ago, while my usual university was on summer break
I was invited to try a day at a Japanese school
the Fukuoka Foreign Language College in Japan.
The school has a range of short or long-term programs
and it's particularly diverse
with students from different age groups, backgrounds
and more than 30 different countries across the world
Whether you're beginner, intermediate or advanced
there are classes for every level
But the school mentioned that they are known especially for their advanced level classes
So, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!!
I'm spending the day to try out a few different classes
and I'm taking YOU along!
I need you guys to take me there!
Alright, these are my classmates!
Oh yeah, so I noticed in this stairwell
is that a list of students with the best attendance?
Yep!
Did you guys make the list?
Yeah! See, our names are here, too!
Wow, you guys are really good students!
So to kick things off,
they showed me the advanced class first.
The schedule said my first class in room 305?
Room 305?
Oh, I found it!
Alright, so attendance is done!
Does everyone remember what we're doing today?
So today's activity is a debate
where we split into two groups and practice how to
argue and persuade based on any random topic.
Team A, then Team B will give a rebuttal
That's the structure of today's debate.
So you probably want to know
today's topic of debate, yes?
Which is better: the beach or the mountains?
So all our team had to do
is argue why the beach is better than the mountains.
I'm pretty confident in my speaking skills,
so I thought our team would definitely win.
Firstly, nearly all living creatures
the first organisms originated from the sea.
The beach and sea can support
very unique kinds of ecosystems.
Additionally, you can derive oil under the sea.
Only the pressure beneath the sea can produce this.
OK! Time is up!
Team B, make your case!
Mountains can be used as
a resource to derive electricity.
Vegetables and fruits grow near the mountains
which you can use for food.
You can protect your territory more easily in the mountains.
You can derive wind power as well.
The mountains are an essential resource for humans.
OK Time's up!
You talked a lot about power and energy
but to actually derive power from a mountain
can you explain that process in concrete terms?
Well, take the country of Iceland for example!
Oh no, here we go!
Over 90% of their power
is derived from the thermal energy in the mountains.
That's a way to derive power.
LIke hot water springs, right?
The debate went back and forth for a while
until the teachers picked the most persuasive team.
You guys only discussed from a very modern perspective
but you came up with really unique points so
I have to give the point to "Team Mountain!
So...the art of persuasion, huh?
Everyone in this class is really good!
I was really shocked, like WOW!
It's time for the next class!
We didn't win this time,
but I was really impressed with the vocabulary level
And how everyone was able to speak so smoothly
and actually keep a debate going
Afterwards I also got to check out the class next door
They are practicing some pretty tricky kanji,
but they still found a way to make it interactive and fun.
Find the kanji for JIDAI!
Oh, you're quick!
I was only there for a day
But I really liked Fukuoka and was so impressed
by how many different students are here
making the most of their Japanese studies.
Hi, I'm Sebastian. I'm from Sweden!
You can call me Nara!
I'm. Ricardo. I'm from Mexico.
My name is Johanna!
I studied a lot using podcasts and YouTube videos
but now (in school) if I make any mistakes
the teachers can correct me right away
which really helps my studies!
Did you study Japanese before enrolling?
No, not at all!
Wait - really?!?! Wow!!!
What have you learned the most here at FFLC?
My speaking skills really improved!
I've been here in Fukuoka for over a year.
I first thought I wanted to go to Tokyo
but after I came to Fukuoka
If found it's more quiet here
but in comparison to Tokyo
there are just as many palces to go out and play.
So Fukuoka is better balanced
AND cheaper!!
I want to go to Japanese university after this
and then start my career here in Japan.
I want a job that connects me to Japan.
I didn't really expect the students to be doing this well,
and the school itself seems really ideal
in terms of location
There's the park next door if you need a break
There's a famous shrine to help you clear your head or
Maybe get some extra help on your grades
and the school just a few minutes away from
downtown Hakata Station
where you can find some really great food
and a taste of city life.
If you would like to know more about FFLC
The Fukuoka Foreign Language College
or other language schools across Japan check out
the link below this video to see how you can apply through GoGoNihon
Thank you for letting me join for the day!
It was a blast to study at such a prestigious school!
and to my classmates, good luck with your studies!