When I was a high school student, I got interested in the study abroad program at Seiryo Junior College. I didn’t have my future dream, or I didn’t know what I wanted to do at that time. I wanted to change myself by studying abroad. I was not good at English, and I didn’t like English so much when I was a high school student. I had to take many English classes to study abroad at Seiryo Junior College, so I worried about that too. However, the classes were so interesting, and I enjoyed taking them. In June, I talked with the students who had been to America, and then I decided to join the study abroad program.

When I arrived in America and met my host family, I thought that I would do my best. I was excited with the life in America, but I had many difficulties living there. Especially, I felt stress about the school life at first. We had to listen to English and express our opinions in the listening and speaking class, but I didn’t talk to others very well. I thought that other students could communicate with their friends in English, and I felt inferior to the other students. After that, I tried to do my homework properly, to prepare the next classes, and to practice presentations over and over. Therefore, my teachers and my classmates accepted me. When my teacher said to me, “Well done,” I was so happy.

It was a big challenge for me to study abroad. After I came back to Japan, I realized that I understood English more clearly than ever. I learned not only English but also many cultures. I’m sure that I grew up and changed myself, but I shouldn’t stop learning. My English is not good enough, and I have so many things I can do. In order not to waste my experience in America, I try to keep learning and challenge new things. This study abroad program became invaluable experience for me.

You need courage to try new things, but when you challenge something, you will change yourself and find new you. If you are interested in studying abroad, it is a big chance. Please have the courage to take a step for yourself.

Pizza & Culture Night

Birthday for GRC Building

Horseback Riding at CORE

Christmas Cookies

With Ann

With Ann & Some Friends of Mine

With My Host Family & Their Friends

Musical Chairs at Pizza Party

Watch an American Football Game with a Big Meal

I really appreciate my host family and my roommates’ kindness. Thank you for everything, Dad, Mom, Joanna, and Diep. Also, I was always helped by my family, friends, and teachers. Thank you for giving me a great deal of support.