Ms. SHYLKO SOFIIA, who evaculated to Japan from Ukraine, has been studying Japanese language at AN LANGUAGE SCHOOL since July 2023.Today, we are going to take her interview and hear variety of stories form her.

 

Q1. When did you come to Japan? Did you start studying Japanese language soon after coming to Japan?

「I came to Japan in May, 2022. For a while after coming to Japan, I didn’t want to do anything because I was worried about my country and felt depressed. But later, I did sightseeing in places like Kyoto and Tokyo. After seeing the beauty of Japan, I wanted to talk more with Japanese people and decide to learn Japanese language. 」

Ms. SOFIIA joined AN LANGUAGE SCHOOL in July 2023, started Japanese language class at the beginner 2 level and now upgraded to the Advanced level. According to her class teacher, she is a hard worker and her grades are always in top three.

 

 

Q2. Are there any differences and similarities between Ukraine and Japan?

「Ukraine and Japan is totally different. Japan is a quiet country but Ukraine is a very lively country. Also, Japanese people are kind and polite but we Ukerainians are out spoken. Some Japanese people may think that it is a harsh personality.」

There are similarities and differences between Japan and Ukraine but she has lived in Japan for a long time and has become accustomed to them.

A teacher who has taught Japanese language to several Ukrainian students, according to her, they are very diligent and study enthusiastically.

 

 

Q3. What do you think about AN LANGUAGE SCHOOL?

「My favorite part is teachers. They are very kind and teaches in easy way to understand. When I started the school, I was very nervous about the Japanese teachers but they taught me very kindly, and I was able to be clam down and study quickly.」

「I think the rule of not using mobile phones in the classrooms is good because it helps to concentrate on the class. Thanks to this rule。 I was able to listen my teachers lecture better, study Japanese language better.」

 

 

Q4: How is your Japanese studies? Which part you find difficulties?

「It’s hard to memorize a lot of things. It’s hard to remember kanji most, but I’m doing my best. I also use flashcards a lot. 」

She majored in Chinese language at university, although she had always liked kanji. Japanese and Ukrainian characters and grammar are completely different, so it was difficult to learn. However, she says that she communicates in Japanese at work, so she can speak Japanese very fluently. It’s only because of the hard work that she put in.

 

 

Q5: What will you do after graduating from this school? Do you have any plan/goal?

「I am going to graduate in June 2025. I’ve been waking up early every day for going to school, so I want to take a little break after my graduation. After that, I would like to continue working in Japan. I don’t know what future holds, but I would like to live in Japan for a while」

Sofiia, you told me that you want to stay in Japan after graduation. Is that mean, how much comfortable Japanese life to you?

I hope you will have a fun and spend a great time at AN Language School until you graduate.

 

Thank you very much for your valuable time, Ms. Sofiia.

---

 

AN LANGUAGE SCHOOL has accepted a total of 10 Ukrainians, 7 through the Japan Foundation and 3 scholarship students. Currently, there is only Sofiia left, but I hope that the students who have completed the course from AN Language School will be able to use the Japanese they have learned to find fun and lead independent lives without any inconvenience in Japanese society.

I pray that peace in Ukraine will arrive as soon as possible, and that the day will come when Sofiia and the people of Ukraine will be able to smile from the bottom of their hearts.

• List