• TWCU Summer Programs
  • Saint Michael's College
  • What skill did you gain the most (academically or socially)?
    Through my studying abroad, I became more active on work and speaking. I had a lot of free time except my classes, so there was nothing I could do unless I became active. Also, teachers seldom picked students to answer in class, so I always made myself speak out proactively. I was not a very active person until I went to America, but now I became more active by experiencing situations where you could not do anything without starting from yourself.
  • What is the biggest thing you wish you would have done during the stay?
    I regret that I didn't talk to teachers and students actively enough in the beginning of the study abroad. I was nervous for the first few days and I couldn't speak much. When I got used to life there, I became able to start conversation proactively. As my stay was only for one month, time passed quickly. I thought I wanted to speak English more when I came back to Japan, and I regretted that I had wasted my first few days in America.
  • What was your proudest accomplishment during your stay?
    I gave presentations on Japanese culture at elementary schools, junior high schools,universities, nursing homes, and many other places during my study abroad. I was very nervous and worried about my English every time, but I felt a sense of accomplishment because the people who listened to me were excited and laughing. Also, I talked with my audience after the presentations, and I was happy that I communicated with them a lot while teaching origami and Japanese greeting phrases.