- Asia University
- Study abroad/international exchange
- Voices of students who have studied abroad
- Testimonials/Study Abroad Outcomes (AUGP)
Testimonials/Study Abroad Outcomes (AUGP)
AUGP
Asia University Global Program
AUGP
Asia University Global Program
Teppei Ito
Dispatch destination: America
Reasons for participating in AUGP/Reasons for choosing the US as your study abroad destination
The reason I participated was because I wanted to experience a foreign land while still young, as a university student, when I have the freedom to secure my own free time and absorb many stimuli. Once you enter the workforce, you can certainly earn more than when you were a university student, but in exchange, it is said that it is quite difficult to take a long vacation of a month or more. I believe that you can earn as much money as you want depending on your own efforts, but time is limited and cannot be increased no matter how hard you try. I decided to participate because I thought that I should experience it during this time of my life when I am at my most energetic and have the most time. And, to be honest, my reason for choosing America was just a vague one - America is a large, well-known, English-speaking country, but it might be a good idea to decide on your place of assignment by following your own intuition.
Local classes and life
As is common in the local area, classes and daily life are all in English. When asking questions to teachers, it is in English, and the answers are also in English, so it is a good opportunity to understand English in English. I stayed in a student dormitory, and shared a room with two other students from the same program at Asia University. It was a simple dormitory with no TV. I basically cooked my own meals.
Although eating out is an option, prices are high in America, so I bought food and daily necessities at a more economical supermarket. Classes are conversation-based and run from 9:30 to 16:00. You can learn English expressions that are not often heard in Japan and expressions that express emotions at the time, so please be sure to speak up.
The reason I participated was because I wanted to experience a foreign land while still young, as a university student, when I have the freedom to secure my own free time and absorb many stimuli. Once you enter the workforce, you can certainly earn more than when you were a university student, but in exchange, it is said that it is quite difficult to take a long vacation of a month or more. I believe that you can earn as much money as you want depending on your own efforts, but time is limited and cannot be increased no matter how hard you try. I decided to participate because I thought that I should experience it during this time of my life when I am at my most energetic and have the most time. And, to be honest, my reason for choosing America was just a vague one - America is a large, well-known, English-speaking country, but it might be a good idea to decide on your place of assignment by following your own intuition.
Local classes and life
As is common in the local area, classes and daily life are all in English. When asking questions to teachers, it is in English, and the answers are also in English, so it is a good opportunity to understand English in English. I stayed in a student dormitory, and shared a room with two other students from the same program at Asia University. It was a simple dormitory with no TV. I basically cooked my own meals.
Although eating out is an option, prices are high in America, so I bought food and daily necessities at a more economical supermarket. Classes are conversation-based and run from 9:30 to 16:00. You can learn English expressions that are not often heard in Japan and expressions that express emotions at the time, so please be sure to speak up.
Memorable events
I would like to write about what I noticed while living in the country. I had a variety of experiences so I can't write everything here, but to put it simply, I realized that the foreign International Student and Americans there had no interest in us at all. It was a miracle that they would take an interest in me and talk to me. On the contrary, if I mustered the courage to talk to them and made it clear that I wanted to become friends with them, they were welcome. The locals don't care about grammar as much as we think they do. I think you have two choices: try to speak even if you're wrong, or stay quiet because you can't. That was a big discovery for me.
Future goals
About my future vision. In conclusion, I want to be able to live a good life even if I move or get a job abroad. Since I came to the United States to study English, I want to continue studying and become fluent in English.
Finally, I would like to express my personal opinion through this study abroad. What I want to strongly say is that if you are worried, you have no choice but to go. Just thinking that you want to go abroad or be able to speak English will not make it come true. Apply now. The best shortcut is to actually experience it. You have precious time as a university student, the opportunity to make your dreams come true is right in front of you, the opportunity that may change your life dramatically, why would you give it up? I grabbed that opportunity and my life changed dramatically. My way of thinking and knowledge have increased dramatically. I also made irreplaceable friends. I still have a close relationship with the Korean friends I met in the United States, and after studying abroad, I went to Korea to see them, talked to my American friends on video chat, and played with my friends who came to Japan, and I have had many surprising experiences that I never imagined before studying abroad. I am convinced that this is the result of my decision to study abroad in the United States that day, and the result of being separated from the Japanese community in the United States, spending every day with local friends, and repeating countless challenges and failures. I learned that it is important to try for the time being because no one knows what the future holds. Fearing failure is failure. Also, as I mentioned earlier, no one in the country is interested in you. They won't help you. I believe this is true because I have experienced it myself. It is important to take action on your own. If you can ask about things you don't understand without feeling embarrassed and express your intentions without being afraid of making mistakes, I think you will be able to International Student experience you have imagined. Also, this is a great opportunity for those who are not yet good at taking action on their own. New stimulation is a turning point that can change you as a person. This time as a university student is not infinite. It will end while you are thinking about it. If you are worried, just give it a try.
I would like to write about what I noticed while living in the country. I had a variety of experiences so I can't write everything here, but to put it simply, I realized that the foreign International Student and Americans there had no interest in us at all. It was a miracle that they would take an interest in me and talk to me. On the contrary, if I mustered the courage to talk to them and made it clear that I wanted to become friends with them, they were welcome. The locals don't care about grammar as much as we think they do. I think you have two choices: try to speak even if you're wrong, or stay quiet because you can't. That was a big discovery for me.
Future goals
About my future vision. In conclusion, I want to be able to live a good life even if I move or get a job abroad. Since I came to the United States to study English, I want to continue studying and become fluent in English.
Finally, I would like to express my personal opinion through this study abroad. What I want to strongly say is that if you are worried, you have no choice but to go. Just thinking that you want to go abroad or be able to speak English will not make it come true. Apply now. The best shortcut is to actually experience it. You have precious time as a university student, the opportunity to make your dreams come true is right in front of you, the opportunity that may change your life dramatically, why would you give it up? I grabbed that opportunity and my life changed dramatically. My way of thinking and knowledge have increased dramatically. I also made irreplaceable friends. I still have a close relationship with the Korean friends I met in the United States, and after studying abroad, I went to Korea to see them, talked to my American friends on video chat, and played with my friends who came to Japan, and I have had many surprising experiences that I never imagined before studying abroad. I am convinced that this is the result of my decision to study abroad in the United States that day, and the result of being separated from the Japanese community in the United States, spending every day with local friends, and repeating countless challenges and failures. I learned that it is important to try for the time being because no one knows what the future holds. Fearing failure is failure. Also, as I mentioned earlier, no one in the country is interested in you. They won't help you. I believe this is true because I have experienced it myself. It is important to take action on your own. If you can ask about things you don't understand without feeling embarrassed and express your intentions without being afraid of making mistakes, I think you will be able to International Student experience you have imagined. Also, this is a great opportunity for those who are not yet good at taking action on their own. New stimulation is a turning point that can change you as a person. This time as a university student is not infinite. It will end while you are thinking about it. If you are worried, just give it a try.
