Meghan Lupole, Asian Studies Student

At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Asian Studies goes beyond just Chinese. Meghan Lupole explains that IUP's Asian Studies program allows students to study India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, as well as China and Japan. While she was worried about the difficulty of learning eastern languages, the Asian Studies faculty provides the help and intense language practice students need to succeed.

[iupedu]

@RikuAxelCloud (continued) The best way to become fluent is to spend time abroad so that one has to use the language constantly. At IUP, we recommend that students interested in Japanese language and culture to first take two years of Japanese here on campus, then participate in our of our excellent study abroad programs in Japan--either for a semester, or even a full year.

[iupedu]

@RikuAxelCloud Correct: Two years at IUP.

[RikuAxelCloud]

@IUPVideo1875 Thank you, I will do that. :)

[iupedu]

@RikuAxelCloud See the following advice from Stuart Chandler, chair of Asian Studies: It is not easy to become fluent in a foreign language. The key to success is maintaining a steady schedule of study, preferably working on the language at least five days per week. It is better to do a little each day rather than to try to cram a whole week's worth of study into one or two evenings.

[iupedu]

@RikuAxelCloud Concerning getting to know students from Japan, the International Education office advises getting in touch with the Japanese Student Association on campus. Check out the International Education website on the IUP website.

[RikuAxelCloud]

@IUPVideo1875 (continued) Oh, yes, I am very serious about learning Japanese, I will definitely study every day. Actually I've been trying to teach myself currently by studying "How To" books that I've purchased. And I had no idea there was a study abroad program for Japan, this it great news! So you would suggest I take two years at IUP first, right? Thank you for the advice.

[RikuAxelCloud]

Is it easy to become fluent through these language classes? I know that's a typical question, but I'm attending college at this university for the first time this summer and I am very serious about learning Japanese. I want to be heavily involved with the language and culture, even visit the country someday. Also is it easy to make friends with students from that country? Thanks for your time.