Silke Bilings, @silke.bill spent her summer in Tokyo at Waseda University studying Japanese and immersing herself into the culture of the vibrant city.
Q: Hi Silke! Tell me a little about yourself
Silke: I’m a second-year communications student here at SFU and I am maybe wanting to go into PR or marketing, and right now I am a Young Woman in Business member and part of IABC, so I’m trying to explore those options and learn more about opportunities in communications. I am fluent in English Japanese and French, because of Japanese background I was interested in studying abroad specifically in Japan.
Q: So like you said you studied in Japan, How would you compare the two, what would you say are the biggest differences in the education system?
Silke: I think Japan has a lot more formalities that need to be followed. For example, at the crosswalk, everyone waits, even if it was a short distance to cross. So, in their education system, there is a lot of formalities in regard to addressing the teacher and classmates.
Q: What would you say are some positives and negatives in both BC and Japan?
Silke: Based on the handful of students I heard from, getting into university is very hard there. Because of Japan’s large population, to adhere to that they make it extra competitive and they do this through extracurriculars. Everybody in Japan has an extracurricular whether it be a sport or musical instrument, it’s usually a sport. They commit to it, and this is where the formalities come in, my friend who is apart of the softball team when she is wearing her uniform she can not eat or drink. I thought that this was a little restricting. But also, a positive because it a s sense of pride and community, one in which supports you.
Q: Coming back to BC did you find what you studied (Japanese) useful?
Silke: I found it very useful because it gave me an opportunity to learn about other students and their cultures and backgrounds. Engaging with other students in a short-concentrated amount of time, you really get to know more details about the culture itself.
Q: Would you say that other students were receptive to new students?
Silke: In the program itself, everyone was very welcoming. I have to say outside of the program, there wasn’t a whole lot of interaction I don’t know whether or not that is because of Japans Homogeneity, or its because of the program being the outskirts of campus, there was a little bit of segregation. But it is the same thing here, I hope we can do something to bring international students and local students together. Whether that be a program or general more inclusivity, I think it would be nice.
Q: And Finally, what was your favourite part about being in Japan?
Silke: The food was SO good! Since I have previously visited Japan, being able to share it with people who don’t know the culture was very exciting. My friends were really amazed by Japans fast food. Where sushi comes around on a conveyer belt. It was super fun to see them react.