Hikari Hamada

Japan, modules in English language and foreign language teaching whilst on exchange from the University of Kitakyushu

I think compared to any other university I can learn and feel a lot about different cultures here. So if someone wants to learn about other cultures, then Oxford Brookes University is the best place.

Hikari Hamada - Japan, modules in English language and foreign language teaching whilst on exchange from the University of Kitakyushu

Why did you decide to study in the UK?  

I major in Comparative Culture, specialising in British culture and Japanese culture.  I chose this university because there are a lot of people who have different backgrounds, so I think it’s really interesting and I can learn a lot about culture in this university.  

How are the courses you are taking at Oxford Brookes?

I especially like the module, ‘Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture’, because I can learn how my culture and society are being perceived by other countries – it is interesting for me.  And also I really like studying the teacher training course in this university. I think that British education has a lot of positive things and I can learn a lot of new things, which will definitely help my future career.  So I really like and I enjoy learning them.  

How different is the teaching style here from the one you experienced back in Japan?

I think Japanese education is more focused on reading and listening.  So students don’t have opportunity to speak or give their opinion that much.  So I think it’s not a good thing, because when we go to other countries we can’t speak and communicate with other local people.  So that’s a problem in Japanese education I think. At Brookes you learn in a more interactive way.

Which facilities do you use the most at Oxford Brookes?  

I think the library is really useful, especially in Headington campus as the library is open the whole day which is useful for students I think.  

Did you join any extracurricular societies during your time at Oxford Brookes?

I joined the Cover Dance Society and Japanese Society. And yeah I really enjoy dancing in the Cover Dance Society, and this evening we have a show.