Japanese Woman's Studying Abroad in Malaysia: August 2023

【Duolingo】Trying Out the New Feature! My Experience with Daily Refresh

Continuing my Streak on Duolingo

Duolingo is a free language learning app that I've been using for studying Chinese.

I've been using Duolingo for Indonesian language learning for a while and took a break from studying Chinese. While Malay is somewhat different from Indonesian, there are common vocabulary elements, so I believe it will still be helpful in daily life.

By the way, I've been maintaining a streak of 750 days on Duolingo.

Duolingo's New Feature "Daily Refresh"

Now, as I opened Duolingo's Chinese course (English version) after a while, I came across a new page that I didn't recognize.

Just to note, I've completed the Duolingo Chinese course in both the Japanese and Chinese versions. So, I've finished the basic lessons, and if anything, I'll be revisiting completed lessons for a review.

What caught my attention was the "Daily Refresh" page, which is separate from the "Daily Quest" that sets a daily goal.

On the Daily Refresh page, there are six lessons set around Duolingo's character, Duo. As the name suggests, these are lessons that can be done daily.

How Daily Refresh Works

With Daily Refresh, you can efficiently review the content you've learned in the Duolingo course.

Progress is reset daily. If you have the time, you can work on all six lessons, but if not, you start over from the beginning the next day.

On busy workdays, I often can't complete all six lessons. However, there's no penalty for that, so I feel relaxed. You can review selectively and as much as you want at your convenience.

Did Vocabulary Increase?

I've completed most of the Chinese course using the old curriculum (not progressing a level with each lesson, but clearing 3-6 lessons per grammar or theme and moving on). So, I might just be unfamiliar with the vocabulary introduced in these lessons.

New Challenges Yield Points!

Additionally, once you've completed the Chinese course once, you couldn't solve new problems anymore. This not only means you can't learn new things but also prevents you from earning enough points for the weekly ranking.

Starting the Indonesian course was partly because I didn't want to end up with a low ranking due to not being able to accumulate points.

With the introduction of Daily Refresh, I now receive around 20XP points for completing one lesson daily. For previously completed lessons, 10XP was the norm, so this means earning more points.

In Conclusion: Duolingo's Daily Refresh is Handy!

Thanks to the Daily Refresh feature, I've become more actively engaged with Duolingo's Chinese course features. Duolingo has become an app that doesn't end with completing a course but rather an app that allows continuous learning.

The convenience of being able to continue every day is its charm, so I plan to keep increasing my streak while persevering.

My First TOEFL Test

I took the TOEFL test to assess my English proficiency before studying abroad.

This was my first time taking the TOEFL test. I had an image of it being something students take to decide on a university before studying abroad. I was curious about whether there would be many young students and what the atmosphere of the test venue would be like.

Studying Methods

Since my pre-study period coincided with the summer vacation at my workplace, I prepared for the test while covering for vacationing colleagues and working at the same time. It turned out to be busier than expected, and honestly, I couldn't study as much as I thought. However, I made an effort to increase my English usage opportunities through daily activities.

Reading

For the Reading section, I tried to read news articles on topics that I came across during my commute using English sources whenever possible. Interestingly, due to my browsing history, I received recommendations related to the movie "Barbie," even though I hadn't watched the movie.

Listening

Regarding the Listening section, I watched videos on YouTube without Japanese subtitles. I've always enjoyed watching videos of students going shopping for school supplies before the start of the new school year (in many countries, this aligns with September). Checking out the new versions for the 2023 school year was exciting.

I'm looking forward to purchasing large binders or files in Malaysia that can hold school printouts and notes. These items often have vibrant and flashy designs that are not commonly seen in Japan, and they seem like they could enhance my study mood.

Writing

As for the Writing section, I hadn't been consistently writing long texts until I started studying the official study materials, as mentioned below. However, I made an effort to write comments on posts from overseas on Instagram or write English messages when contacting people I would rely on after traveling.

I believe I managed to tap into the vocabulary I accumulated during my university entrance exam days.

Speaking

For the Speaking section, I would talk to myself in English about things I did at work or thoughts I had while watching TV.