Momo Saito
Dispatch destination: America
Reasons for participating in AUGP/Reasons for choosing the US as your study abroad destination
There are many reasons why I wanted to study abroad, but I decided to go to America because I had a vague longing to live abroad and wanted a sense of freedom and freedom. I also wanted to be able to speak English without hesitation, as I would sometimes deal with overseas customers during my part-time job. Furthermore, when I was studying entertainment business outside of university, I learned about the difference in average age between Japan and America (as of 2024, Japan is 49.9 years old, America is 38.2 years old). I had been curious about this difference for a long time, and one of the reasons was that I wanted to experience the youth culture of this entertainment powerhouse.
Local classes and life
The classes were held three times a day from Monday to Thursday, and focused on social issues. The first two classes were about homelessness, LGBTQ rights, sustainability, and Portland's culture and history, and students discussed and shared their opinions with each other while learning. During the classes, we were expected to ask questions whenever possible. In Japan, we were not used to asking questions every time, so this was the most difficult part of the class. I realized how important it is to always listen while thinking, to show that you understand, and to make sure that there is nothing you don't understand. I think it was a good opportunity to feel the guilt of leaving things you don't understand as they are.
In the third class, we had one supporter join each group and practiced conversation for an hour. We focused on talking about the food we ate, what we did after school, famous things in Portland, Japanese culture, and ourselves, and it was a time to acquire more necessary English for everyday life.
On weekends, we had the opportunity to visit the Oregon Coast and local markets, watch soccer games, and enjoy the rich nature and culture. This program also focuses on sustainability, and we did assignments at a second-hand clothing store and volunteered at a reuse shop, so we were able to learn about Portland's advanced initiatives through these experiences. We lived in a student dormitory near the school, and in the evenings we would gather with friends in one room to play card games and share pizza. It was refreshing and interesting to play games in English while having fun. There were also many restaurants nearby, and I have fond memories of visiting fast food restaurants and ice cream shops.
There are many reasons why I wanted to study abroad, but I decided to go to America because I had a vague longing to live abroad and wanted a sense of freedom and freedom. I also wanted to be able to speak English without hesitation, as I would sometimes deal with overseas customers during my part-time job. Furthermore, when I was studying entertainment business outside of university, I learned about the difference in average age between Japan and America (as of 2024, Japan is 49.9 years old, America is 38.2 years old). I had been curious about this difference for a long time, and one of the reasons was that I wanted to experience the youth culture of this entertainment powerhouse.
Local classes and life
The classes were held three times a day from Monday to Thursday, and focused on social issues. The first two classes were about homelessness, LGBTQ rights, sustainability, and Portland's culture and history, and students discussed and shared their opinions with each other while learning. During the classes, we were expected to ask questions whenever possible. In Japan, we were not used to asking questions every time, so this was the most difficult part of the class. I realized how important it is to always listen while thinking, to show that you understand, and to make sure that there is nothing you don't understand. I think it was a good opportunity to feel the guilt of leaving things you don't understand as they are.
In the third class, we had one supporter join each group and practiced conversation for an hour. We focused on talking about the food we ate, what we did after school, famous things in Portland, Japanese culture, and ourselves, and it was a time to acquire more necessary English for everyday life.
On weekends, we had the opportunity to visit the Oregon Coast and local markets, watch soccer games, and enjoy the rich nature and culture. This program also focuses on sustainability, and we did assignments at a second-hand clothing store and volunteered at a reuse shop, so we were able to learn about Portland's advanced initiatives through these experiences. We lived in a student dormitory near the school, and in the evenings we would gather with friends in one room to play card games and share pizza. It was refreshing and interesting to play games in English while having fun. There were also many restaurants nearby, and I have fond memories of visiting fast food restaurants and ice cream shops.
Memorable events
The first thing I noticed when I arrived in America was how beautiful the sky was. I had never seen such a deep, deep blue sky before, so I was overwhelmed. I later researched it and found out that differences in humidity affect the color of the sky, and when there is a lot of water vapor, it looks whitish like the sky in Japan. This was certainly true, and during my stay, I was free from the sticky humidity of Japan for a month. Even though the temperature was high, it was dry and I didn't sweat, and I was also happy that it was light and the days were long even after 8pm, so it was very comfortable.
Future goals
I don't know how much I felt frustrated when I wanted to say something but couldn't express it well, but I realized that this desire to communicate is what's important. It's always better to be able to speak well, but I think it was a good thing that I learned to not get discouraged and make an effort to communicate even if my grammar is terrible, and the hurdle of speaking English was lowered. On the other hand, I was driven by the urge to study English more, and I look back on those days as stimulating and full of fulfillment.
What made me especially happy about being in America was meeting people of all ages and nationalities, and realizing that each person was living their own life. Regardless of age or nationality, there were people who were working while attending university, people who had worked in their home countries and then immigrated to America, people who had come to America after high school to study, people who had left America and were looking to work in a foreign country... I felt that they were all living cheerfully, freely, and honestly, doing what they wanted to do, and this made me more determined than ever to live the way I wanted to. I think that if I had stayed in Japan, somewhere unconsciously I would have felt that I wanted to stay on the same track as everyone else and not stray from that.
Now, as a fourth-year university student thinking about my future, I feel that my experiences in America have helped me greatly in terms of my way of thinking and mindset. It was a period during which I learned about safety, ways of thinking, and customs, and also learned about the good points of both America and Japan. It was also a month during which I thought, "Japan may be an easy place to live for Japanese people, but what about an easy place to live?" As for English, I would like to improve my English skills to a level that I can use at work, and one day be able to interact with the world through entertainment. I also hope to continue interacting with the other friends of other nationalities that I have met and become close to during this period, including my Korean friend who I became close to through the same program.
