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!