It might make me seem slightly suspicious if my roommate hears me (laughs). There was a time when my husband asked me, "Why are you talking to yourself in the bathroom?"

Using Official Materials "TOEFL Go!" the Day Before

On the day before the test, I made time after work to use the official online materials provided by TOEFL, called "TOEFL Go!"

With TOEFL Go!, you can take mock tests divided into sections, and it also offers automated scoring for challenging sections like Speaking and Writing. This helps you get an idea of your own abilities.

I only had some TOEFL materials from my university entrance exam days, and I hadn't been specifically preparing for the actual test. However, using TOEFL Go! allowed me to familiarize myself with the test format and flow.

By the way, I expect my score to be higher in the Reading section, which is also emphasized in university entrance exams, and relatively moderate in other sections. I assume I'll likely get a Higher Intermediate level in some subjects and Intermediate to Basic levels in others.

It's pretty much in line with the level of the Pre-1 Eiken (English Proficiency) Test I passed last year.

Taking the Test is a Good Opportunity for Studying!

Since I had to study while working and wanted to measure my actual English proficiency before studying abroad, I didn't prepare for the test in a conventional test-focused manner. However, the act of taking the test motivated me to study.

While I wasn't studying in a targeted way for the test format, I believe that simply deciding to take the test was a good opportunity for me. I'm looking forward to knowing my score before I depart from Japan, and I'm excited to see the results.

Searching for a Chinese Language School Again

After coming to Malaysia, I plan to take English and Chinese language classes. I'm set to obtain a student visa through an English language school, and my preparations for entry are almost complete.

Of course, I had previously made a decision regarding language schools, but it turns out that the schedules no longer align with my plans for learning Chinese. Therefore, I've decided to switch schools.

Using Google, I searched for Chinese language schools primarily in Malaysia. I found language schools like ELC Learning and MAMA Mandarin. I also came across Confucius Institutes, even those located at the University of Malaya.

I thought Confucius Institutes were mainly for university students, but it turns out they offer courses for the general public as well. However, it seemed there was a discount for those within the university community, and I felt a bit hesitant to attend as an outsider, so I put it on hold.

Considering these options, I decided to search for language schools.

Free Trial Lesson

What was particularly helpful during my search for a language school was the availability of free trial lessons. It seems that many language schools now offer not only in-person classes but also online courses due to the recent trend toward digitalization.

To apply for a language school's free trial lesson, the standard method is to either fill out a form provided on the school's website or directly contact them via WhatsApp.

For instance, the message I sent looked like this:

"I'm interested in the Premium Mandarin Course. I would like to take your free trial course."

If the website lacks sufficient information, you can also add something like:

"Could you please send me your school's brochure?"

As mentioned in a previous article, when contacting Malaysian language schools, using messaging apps like WhatsApp was quick and convenient.

If this were China, it would be WeChat, and in Japan or Korea, it might be LINE. The availability of emojis, read receipts, and "like" functions makes communication easier and offers a benefit.

By the way, free trial lessons often involved receiving a Zoom URL from the teacher and accessing it at the scheduled time. If you're using Zoom on a computer, it's a good idea to have WhatsApp accessible on your computer as well.

For language schools outside Japan, time zone differences should also be checked.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Trial Lessons

I've identified three benefits of free trial lessons at language schools that I actually experienced:

Understanding the pace of lessons and teaching methods
Experiencing language lessons in English while still in Japan
Identifying personal weaknesses and learning methods before studying abroad

Firstly, you can gain insight into the pace of lessons and teaching methods. Even at schools with good reputations, some felt quite demanding and strict to me, making me want to explore other options in terms of continued learning. This experience served as a reference when choosing a school.

Secondly, you can experience English language lessons while learning Chinese. Although I was taking Chinese classes, having to express questions in English allowed me to practice both languages simultaneously. The fact that this is possible while still in Japan surprised me.

