<p>How's the Japanese department down there? Is it difficult, easy, fun, bad, etc.? If you've had any experiences, could you please share them? Thanks!!</p>
<p>I've just finished my freshman year at Pomona and have taken two Japanese courses so far (Japanese 1A and 1B). Although I only started taking Japanese while at Pomona, I would have to say that the program is excellent and that learning Japanese has been one of the many highlights from this year. First of all, the professors are absolutely amazing. Although there is a great deal of work and an expectation of in-class participation, it never truly gets overwhelming and the work definitely pays off in the end. I've had two Japanese professors so far: Takahashi and Terada. Both were excellent professors, extremely kind and dedicated and always willing to help you when you have a question about what you are learning. One of the great things about Pomona is that it is not difficult to go to office hours and talk to the professors and they are always willing to be of assistance. Also, going to Oldenborg for lunch is both fun and worthwhile because it allows you to socialize while practicing your Japanese. That's my two cents worth. The Japanese program here is great and I would definitely recommend it.</p>
<p>Hi Gsupreme,</p>
<p>I'm hoping to be a Japanese minor (If I even make it to Pomona :P), and I was wondering what the study abroad opportunities were like for minors versus majors.</p>
<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>Not a Pomona grad, but I can pitch in a few things here.</p>
<p>First off, Pomona's Japanese education is quite good, if my experiences with students from there is any indication.</p>
<p>About study abroad: According to the Pomona site, there are two "official" programs: ICU in Tokyo, and Doshisha in Kyoto. </p>
<p>Now, I understand the obvious appeal of studying in Kyoto (it's a much more "Japanese" place than Tokyo) but I want to very strongly recommend ICU instead. I studied there for a summer in 2003, and it was possibly the biggest jump in Japanese ability I made during my whole academic career. Plus, the location (三鷹・武蔵境[Mitaka/Musashisakai] in Western Tokyo) can't be beat. You're two or three stops from Kichijyouji and a reasonable trip to Shinjuku, right off the Chuo-sen. All of Tokyo's excitement and fun, without having to be stuck in the middle of the city and paying city rent (1DKs in the city are ABSURDLY expensive!)</p>
<p>Plus, the campus is fairly international and diverse. Don't let the "Christian" part of the name fool/scare you though, as the level of devotion to the Christian faith is not very high amongst a large number of students.</p>