• Study Abroad
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • What was the most memorable/impressive experience?
    It is casual conversation with my roommate. I stayed with a girl who was from the United States for 7 months. It was my first time to live with someone who was not my family. I felt nervous at the beginning of studying abroad. The lifestyle and language were totally different from my life in Japan. However, I noticed that the differences were nice because I was be able to deeply understand about myself and Japan as well as other culture. Finally, we became like sisters. So, daily conversation with her is the most memorable thing in Edinburgh.
  • What was the most crucial thing in preparation before leaving Japan?
    It sounds quite normal but it is to study academic English. When I left Japan, I had an enough score of IELTS to apply for the program. However, I didn't know how to write essays, take notes, and learn something in English. Eventually, I failed a mid essay in the semester. I felt sad but it was my fault because I hadn't prepared for taking courses in English. I studied only IELTS and memorized just words, so it didn't work in my classes. That's why I think studying academic English is crucial, especially skills of writing essays and taking notes are important.
  • What was your proudest accomplishment during your stay?
    I felt proud of myself when my friends told me, "Your English has improved!" Sometimes friends of mine praised me. These words cheered me up and motivated me to study hard. I couldn't see by myself how much my English had improved, so when I heard it from my friends I was able to know my progress.