Lastly, free trial lessons help you identify your weaknesses and learning methods before studying abroad. Although I had been studying Chinese primarily based on grammar and reading and writing skills, the trial lessons demanded more speaking. I realized that I understood Chinese based on characters much more than I had been aware of. While simple concepts were manageable, as the level increased, I struggled to recall words even when shown in pinyin.

This highlighted deficiencies in my pronunciation and listening skills. As a result, I realized that studying using a Chinese-English dictionary might have its limitations. Therefore, I'm considering incorporating more speaking practice.

On the flip side, while the initial communication through WhatsApp for scheduling free trial lessons was convenient, afterward, language schools often followed up with sales pitches.

Even if you attend several free trial lessons, you will likely commit to enrolling at only one school. Hence, continuously receiving sales messages from other schools might become stressful.

However, I'm not sure if my approach is the best, but in my case, I might switch to a new SIM card after arriving in Malaysia, which could change my WhatsApp-associated phone number. In the meantime, I'm dealing with this situation by occasionally updating schools about my decision via message or slowly disengaging.

Consideration of Language School Search Results

As for whether I've found my ideal Chinese language school after attending free trial lessons, I would say I've narrowed down my options. While I was able to keep up with English language lessons to some extent, I felt that it wasn't sufficient. Additionally, the language schools I'm considering offer courses that aren't for 10 months, 6 months, or a year. Therefore, I'm contemplating delaying the start of my Chinese language course.

In return, if I have the capacity, I'm considering trying a 2-month one-on-one online Chinese course to improve my speaking abilities. With the opportunity to step back from work and focus on language learning, I feel more motivated to excel.

My Main Bank is...

My main bank is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). I've been using the account my family set up for me since I was young. Recently, when I went to reflect my change of name due to marriage, I was happy to see that the card design had been updated. This made me even more attached to it.

By the way, I also have a Wise account set up to withdraw money overseas.

This time, I learned that a proxy cash card that my husband could use could be created, so I went ahead and made one.

Proxy Cash Card

A proxy cash card is a service where the account holder (in this case, me) can apply in advance at the bank to issue a cash card for a proxy (in this case, my husband). It's worth noting that the proxy can be a second-degree relative or closer.

With this proxy cash card, the proxy can use ATMs just like the account holder.

I had assumed this service was mainly for elderly family members, but it seems that it can also be used for couples who want to share a joint account, not just for elderly relatives.

I used to think it might be tricky just for cohabiting couples or partners (I haven't thoroughly researched common-law marriage situations, so make sure to check), but I realized that marriage has legal implications.

Procedure at the Bank

To create a proxy cash card, you need to bring the following three items to a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation branch:

Personal identification documents
届出印（Hanko, name stamp）
Passbook or cash card

When you visit a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation branch, you can easily inquire about the requirements at the reception desk. Let them know that you want to create a proxy cash card.

Although it's called a proxy cash card, it's more like printing an additional cash card under my name. Since I was personally present at the bank, they didn't ask for a reason beyond "It's a cash card for my husband."

I had recently changed my hanko, so I was aware of it, but if you're not sure, you can bring a few potential stamps and have them confirmed on the spot.

Maybe because I didn't have a reservation, there were few open windows during weekday afternoons, and some windows were busy, so I think I waited for about 30 minutes. During that time, I filled out the application form and completed the procedure at the called window.

During the procedure, they verified the account information I had written on the application form and whether the name written in the proxy section was that of a family member. I also set the PIN number for the proxy card (it can be the same as my own cash card).

If there are no issues with this procedure, the card is said to arrive at your home in about 10 days.

Even though I had just reissued my own card when changing my name, I completely forgot that it wouldn't be issued on the same day (it might vary by branch).

Points to Note for the Proxy Cash Card

By the way, there are a few points to note for the proxy cash card. If any card-related procedures are required, such as changing the PIN number, the account holder (myself) needs to perform the procedures at the bank, not the proxy.

While immediate card-related procedures are unlikely, it's important to be mindful so that if the need arises, you won't make a mistake.

Also, since my name is written on the card's surface, I need to explain this to the proxy (my husband). I also need to make sure not to confuse it with my own card.

Conclusion: About the Proxy Cash Card

Although I had been preparing for this for a while and went to the bank with the attitude of "Let's do it!", I surprisingly managed to create the card quite easily.

Although there are some points to be cautious about, having a family card for "just in case" situations with trustworthy family members brings a sense of reassurance.

This time, I went to make a cash card with the idea of having it for cases where my husband could assist if there were delays in my transfers while studying abroad. However, since it could also be useful in scenarios where I might be hospitalized or unable to access the bank for an extended period in the future, it might become a lifelong card.

Even though I had been a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation user for many years, I didn't know about the possibility of creating a proxy cash card. If this article can be helpful to someone in a similar situation, I would be happy.

ASEANpedia Exhibition - Welcome to Southeast Asia!

I visited the "ASEANpedia Exhibition - Welcome to Southeast Asia!" held at the Japan ASEAN Center, an international institution, from August 5th (Saturday) to 6th (Sunday), 2023.

The venue, Japan ASEAN Center, is located near Onarimon Station, where you can see Tokyo Tower. I made a mistake in setting my transfer instructions from home and ended up walking from Shimbashi Station. It was quite hot for a 15-minute walk in summer, so if possible, I recommend going from Onarimon Station.

Japan ASEAN Center is an international organization established in 1981 through an agreement between ASEAN member state governments and the Japanese government. It usually provides information on business cooperation with ASEAN countries, as well as hosting webinars and events.

I often see posts about it on Instagram. They are also known for campaigns like the Golden Bridge Project on social media.

This year is the "50th Anniversary of Japan ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation," so events are being held during this summer vacation period to commemorate it.

"Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities"

The catchphrase for the 50th anniversary of Japan ASEAN friendship and cooperation is "Shining Friendship, Shining Opportunities" (in English, Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities).

Particularly, it emphasizes the human-to-human friendship and cooperation with ASEAN countries.

At this exhibition, there were programs that allowed you to feel the "human" aspect, such as interactions with event supporters who are students from ASEAN countries, dance performances from Cambodia and Vietnam, and opportunities to experience ethnic costumes from various countries.

Additionally, the original bag I received at the venue had many drawings of "people."

Making Badge Pins and Experiencing Ethnic Costumes

I attended during the lunch break between events, so for the first few tens of minutes, I was the only visitor. I had hoped to secretly participate among the kids, but the staff from the center and the event supporters who were international students approached me, so I decided to join the whole program.

First was making badge pins. Using original stamps with designs of famous buildings and plants from ASEAN countries, colorful paper, pens, and such, you could design your own badge pins.

As part of the Can Badge Toy Generation, it brought back a lot of nostalgic feelings for me.

Since I had heard someone I know went to Malaysia to see Rafflesia, I used the Rafflesia stamp. In reality, a fresh smile like this probably wouldn't happen up close, but it ended up looking like a cheerful boy's face.

The ASEANJAPAN50 hashtag design sticker is also gender-neutral and cool.

Additionally, at the ethnic costume experience corner, I got to try on the recommended Vietnamese costume (Ao Dai?) from an event supporter who was with me. Even though many were children's sizes, they specially chose one for adults.

I was wearing it over my clothes, so the clothes underneath were slightly visible. But being able to experience it like this without a complete change of clothes is easy and fun.

Moreover, it wasn't just about experiencing the costume; they even let me wear the hat. It's a bit hard to see, but the hat also had designs on it and looked stylish.

Abundant Exhibits!

By the way, just because it's called "ASEANpedia Exhibition," it doesn't mean that only experience events were held. For example, there were panels on the walls discussing topics like profiles of ASEAN member countries and the relationship between Japan and ASEAN.

I could also directly hear introductions about their own countries from the event supporters.

Since some of the event supporters were studying in English courses at university, I unexpectedly got to speak some English.

I wouldn't want my 10-year passport to be almost empty while welcoming the mood, so while I'm in Malaysia, I definitely want to create opportunities to visit neighboring countries.

I also wanted to visit the hometown of the event supporter I met this time.

Comedian Crocopp

Crocopp, the popular comedian known for the "Hoilist" sketch from King of Conte.

Starting from the impactful debut in King of Conte, I've been watching the skits that are uploaded on YouTube. Together with my husband, who used to be a duelist, we got hooked and started attending live shows.

This time, I attended their solo live in Shibuya.

Even though I could catch up on the King of Conte broadcast later, watching Crocopp's skits live before leaving for my studies abroad was a must for me. It was perfectly timed!

Crocopp Solo Live "Tail Junk"
Date: August 6, 2023 (Sunday), Doors open at 5:30 PM, Show starts at 6:00 PM
Venue: Tokyo, CBGK Shibugeki!!
Price: Advance tickets 2800 yen, On the day 3000 yen
Tickets: On sale on LivePocket from July 1st (Saturday) at 10:00 AM.
<Performers>
Crocopp
Guest: Junk

Crocopp's live show took place at CGBK Shibugeki!

The venue was the theater called CGBK Shibugeki!!, a short walk from Shibuya 109 towards the Dogenzaka area.

You can directly access the building from the underground passage of Tokyo Metro and Tokyu Line's Shibuya Station, and there's a Uniqlo store in the building beneath where the theater is located.

Back when I was at home, Shibuya was the go-to place for hanging out, and since I had been to Uniqlo for shopping, I knew the location.

However, judging from my husband's expression, for those who haven't visited Shibuya that much, it might be easy to get lost as it's an area with many mixed-use buildings.

Also, CBGK Shibugeki!! is on the 6th floor of the building and can only be accessed by an elevator or stairs. It was fine to use the stairs on the way back, but the elevator was much more comfortable on the way there.

If you have the time, I recommend arriving a bit early and taking the elevator during the less crowded times.

"Alakaku"

The live show featured various skits, including one reminiscent of a certain hero-themed game, a mysterious showdown, and skits that were linked to those already uploaded on YouTube. The live show lasted for about 2 hours, and time flew by.

In this show, Crocopp and Araki's fictional martial art "Alakaku" was prominently featured. The title "Tail Junk" is also derived from Alakaku, of course.

I had seen videos about Alakaku on YouTube before, but without commentary and excitement, I couldn't fully understand it. This time, with the fan representative's explanation, I could enjoy it.

Even if I couldn't see Crocopp live during my studies abroad, I have no regrets! He made me laugh so much, and I feel like I got a boost of energy.

Regarding My Seating (Front Row, Side Block)

By the way, this time I was lucky enough to get front-row seats. I think it was on a day when I happened to be at home due to some mystery illness, so I could easily get the tickets. The seats were on the side rather than directly in front.

In comparison to other stages, side block seats can sometimes have disadvantages like not being able to see developments near the side of the stage where you're sitting or having difficulty seeing the actors' faces. However, at this theater, the side block seats were perfectly fine, even in the front.

The front row didn't have seat numbers starting from A1; they started from 3. So even if you were at the edge, you weren't pushed to a corner. It seemed that you could still see quite well from there.

It depends on the production, but since the stage and the audience are close in proximity to each other, there's no obstruction. Additionally, unless it's right at the edge of your side, you can see the entire performance.

I personally don't mind where I sit when I go to watch a stage; whether it's in the front or the back, each has its charm. But in the front seats of this theater, even on the side, I felt that you could really sense the performers' raw energy and the essence of being in the "front rows."

High Cost of Purchasing in Shibuya!

On this day, I had a dual purpose of looking for souvenirs for my upcoming trip to Malaysia and buying stationery for myself.

However, unfortunately, I felt that the prices for souvenirs in Shibuya were a bit high. "Limited edition packaging or not, over 1000 yen for a Kit Kat!?" It was that kind of feeling.

In the end, I bought pouches and plastic items from the reassuring Daiso and came back.

As I mentioned earlier, I used to come here more often from my hometown, but I realized that it has become even more of a tourist destination than before.

Dr. Plant Quick Orchid Wrinkle Smooth Eye Cream

I often experience dryness around my forehead and nose, and I've been searching for a cream that I can use specifically for those areas. Recently, I came across a cosmetic product in a cosmetics shop that seemed impressive and caught my attention. It was the "Dr. Plant Quick Orchid Wrinkle Smooth Eye Cream."

