Student Interview with Castro Velandia Martin Felipe
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- Student Interview with Castro Velandia Martin Felipe
Castro Velandia Martin Felipe
From Colombia
Kyoto Campus
Osaka Designer Academy College
Department of Comic Illustration
Admitted
- Martin, what made you decide to study in Japan?
- When I was a child, I read the Japanese manga 'Space Brothers' and absolutely loved it! I came to Japan because I want to become a manga artist. After graduating from ISI Japanese Language School Kyoto this time, I plan to continue my studies in the Department of Comic Illustration at a vocational school in Osaka.
- How did you first learn about ISI Japanese Language School?
- When I was in Colombia, I attended a Japanese language school. I told one of my teachers that I wanted to study in Japan, and they recommended ISI to me.
- Do you remember your first day in Japan? How did you feel?
- I remember it very clearly! It was the day I took my very first step toward my dream, so it was also one of the happiest days of my life. To be honest, though, the flight was incredibly long, and I was exhausted. Traveling from Colombia to Japan required a layover in Turkey, and I spent a total of 28 hours on the plane.
- What are your impressions of Japan? Was it different from what you had expected before coming?
- I started planning to study in Japan four years ago, so I had already done a lot of research about the country. Because of that, nothing really surprised me. Japan turned out to be just as I had imagined. What I like the most is how safe it is. In my hometown, I was usually afraid to go outside at night. But in Japan, I can walk around the city safely no matter how late it is.
As for the food, Colombia also has rice as a staple, so I didn't have any trouble adjusting. There is one thing, though—fruit in Japan is just too expensive! Compared with my hometown, it's not only much more expensive, but there are also fewer varieties available. - What was the happiest experience you've had in Japan, and what was the most difficult?
- The happiest experience for me was finally being able to speak Japanese in real life. Before coming to Japan, I practiced Japanese by watching YouTube videos and anime, but it wasn't until I actually arrived that I could communicate with Japanese people in Japanese. At first, I was afraid that my Japanese wasn't good enough and that people wouldn't understand me. However, as time went by, my Japanese improved, my confidence grew, and speaking Japanese became something I truly enjoyed.
- Could you tell us about the people you've met in Japan?
- I'm currently working part-time at a matcha café in Kyoto. Since Kyoto has many international tourists, I'm able to help customers whom the other staff members may have difficulty assisting because I speak both English and Spanish. Everyone at the café has been incredibly kind, and we've always helped one another. Since I started working there, I've not only made many friends but also improved my Japanese conversation skills significantly.
I was recently accepted into a school in Osaka, so I'll be moving there to start my new life in April. Unfortunately, that means I have to leave my job. I'm really going to miss everyone at the café. Fortunately, Osaka and Kyoto are close to each other, so I plan to come back often to visit them. - How was your learning experience at ISI Japanese Language School?
- I think ISI is an excellent school. I'm currently in an advanced-level class, and the coursework can be quite challenging. However, the teachers are incredibly patient. Whenever there's something we don't understand, they explain it again and again in the clearest way possible until every student fully understands.
- Do you have a favorite teacher?
- Yes! I'm truly grateful to Terai teacher. From helping me write my statement of purpose for my vocational school application to practicing for my interviews afterward, Terai-sensei was always there to support me every step of the way.
- What changes do you think you've experienced over the past year of studying abroad?
- The biggest change has definitely been my language skills. When I first arrived in Japan, I lacked confidence in my Japanese and was even afraid to speak. But now, I can communicate much more comfortably and express my thoughts far more naturally. My Japanese friends have all been incredibly kind and understanding. They know I'm not a native speaker, so they often slow down when they speak or use simpler words to make sure I can follow the conversation.
- If you had to describe your study abroad experience in three keywords, what would they be?
- Work hard:
It took six months from the time I arrived in Japan to receiving my acceptance letter. During that time, I attended Japanese language school while also working part-time, so I really worked hard.
Gratitude:
I'm grateful to everyone I've met along the way and to all the people who supported and helped me.
Yabai:
The Japanese high school girls I worked with at the café used to say "yabai!" all the time. Before I knew it, I'd picked up the habit too, and now "yabai" has become my favorite expression.