The first thing I noticed when I arrived in America was how beautiful the sky was. I had never seen such a deep, deep blue sky before, so I was overwhelmed. I later researched it and found out that differences in humidity affect the color of the sky, and when there is a lot of water vapor, it looks whitish like the sky in Japan. This was certainly true, and during my stay, I was free from the sticky humidity of Japan for a month. Even though the temperature was high, it was dry and I didn't sweat, and I was also happy that it was light and the days were long even after 8pm, so it was very comfortable.
Future goals
I don't know how much I felt frustrated when I wanted to say something but couldn't express it well, but I realized that this desire to communicate is what's important. It's always better to be able to speak well, but I think it was a good thing that I learned to not get discouraged and make an effort to communicate even if my grammar is terrible, and the hurdle of speaking English was lowered. On the other hand, I was driven by the urge to study English more, and I look back on those days as stimulating and full of fulfillment.
What made me especially happy about being in America was meeting people of all ages and nationalities, and realizing that each person was living their own life. Regardless of age or nationality, there were people who were working while attending university, people who had worked in their home countries and then immigrated to America, people who had come to America after high school to study, people who had left America and were looking to work in a foreign country... I felt that they were all living cheerfully, freely, and honestly, doing what they wanted to do, and this made me more determined than ever to live the way I wanted to. I think that if I had stayed in Japan, somewhere unconsciously I would have felt that I wanted to stay on the same track as everyone else and not stray from that.
Now, as a fourth-year university student thinking about my future, I feel that my experiences in America have helped me greatly in terms of my way of thinking and mindset. It was a period during which I learned about safety, ways of thinking, and customs, and also learned about the good points of both America and Japan. It was also a month during which I thought, "Japan may be an easy place to live for Japanese people, but what about an easy place to live?" As for English, I would like to improve my English skills to a level that I can use at work, and one day be able to interact with the world through entertainment. I also hope to continue interacting with the other friends of other nationalities that I have met and become close to during this period, including my Korean friend who I became close to through the same program.
Kokona Okamoto
Destination: Vietnam
Reasons for participating in AUGP/Reasons for choosing Vietnam as your study abroad destination
The reason I participated in AUGP was because I wanted to learn about the culture of the country I was studying abroad in a short period of time, and to increase my initiative by immersing myself in an unfamiliar area, which would lead to my growth. I chose Vietnam out of curiosity, as it was a country I had never been to before and it was the first AUGP to have Vietnam. Also, I had never studied Vietnamese at all until then, but the main focus there was learning English, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to improve my English skills, so I participated.
Local classes and life
We were divided into classes based on the test scores we took on the first day of class. There were about 15 Vietnamese students in my class, and I was the only Japanese. There were two classes, 7:30-9:30 (first half) and 9:45-11:30 (second half), and both were taught by native English teachers. In the first half, we looked up the meanings of words that fit the theme of the material, checked how to use them, and practiced pronunciation. After that, we had a discussion based on the theme in pairs. When we talked about the SNS and shopping apps we use on our smartphones in class, I was shocked to find that my classmates and I use completely different apps, and LINE didn't work in Vietnam. Apparently, the app similar to LINE in Vietnam is called "Zalo."
In the second half, we were focused on answering long reading comprehension questions, with each person taking a break and then checking their answers in groups after a certain amount of time. Also, when we were losing concentration, we used an app called Kahoot! to answer quizzes. The discussion pairs and problem-solving groups changed every day, but since we were with the same classmates in both the first and second halves, we were able to talk casually, and I was very happy that they greeted me, who came from a foreign country, with a smile and told me to feel free to ask if there was anything I didn't understand.
Living abroad, there was a bus that ran from school to the hotel, so I was able to get to school on time every day.
The school has Library (Library Administration), a break room, a cafeteria, and a cafe, and even though it was hot, the air conditioning was working well, so I was able to spend time comfortably after class. The menus at the cafeteria and cafe were only written in Vietnamese, so I used a translation machine. There were three of us in one hotel room, but each of us had our own room, so we could study by ourselves, and I also used Zoom during my study abroad, so I was very grateful that I could spend time there without feeling shy around my roommate. The kitchen, table, washing machine, and other daily necessities were all provided, so the three of us were able to live comfortably.
There is a commercial facility within walking distance of the hotel, and there are familiar specialty stores such as Aeon, Muji, and Starbucks, so I had no trouble finding food, even if I didn't like local food. However, even though the commercial facility is full of Japanese stores, Japanese is not spoken. English is not used frequently either, so I was a little confused at first. They called out the order in Vietnamese, so it is useful to know how to read the numbers. Japanese is spoken in places run by Japanese people and serving Japanese food.
On weekends, there are tours to Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are related to the Vietnam War. If you research these tours thoroughly on YouTube or the Internet beforehand, you will have a fulfilling day. The traffic of cars and motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City was very intense. Everyone was driving very close to each other. It was a different world with horns honking more than once every few seconds. We also had the opportunity to go sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City with three other AUGP participants, and it was very convenient to call a taxi with the app Grab. There are many stylish cafes in Ho Chi Minh City, so if you research this in advance, the experience will be much more fulfilling.
The reason I participated in AUGP was because I wanted to learn about the culture of the country I was studying abroad in a short period of time, and to increase my initiative by immersing myself in an unfamiliar area, which would lead to my growth. I chose Vietnam out of curiosity, as it was a country I had never been to before and it was the first AUGP to have Vietnam. Also, I had never studied Vietnamese at all until then, but the main focus there was learning English, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to improve my English skills, so I participated.
Local classes and life
We were divided into classes based on the test scores we took on the first day of class. There were about 15 Vietnamese students in my class, and I was the only Japanese. There were two classes, 7:30-9:30 (first half) and 9:45-11:30 (second half), and both were taught by native English teachers. In the first half, we looked up the meanings of words that fit the theme of the material, checked how to use them, and practiced pronunciation. After that, we had a discussion based on the theme in pairs. When we talked about the SNS and shopping apps we use on our smartphones in class, I was shocked to find that my classmates and I use completely different apps, and LINE didn't work in Vietnam. Apparently, the app similar to LINE in Vietnam is called "Zalo."
In the second half, we were focused on answering long reading comprehension questions, with each person taking a break and then checking their answers in groups after a certain amount of time. Also, when we were losing concentration, we used an app called Kahoot! to answer quizzes. The discussion pairs and problem-solving groups changed every day, but since we were with the same classmates in both the first and second halves, we were able to talk casually, and I was very happy that they greeted me, who came from a foreign country, with a smile and told me to feel free to ask if there was anything I didn't understand.