The product comes in a luxurious white box, made of sturdy material, giving it a high-end feel. Initially, I thought it might be a Chinese product since it mentioned being made in a research institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. However, it turns out to be made in Japan, which gives me confidence in its quality.

About Dr. Plant

I had never heard of the brand "Dr. Plant" before, even though I frequently visit drugstores. According to their official website, the brand develops skincare products using high-altitude Chinese plants that have been used in China for a long time. They currently have a botanical garden in Yunnan Province where they conduct research. The brand's name was inspired by the desire to become a "doctor" for those with skin troubles. Additionally, the brand's sales contribute to nature conservation activities related to high-altitude plants, making it a sustainable choice.

Using the Eye Cream

Upon opening the box, I found the cream jar accompanied by a drop-shaped facial massager. I decided to try the cream one night after taking a bath, and a small amount spread well, making it easy to use. The cream has a pleasant herbal scent rather than a distinctive traditional Chinese medicine scent (though I'm not sure if there's a clear distinction between herbs and traditional Chinese medicine...perhaps just my imagination?), and it feels exciting to use.

About the Facial Massager

The facial massager makes a "boon" sound and begins to vibrate very finely when the round part shown in the pictures is pressed. By using it on the areas where the eye cream is applied, it helps the cream penetrate the skin more effectively. Personally, I didn't notice any significant difference solely due to the "boon" sensation, but I felt that using it on areas with poor circulation, such as under-eye areas affected by lack of sleep, made my eyes feel somewhat healthier.

The Morning After

Though it is labeled as an eye cream, I also tried applying it on other dry areas. The next morning, the cream did not leave a sticky feeling, and only moisture remained on my skin. There wasn't a drastic visual change, but the texture of my skin felt different.

Recommendation for Dry Skin

While I stumbled upon this eye cream coincidentally, I found it to be a useful item that can be used for both areas with dryness and areas with eye skin concerns when combined with the facial massager. I recommend giving it a try.

Concerning Dry Skin During Study Abroad

Although I purchased only the eye cream this time, I learned that they offer multiple items for different types of high-altitude plants. Since I liked the fragrance, usage, and concept, I might consider using more of their products in the future.

Additionally, I'm looking forward to seeing if my dry skin concerns, which tend to worsen during the winter, will improve during my study abroad due to the change in climate. In that case, I might have to adjust my skincare routine accordingly during my time abroad.

Continuing my Streak on Duolingo

Duolingo's New Feature "Daily Refresh"

How Daily Refresh Works

Did Vocabulary Increase?

New Challenges Yield Points!

In Conclusion: Duolingo's Daily Refresh is Handy!

Recommended Reading!!

My First TOEFL Test

Studying Methods

Reading

Listening

Writing

Speaking

Using Official Materials "TOEFL Go!" the Day Before

Taking the Test is a Good Opportunity for Studying!

Recommended Reading!!

Searching for a Chinese Language School Again

Free Trial Lesson

Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Trial Lessons

Consideration of Language School Search Results

Recommended Reading!!

My Main Bank is...

Proxy Cash Card

Procedure at the Bank

Points to Note for the Proxy Cash Card

Conclusion: About the Proxy Cash Card

Recommended Reading!

ASEANpedia Exhibition - Welcome to Southeast Asia!

"Golden Friendship, Golden Opportunities"

Making Badge Pins and Experiencing Ethnic Costumes

Abundant Exhibits!

Recommended Reading!!

Comedian Crocopp

Crocopp's live show took place at CGBK Shibugeki!

"Alakaku"

Regarding My Seating (Front Row, Side Block)

High Cost of Purchasing in Shibuya!

Recommended Reading!!

Dr. Plant Quick Orchid Wrinkle Smooth Eye Cream

About Dr. Plant

Using the Eye Cream

About the Facial Massager

The Morning After

Recommendation for Dry Skin

Concerning Dry Skin During Study Abroad

Recommended Reading!!

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