Meet Morgan

What else have you done since moving to Japan?

Since moving here, I have continued my language study. I achieved Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 in the summer of my first year, N1 in my second year, and this year I challenged myself to take the more specialised Business Japanese Test (BJT), scoring into the J2 level.

In my free time, I’ve also enjoyed getting involved in the local community and trying out many different cultural experiences, such as:

• pottery
• calligraphy
• ikebana
• yosakoi dance
• kyudo (traditional Japanese archery)

I’ve been practicing kyudo for 2 years. This year I achieved ikkyu (1st Kyu) level and came second in the women’s category during my city’s annual citizen sports competition. I also volunteer at beginners kyudo classes as an interpreter for English-speaking residents of Sasebo.

Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?

I knew I wanted to study at a prestigious Russell Group university and when I came to visit Newcastle, I was so impressed by not only the beautiful campus, and friendliness of the locals, but also by the quality of teaching and the inspiring faculty members.

How do you think your course prepared you for your chosen career? 

My Japanese modules at Newcastle University prepared me very well for working in Japan. I completed Level D, and both the basic language modules and the translation and interpreting modules have come in useful living and working here.

Gaining the knowledge necessary to pass N1 of the JLPT will also no doubt help my future career path post-JET.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Newcastle University? 

I loved the social aspect. Meeting and making friends with many international students from all over Japan at Anglo-Japanese Society meet-ups was a definite highlight.

The most enjoyable part of my course however has to be my year abroad. Newcastle has some great partner universities and I was able to attend a fantastic university in Tokyo, the International Christian University (ICU). I learned so much and made lifelong friends I still keep in touch with now.

Please describe your time at Newcastle University in three words. 

Warm, inspiring and nurturing.