Living abroad, there was a bus that ran from school to the hotel, so I was able to get to school on time every day.
The school has Library (Library Administration), a break room, a cafeteria, and a cafe, and even though it was hot, the air conditioning was working well, so I was able to spend time comfortably after class. The menus at the cafeteria and cafe were only written in Vietnamese, so I used a translation machine. There were three of us in one hotel room, but each of us had our own room, so we could study by ourselves, and I also used Zoom during my study abroad, so I was very grateful that I could spend time there without feeling shy around my roommate. The kitchen, table, washing machine, and other daily necessities were all provided, so the three of us were able to live comfortably.
There is a commercial facility within walking distance of the hotel, and there are familiar specialty stores such as Aeon, Muji, and Starbucks, so I had no trouble finding food, even if I didn't like local food. However, even though the commercial facility is full of Japanese stores, Japanese is not spoken. English is not used frequently either, so I was a little confused at first. They called out the order in Vietnamese, so it is useful to know how to read the numbers. Japanese is spoken in places run by Japanese people and serving Japanese food.
On weekends, there are tours to Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are related to the Vietnam War. If you research these tours thoroughly on YouTube or the Internet beforehand, you will have a fulfilling day. The traffic of cars and motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City was very intense. Everyone was driving very close to each other. It was a different world with horns honking more than once every few seconds. We also had the opportunity to go sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City with three other AUGP participants, and it was very convenient to call a taxi with the app Grab. There are many stylish cafes in Ho Chi Minh City, so if you research this in advance, the experience will be much more fulfilling.
Memorable events
"What was dangerous after I arrived in Vietnam?"
After arriving at the site, I was relieved to meet up with our local guide, Mr. Thanh, but then I almost left without any Vietnamese dong. Before getting in the car, I remembered that in the pre-trip training session, we had been told to exchange money at the airport before heading to the hotel. If I had forgotten, I would have had to choose between going to a strange money exchange office or going back to the airport, and I don't think I would have been able to spend my first day as planned. I also think that I may have caused trouble for Mr. Thanh and the driver, so I'm glad that I was able to act calmly and make the right decisions as soon as I arrived at the site.
Future goals
My two weeks of studying abroad in Vietnam went by very quickly and intensely. Not only did I get to use English, but I also had a valuable experience in terms of communication, as Vietnamese was the main language used outside the campus. I believe that you don't grow if you rely too much on your familiar environment, so I hope to continue being someone who can take on new challenges without hesitation when I enter the workforce in the future.
"What was dangerous after I arrived in Vietnam?"
After arriving at the site, I was relieved to meet up with our local guide, Mr. Thanh, but then I almost left without any Vietnamese dong. Before getting in the car, I remembered that in the pre-trip training session, we had been told to exchange money at the airport before heading to the hotel. If I had forgotten, I would have had to choose between going to a strange money exchange office or going back to the airport, and I don't think I would have been able to spend my first day as planned. I also think that I may have caused trouble for Mr. Thanh and the driver, so I'm glad that I was able to act calmly and make the right decisions as soon as I arrived at the site.
Future goals
My two weeks of studying abroad in Vietnam went by very quickly and intensely. Not only did I get to use English, but I also had a valuable experience in terms of communication, as Vietnamese was the main language used outside the campus. I believe that you don't grow if you rely too much on your familiar environment, so I hope to continue being someone who can take on new challenges without hesitation when I enter the workforce in the future.
KATO Ayame
Destination: South Korea
Reasons for choosing Korea as your study abroad destination
I've been interested in K-POP since I was a child, and I wanted to understand what my favorite people were saying, so I started studying Korean by myself in the upper grades of elementary school. I'd visited Korea several times on trips, but I decided to participate in AUGP Korea to see how well my Korean skills would be useful in daily life there.
Local classes and life
Since I stayed in a hotel instead of the school dormitory, I had to take trains and buses to get to school. Since the school was far away, I had to get up early in the morning, which was a bit difficult, but using public transportation to get to school made me feel like I was blending in with the local university students. Classes were divided into beginners 1 and 2, intermediate 1 and 2, and advanced, depending on the level test taken on the first day, and were held for four hours a day, five days a week, with small classes of about 10 people. The basics were based on the textbook, but on Mondays, the classmates talked about what they did over the weekend, and after field trips and cultural classes, they shared fun memories with their classmates with the teacher, so the atmosphere was bright and not limited to the framework of "class." During the field trip mentioned earlier, we went to an amusement park called Lotte World, the National Museum of Korea, and a non-verbal performance called Painters, which combines art, music, and dance. Before going to Lotte World, I was nervous about spending the day with my classmates who I had just met, but by experiencing the parade and fun attractions together, I was able to deepen my friendship with them. The National Museum of Korea has a collection of 400,000 Korean cultural heritage items. It was a little difficult because all the explanations were in Korean, but there was also a Japanese exhibition zone, so we had fun looking around. The Painters' performance is a performance that is captivating with almost no words, so even those who are not confident in Korean can enjoy it. In addition, in the cultural classes held once or twice a week, we experienced Korean dramas, traditional Korean games, K-POP, and calligraphy. The traditional games class was especially memorable. We had a great time playing traditional Korean games, which we rarely get to experience, in pairs and against the class next door, while the teacher taught us.
Memorable events
I also participated in AUGP Korea a year ago, and was taking classes in the intermediate class at that time. At Kyung Hee University, a graduation ceremony is held after the short-term course ends, and the advanced International Student give their impressions of their graduation. I was in the intermediate class at the time, and when I saw the same Japanese International Student standing in front of a large group and giving their impressions of their graduation in fluent Korean, I set a goal for myself: "I want to be able to speak Korean like that someday." After returning home from my first study abroad, I realized that there are very few opportunities to use Korean in Japan. In order to give meaning to the Korean I learned through my study abroad, I applied for a part-time job as an interpreter and added Japanese subtitles to Korean videos, making an effort to use Korean in my own way. As a result, I was able to enter the advanced class this time and grabbed the chance to give my impressions of their graduation. I was originally not good at making presentations in front of a large group or trying new things, but I thought that since I had gone abroad to study, I should try something new, so I volunteered. I went up on stage representing 230 International Student, but my voice was trembling and I could barely lift my head, so my speech may not have been as confident as International Student I had heard a year before. However, when I came off the stage, the teachers who had looked after me for the past three weeks praised me, saying, "It was a wonderful speech that conveyed the hard work you've put in over the past year," and I felt a sense of accomplishment like I had never felt before.
