USM, PENANG, 23 February 2017 – Students from the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS), Japan could now improve their skills in the English language from learning about the Malaysian culture at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). 

According to a senior lecturer from the USM School of Humanities, Dr. Leelany Ayob, this second batch of 32 students from KUFS has just arrived in USM on 12 February, following the first group who was here in August 2016. 

"They have learned the English language from secondary school. Therefore, we needed to tailor their learning materials according to their level of proficiency.” 

"The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is one of the courses at KUFS that they need to pass and achieve the specified grade as a requirement for graduation," said Leelany.

She further explained, the various activities conducted would require them to know the Malaysian culture and to practice the use of the English language. 

“Cultural items introduced to them include the food, clothing, the religion and culture of the Malays as well as the traditional Malay dances.”

Their effort to learn the English language could be seen as they diligently gathered the necessary information on the related activities specially planned for them.

When met, one of the participants, Naoya Yokouchi, in English 3, regarded the programme to be very interesting as she could know more about the culture and food of the Malays. 

"I would truly suggest learning the English language by appreciating and understanding the unique Malaysian culture," she said.

15 years ago, Yokouchi was in Australia and she had to learn English because she needed to speak in English. This has made her decided to continue learning English by enrolling for the subject here.

Juna Kataoka, in English 3, considered the programme as being able to improve one’s speaking and pronunciation skills in English. 

"This programme provides the opportunity to meet new friends, and now I am beginning to like the Malaysian people, especially those in the USM community, even though it was my first time coming to Malaysia," she said.

Added Juna, she plans to become a fashion designer in the future after finishing her studies, to come to Malaysia again and introduce the Japanese culture and fashion to the people in Malaysia. 

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin