<p>Is this program feasible for some one not interested in being a Asian Studies major? I've been studying Japanese for 4 years and want to become fluent. I would probably test into the intermediate level. Does anyone have any experience with this program, please I'd like to hear your story. Also, has anyone ever lived in the language house; could you tell me your experience? Thanks</p>
<p>I have never been in either of the programs but I do have friends who have been in both. The Japanese FALCON program is a very intensive program. My friend spent either a semester or a year taking only Japanese, every day from something like 8:30 - 4pm. It is extremely intense and is probably not feasible for someone not interested in that particular area of study. It certainly can be done if you're extremely interested (my friend was a linguistic major but had specific interest in Japanese and I believe she may have a concentration in Asian studies). Anyway, the point is that the program is time consuming and if you're in a different major, you wouldn't have time.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I definitely encourage you to live in the language house if you're interested. A different friend of mine lives there and she loves it! You are required to speak to the other people in your house in the specific language that you are studying (in your case, Japanese) which helps you become fluent and have practice. There are native speakers in each language living in the house as well as students of a variety of levels living in the house. It's definitely great practice!</p>
<p>If you don't want to live in the language house, the language house does have weekly dinners in each particular language that you can attend and just practice conversational Japanese with other students (or any other language your studying). I know of people who do that since they are unable to live in the language house or do not desire to do so. </p>
<p>Also, Cornell has a language pairing program where you can get paired up with a native speaker or someone also learning Japanese (or any other language) and you guys can meet and practice speaking. And of course, you'll have class time and homework to perfect your language.</p>
<p>The POINT: There are TONS of opportunities to improve your Japanese aside from the FALCON program if you are unable to do that :-)</p>