Future goals
While attending Kyung Hee University, I was not only learning the language, but also had valuable experiences that I could not have had while traveling, and the three weeks passed by in an enjoyable manner. During my previous study abroad, there were things that I was unable to achieve and regretted not trying, but this time, in order to make the most of the short three weeks, I took the initiative to try everything I could. As a result, I think I was able to break out of my shell and achieve great results. Above all, by living in Korea, I was able to notice the good points of both Korea and Japan, and I realized that my values were expanding. I also set a goal of learning Korean that I could use not only for daily conversation but also for business. First of all, I will continue to work hard to achieve my goal of obtaining Level 6 in the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) by the end of this year.
I also participated in AUGP Korea a year ago, and was taking classes in the intermediate class at that time. At Kyung Hee University, a graduation ceremony is held after the short-term course ends, and the advanced International Student give their impressions of their graduation. I was in the intermediate class at the time, and when I saw the same Japanese International Student standing in front of a large group and giving their impressions of their graduation in fluent Korean, I set a goal for myself: "I want to be able to speak Korean like that someday." After returning home from my first study abroad, I realized that there are very few opportunities to use Korean in Japan. In order to give meaning to the Korean I learned through my study abroad, I applied for a part-time job as an interpreter and added Japanese subtitles to Korean videos, making an effort to use Korean in my own way. As a result, I was able to enter the advanced class this time and grabbed the chance to give my impressions of their graduation. I was originally not good at making presentations in front of a large group or trying new things, but I thought that since I had gone abroad to study, I should try something new, so I volunteered. I went up on stage representing 230 International Student, but my voice was trembling and I could barely lift my head, so my speech may not have been as confident as International Student I had heard a year before. However, when I came off the stage, the teachers who had looked after me for the past three weeks praised me, saying, "It was a wonderful speech that conveyed the hard work you've put in over the past year," and I felt a sense of accomplishment like I had never felt before.
Future goals
While attending Kyung Hee University, I was not only learning the language, but also had valuable experiences that I could not have had while traveling, and the three weeks passed by in an enjoyable manner. During my previous study abroad, there were things that I was unable to achieve and regretted not trying, but this time, in order to make the most of the short three weeks, I took the initiative to try everything I could. As a result, I think I was able to break out of my shell and achieve great results. Above all, by living in Korea, I was able to notice the good points of both Korea and Japan, and I realized that my values were expanding. I also set a goal of learning Korean that I could use not only for daily conversation but also for business. First of all, I will continue to work hard to achieve my goal of obtaining Level 6 in the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) by the end of this year.
Konosuke Takaku
Destination: Sydney, Australia (internship program)
Why did you choose Australia as your study destination?
The reason I chose this program was because it was the only one that offered work experience among the many programs available. I also wanted to improve my English skills, especially speaking and listening. Furthermore, as an Faculty of Economics student, I wanted to directly experience the differences between Japan and Australia by experiencing the living and working environment in Australia, where the minimum wage and inflation rate are higher than in Japan.
Local classes and life
During the week of studying abroad, classes were held with chairs arranged in a circle, so that everyone could see each other's faces. I thought this style was a good system for everyone to take an active role in the classes. The content of the classes consisted of using expressions that are often used in real life and memorizing them in class. At first, I was sometimes overwhelmed by the high level of the other students, but by participating actively without fear of failure, I was able to communicate with confidence.
Public transport in Australia is unified, and it was convenient to use one card for everything from trains to ferries. I was surprised by the system that if you exceed the weekly usage limit, you can use the card for free for the rest of the week. My host family is a Christian, and I interacted with local people at church every Sunday. The singing and communal lunches at church were great opportunities for intercultural exchange. I also deepened my friendships with friends of my age that I met there by playing badminton together on weekday nights.
The reason I chose this program was because it was the only one that offered work experience among the many programs available. I also wanted to improve my English skills, especially speaking and listening. Furthermore, as an Faculty of Economics student, I wanted to directly experience the differences between Japan and Australia by experiencing the living and working environment in Australia, where the minimum wage and inflation rate are higher than in Japan.
Local classes and life
During the week of studying abroad, classes were held with chairs arranged in a circle, so that everyone could see each other's faces. I thought this style was a good system for everyone to take an active role in the classes. The content of the classes consisted of using expressions that are often used in real life and memorizing them in class. At first, I was sometimes overwhelmed by the high level of the other students, but by participating actively without fear of failure, I was able to communicate with confidence.
Public transport in Australia is unified, and it was convenient to use one card for everything from trains to ferries. I was surprised by the system that if you exceed the weekly usage limit, you can use the card for free for the rest of the week. My host family is a Christian, and I interacted with local people at church every Sunday. The singing and communal lunches at church were great opportunities for intercultural exchange. I also deepened my friendships with friends of my age that I met there by playing badminton together on weekday nights.
Memorable events
One of the most memorable episodes during my study abroad was from my work experience. I tried a new idea that my boss had not specifically instructed me to come up with, and it was highly praised. I was in charge of editing an advertisement, and I decided to insert an illustration into the advertisement, which had not been instructed to do. As a result, my boss praised it, saying, "The illustration makes it easier to understand." From this experience, I learned the importance of "actively taking action on things that you think are good."
Future goals
After returning to Japan, I became able to speak English with confidence. I also had a strong desire to return to Australia and work there. I am currently working hard to further improve my English skills, with the aim of succeeding in an international workplace. This study abroad experience was a major turning point for me in terms of my personal growth and future career development. I would like to continue to work to improve my intercultural understanding and language skills, while deepening my interactions with people with diverse values.
One of the most memorable episodes during my study abroad was from my work experience. I tried a new idea that my boss had not specifically instructed me to come up with, and it was highly praised. I was in charge of editing an advertisement, and I decided to insert an illustration into the advertisement, which had not been instructed to do. As a result, my boss praised it, saying, "The illustration makes it easier to understand." From this experience, I learned the importance of "actively taking action on things that you think are good."
Future goals
After returning to Japan, I became able to speak English with confidence. I also had a strong desire to return to Australia and work there. I am currently working hard to further improve my English skills, with the aim of succeeding in an international workplace. This study abroad experience was a major turning point for me in terms of my personal growth and future career development. I would like to continue to work to improve my intercultural understanding and language skills, while deepening my interactions with people with diverse values.
FUNAYAMA Ryohei
Dispatch destination: America
Why I chose America as my study abroad destination
When I was in Freshman junior high school, I participated in a week-long overseas training program in Malaysia. I decided to participate in AUGP America because I couldn't forget that experience and wanted to visit overseas again. I had the option of studying abroad in the United States through AUAP (5 months), but I was still worried about living in a foreign country, so I felt that it would be a high hurdle to stay for a long time for the first time. . On the other hand, the fact that AUGP's program period was only one month was a deciding factor in choosing AUGP.
Classes and life locally
I studied abroad at Portland State University. There are about 15 Japanese students in the class, including AUGP members. We studied English in the classroom from Monday to Thursday. In the morning, in addition to learning the basics of English such as grammar and pronunciation, we had discussions in pairs and groups to research specific themes and exchange opinions. During the class, students were required to express their own opinions, have the ability to think, and have a positive attitude. In the afternoon, there was time to interact with local support students through card games and board games. On Friday and Saturday, we experienced the culture of America, Oregon, and Portland, and visited tourist spots.
A place called ``Blanchet House'' provides meals and a place for houseless people, and I helped prepare the meals to be handed out.
At Canon Beach, I had a lot of free time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, eat with the members at a nearby restaurant, and look at souvenirs. The local people also talked to me and had some conversations with me, which was a rare experience because there were so many Japanese students working in groups, which was a valuable experience.
We looked back on these daily experiences in class, taught each other words we didn't understand, talked about challenges we faced, and felt like we were growing day by day. The rest of the time I had many free days, and I spent a lot of time with friends and local students, going shopping downtown and working out at the school Gymnasium.
When I was in Freshman junior high school, I participated in a week-long overseas training program in Malaysia. I decided to participate in AUGP America because I couldn't forget that experience and wanted to visit overseas again. I had the option of studying abroad in the United States through AUAP (5 months), but I was still worried about living in a foreign country, so I felt that it would be a high hurdle to stay for a long time for the first time. . On the other hand, the fact that AUGP's program period was only one month was a deciding factor in choosing AUGP.
Classes and life locally
I studied abroad at Portland State University. There are about 15 Japanese students in the class, including AUGP members. We studied English in the classroom from Monday to Thursday. In the morning, in addition to learning the basics of English such as grammar and pronunciation, we had discussions in pairs and groups to research specific themes and exchange opinions. During the class, students were required to express their own opinions, have the ability to think, and have a positive attitude. In the afternoon, there was time to interact with local support students through card games and board games. On Friday and Saturday, we experienced the culture of America, Oregon, and Portland, and visited tourist spots.
A place called ``Blanchet House'' provides meals and a place for houseless people, and I helped prepare the meals to be handed out.
At Canon Beach, I had a lot of free time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, eat with the members at a nearby restaurant, and look at souvenirs. The local people also talked to me and had some conversations with me, which was a rare experience because there were so many Japanese students working in groups, which was a valuable experience.
We looked back on these daily experiences in class, taught each other words we didn't understand, talked about challenges we faced, and felt like we were growing day by day. The rest of the time I had many free days, and I spent a lot of time with friends and local students, going shopping downtown and working out at the school Gymnasium.
impressive event
We played a game called ``Scavenger Hunt.'' You approach the people of the town and search for people who fit a pre-specified theme. At first, I found it difficult to talk to everyone because everyone seemed scared. When I first mustered up the courage to ask the staff at the store, they greeted me with a smile and made me realize that my fears were unfounded. Afterwards, we were able to enjoy the game by talking to 7 to 8 people, including store staff and the general public. It made me realize that I was putting up walls when I tried to talk to people, and at the same time, it made me realize the importance of accepting others and communicating with a friendly smile. It was an impressive event that made me feel the warmth of the people.
Future goals
The month I spent at AUGP was extremely fulfilling, and it went by in the blink of an eye. Regarding my English ability, I think that speaking is the skill that improved the most because I had many opportunities to see how local communication works, so I was able to know the responses and expressions, and actually use them.
Before participating in this study abroad program, I had thought that I would like to use English if I had the chance, but through this study abroad experience, my mindset changed to that of creating opportunities myself.
I work part-time in the customer service industry, and there are many customers from overseas at my part-time job. I will use the communication skills I learned this time to be able to quickly speak English in such situations and provide a response that will reassure customers who may feel anxious in Japan, which is a foreign country from the perspective of overseas customers. I would like to come. Just as I felt happy and relieved by the Japanese I heard while studying abroad, I hope that people from other countries can have the same experience in Japan. To that end, I would like to continue my efforts to actively use English on a daily basis and increase my ability to use English and communication skills.
Although it was a short period of one month, I was able to feel that I had grown not only in my English ability, but also in my awareness, way of thinking, and mental health. Living in a foreign country brings about big changes in yourself. Would you like to go find a new version of yourself at AUGP?
We played a game called ``Scavenger Hunt.'' You approach the people of the town and search for people who fit a pre-specified theme. At first, I found it difficult to talk to everyone because everyone seemed scared. When I first mustered up the courage to ask the staff at the store, they greeted me with a smile and made me realize that my fears were unfounded. Afterwards, we were able to enjoy the game by talking to 7 to 8 people, including store staff and the general public. It made me realize that I was putting up walls when I tried to talk to people, and at the same time, it made me realize the importance of accepting others and communicating with a friendly smile. It was an impressive event that made me feel the warmth of the people.
Future goals
The month I spent at AUGP was extremely fulfilling, and it went by in the blink of an eye. Regarding my English ability, I think that speaking is the skill that improved the most because I had many opportunities to see how local communication works, so I was able to know the responses and expressions, and actually use them.
Before participating in this study abroad program, I had thought that I would like to use English if I had the chance, but through this study abroad experience, my mindset changed to that of creating opportunities myself.
I work part-time in the customer service industry, and there are many customers from overseas at my part-time job. I will use the communication skills I learned this time to be able to quickly speak English in such situations and provide a response that will reassure customers who may feel anxious in Japan, which is a foreign country from the perspective of overseas customers. I would like to come. Just as I felt happy and relieved by the Japanese I heard while studying abroad, I hope that people from other countries can have the same experience in Japan. To that end, I would like to continue my efforts to actively use English on a daily basis and increase my ability to use English and communication skills.
Although it was a short period of one month, I was able to feel that I had grown not only in my English ability, but also in my awareness, way of thinking, and mental health. Living in a foreign country brings about big changes in yourself. Would you like to go find a new version of yourself at AUGP?
YOSHII Minori
Destination: New Zealand
The reason I participated in AUGP was not only to improve my English skills, but also because I wanted to experience a culture different from Japan. Also, when I participated, there were only two English-speaking countries to send me to, the United States and New Zealand, but I felt that New Zealand had a lot of nature and was calm, so I thought it would be a good fit for me, so I chose New Zealand. It has expanded. Also, since I was staying in a homestay, I was able to live with local people and communicate in English outside of school, which I found appealing.
On the first day of school, there is an orientation and placement test, and depending on the test results, students will be placed in a class that matches their level. There were about 15 people in my class, and they were of various nationalities and ages. Classes were held four days a week, from Monday to Thursday.In the morning classes, we studied along with textbooks, and in the afternoon classes, we often learned English through practical activities such as watching videos and role-playing on a certain topic. Since there was a lot of pair work and group work, I think I was able to develop my speaking and listening skills by practicing expressing my opinions and listening to others' opinions. Even on days when there were no classes, I was able to participate in various activities such as volunteering and sightseeing if I applied.
The most memorable thing about my school life was International Party. It was an event where they could learn about the cultures of New Zealand, Europe, and Asia, and they ate food from various countries and watched performances such as traditional performing arts. In particular, I was able to see the haka, a Maori folk dance, up close, which left a very impressive impression on me. Also, on my days off, I was able to refresh myself by going out to eat with my host family and friends and visiting sightseeing spots. Even though it was only a short four weeks, I was able to experience English every day and live in an unfamiliar place, which was a difficult but fulfilling experience for me.
Before studying abroad, I was not good at actively speaking English because I was afraid of making mistakes. However, through my classes and life there, I learned that while language skills are of course important, the attitude of trying to communicate to others is most important. I feel that my biggest growth point was that I gained confidence and found joy in speaking English through this study abroad experience.
After studying abroad, I became even more motivated to learn English, and at the same time, I realized that I still have a lot to learn about language and culture. Currently, I don't think people speak English on a daily basis in Japan, so I would like to create opportunities to speak English on my own and improve my language skills. Also, in the future, I would like to use English in some way or get a job that involves working with foreign countries. To that end, I will continue to study English and try to be proactive in everything I do.
On the first day of school, there is an orientation and placement test, and depending on the test results, students will be placed in a class that matches their level. There were about 15 people in my class, and they were of various nationalities and ages. Classes were held four days a week, from Monday to Thursday.In the morning classes, we studied along with textbooks, and in the afternoon classes, we often learned English through practical activities such as watching videos and role-playing on a certain topic. Since there was a lot of pair work and group work, I think I was able to develop my speaking and listening skills by practicing expressing my opinions and listening to others' opinions. Even on days when there were no classes, I was able to participate in various activities such as volunteering and sightseeing if I applied.
The most memorable thing about my school life was International Party. It was an event where they could learn about the cultures of New Zealand, Europe, and Asia, and they ate food from various countries and watched performances such as traditional performing arts. In particular, I was able to see the haka, a Maori folk dance, up close, which left a very impressive impression on me. Also, on my days off, I was able to refresh myself by going out to eat with my host family and friends and visiting sightseeing spots. Even though it was only a short four weeks, I was able to experience English every day and live in an unfamiliar place, which was a difficult but fulfilling experience for me.
Before studying abroad, I was not good at actively speaking English because I was afraid of making mistakes. However, through my classes and life there, I learned that while language skills are of course important, the attitude of trying to communicate to others is most important. I feel that my biggest growth point was that I gained confidence and found joy in speaking English through this study abroad experience.
After studying abroad, I became even more motivated to learn English, and at the same time, I realized that I still have a lot to learn about language and culture. Currently, I don't think people speak English on a daily basis in Japan, so I would like to create opportunities to speak English on my own and improve my language skills. Also, in the future, I would like to use English in some way or get a job that involves working with foreign countries. To that end, I will continue to study English and try to be proactive in everything I do.
NAKADA Aoi
Dispatch destination: India
■Why did you choose to study abroad in India?
Thanks to the influence of my grandmother, who loved India, I was interested in Indian culture and life even before I entered university. I applied to Asia University because I could study Hindi as a regional language and there was a study abroad program in India. Therefore, from the moment I enrolled in Faculty of International Relations, I knew that I wanted to study abroad.
I also went to India when I was in high school, and I really liked the atmosphere there, so I always wanted to study abroad in India while I was in college.
■What was school like?
Just like in Japan, there is school from Monday to Friday. When I went to school, the driver of an autorickshaw, a traditional Indian autorickshaw, came to pick me up in front of my house and took me to school. Classes are held from 9:00 to 15:00, and you will study Hindi from beginning to end. The teacher was always the same, and the classes were 1:3. The curriculum was tailored to our level of understanding, so I was able to feel my own growth as I progressed steadily from what I understood. The school we went to had students studying Japanese, so we sometimes interacted with them after school. There was always chai time (snack time) when we got home from school, and we had delicious chai every day. At night, my daily routine was to watch singing programs in the living room with my host family. On holidays, my host family took me to various places every week, such as art museums, shopping malls, theaters, and museums.
■What I experienced that surprised me
More than just being interesting, I felt that India was amazing. While studying abroad, our host family's son was having an engagement ceremony, and we decided to attend as well. On the day, I had the wonderful experience of attending the engagement ceremony wearing a traditional Indian costume, a sari, and even getting a henna tattoo. Many of my host family's friends also attended and talked with them. During this time, something that would never happen in Japan happened. I received an invitation from a wedding guest, which would be unthinkable in Japan: ``My son's wedding is next week, so come along!'' In India, it seems that there is a culture of celebrating weddings grandly, with 200 to 300 people attending, and sometimes as many as 1,000 for wealthy people. When I actually attended, I was surprised at the scale of the wedding venue. What was also impressive was that there was a photo booth-like machine in one corner of the ceremony hall.
By attending the wedding, I realized the difference in values between people in India and Japan. My experience is that people in India have strong connections, and once you meet someone, you feel like you're a friend, and a friend's friend is a friend. From that, I felt that many Indian people were friendly and warm-hearted. In Japan, as you grow up, your connection with the local community becomes weaker, but being able to interact with people from various generations gave me a nostalgic feeling.
■Through studying abroad
After studying abroad, I realized more about the importance of learning languages, and my desire to become able to communicate in both Hindi and English without using translation software became stronger. Also, by staying in a country other than Japan for 5 weeks, I had the option of working overseas in the future. One of the good things about studying abroad is that I have a broader perspective on employment.
I especially felt that my listening skills improved while studying abroad. In the future, I would like to improve this ability and become even better at reading comprehension using the textbooks I received from the school in India when I studied abroad. My goal is to be able to communicate daily with my host family only in Hindi when I return to India.
Tomomi Sudo
Dispatch destination: Spain
“What I gained at AUGP Spain”
I started learning Spanish after entering university, and although I was able to read and write basic sentences, I was frustrated by the fact that I couldn't speak it properly. At that time, I learned that AUGP dispatch programs had resumed, and I decided to participate in AUGP Spain because I wanted to learn more realistic Spanish and Spanish culture and life that I couldn't learn in class.
At the University of Salamanca, where I was dispatched, there were morning classes on grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. The grammar class was longer than the other two, allowing us to learn basic grammar in a thorough manner. During class, you will have many opportunities to have conversations with your teachers and classmates, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and have fun while training your listening and speaking skills. I think it was a good environment for me, as my goal was to become ``able to speak'' Spanish. In the afternoon, after doing homework for grammar class, we strolled around town until dinner at 8pm. Salamanca has many famous cathedrals and museums, so I visited with friends and was able to experience beautiful architecture and art. It was also fun to visit cafes that serve churros, which are popular with locals and eaten with gelato or chocolate. When I studied abroad, I applied to the University of Salamanca and was able to participate in tours within the university and sightseeing tours of other areas on holidays. During my trip, I was able to experience many of the charms of Spain, such as touring historic castle walls and beautiful cathedrals, and listening to the guides try some of the traditional dishes of the area.
I started learning Spanish after entering university, and although I was able to read and write basic sentences, I was frustrated by the fact that I couldn't speak it properly. At that time, I learned that AUGP dispatch programs had resumed, and I decided to participate in AUGP Spain because I wanted to learn more realistic Spanish and Spanish culture and life that I couldn't learn in class.
At the University of Salamanca, where I was dispatched, there were morning classes on grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. The grammar class was longer than the other two, allowing us to learn basic grammar in a thorough manner. During class, you will have many opportunities to have conversations with your teachers and classmates, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and have fun while training your listening and speaking skills. I think it was a good environment for me, as my goal was to become ``able to speak'' Spanish. In the afternoon, after doing homework for grammar class, we strolled around town until dinner at 8pm. Salamanca has many famous cathedrals and museums, so I visited with friends and was able to experience beautiful architecture and art. It was also fun to visit cafes that serve churros, which are popular with locals and eaten with gelato or chocolate. When I studied abroad, I applied to the University of Salamanca and was able to participate in tours within the university and sightseeing tours of other areas on holidays. During my trip, I was able to experience many of the charms of Spain, such as touring historic castle walls and beautiful cathedrals, and listening to the guides try some of the traditional dishes of the area.
Regarding my speaking skills, which was an issue during this study abroad, I gradually became able to have conversations in my daily life, and by the time I returned to Japan, I was able to have simple everyday conversations with native speakers. When I entered a store, the staff complimented me on how well I spoke Spanish, and that gave me a lot of confidence. However, it was very difficult to understand the conversations I had with my host family because they spoke so fast and often used words I didn't know. Also, I couldn't understand the values of the Spanish people, and there were many times when I felt frustrated because I couldn't get my ideas across the way I wanted. In particular, when I tried to bathe and use my room the same way as in Japan, there seemed to be some aspects that did not match Spanish values, and I sometimes received attention. This experience made me keenly aware that no matter how much you learn about grammar and culture, it is difficult to communicate unless you understand the other person's values. I also decided to learn more about Spanish language and culture in order to express my opinions more accurately.
One of the reasons why I am glad I studied abroad is that I was blessed with the opportunity to meet new people. I have attended several networking events where Spaniards who love Japan gather. There, I had good memories of talking with Spaniards from various backgrounds about life and culture in Japan and Spain, and bonding over common topics. Also, at my homestay, there were French, Italian, and Portuguese children who took turns every week. During meals, we talked about their countries and Japan, and we became such close friends that we still keep in touch today. I believe that the experience of meeting people from various backgrounds in Spain, including the Japanese people I met at the University of Salamanca and the friends I attended AUGP Spain with, will be a great asset in my life. I would like to visit Spain again someday to meet the people I met this time.
One of the reasons why I am glad I studied abroad is that I was blessed with the opportunity to meet new people. I have attended several networking events where Spaniards who love Japan gather. There, I had good memories of talking with Spaniards from various backgrounds about life and culture in Japan and Spain, and bonding over common topics. Also, at my homestay, there were French, Italian, and Portuguese children who took turns every week. During meals, we talked about their countries and Japan, and we became such close friends that we still keep in touch today. I believe that the experience of meeting people from various backgrounds in Spain, including the Japanese people I met at the University of Salamanca and the friends I attended AUGP Spain with, will be a great asset in my life. I would like to visit Spain again someday to meet the people I met this time.
KIYAMA Mina
Destination: Malaysia
“A valuable experience I had while studying abroad in Malaysia for two months”
1. Reasons for considering studying abroad and reasons for choosing Malaysia
I decided to study abroad because I wanted to improve my language skills (ability to speak English). I wanted to develop the habit of getting used to English by living in an environment filled with English on a daily basis, rather than in an environment surrounded by "Japanese."
The reason I chose Malaysia among the AUGP destinations was because I thought it was a multicultural and symbiotic country where I could experience many different cultures and values. I also wanted to live a fulfilling life during the long spring break, so I decided to participate in the AUGP program.
2.About local life
◯Class
In class, students will be divided into classes based on their scores on the first test they take. In my class, we had a class specializing in the four English skills, and we focused on those. They studied according to textbooks, and during reading and listening, they were paired up with local students to solve problems, and during speaking, they sometimes gave presentations based on the designated themes.
In the morning, we had an English-based activity called a buddy session. Local students participated as buddies every time and came up with fun games.
The afternoon class was from 13:00 to 17:00, but since there was a break, I sometimes went to the store to take a breather and eat some waffles. Most of the teachers were friendly and kind, and it was an environment where I could learn English with peace of mind. I even had some Chinese friends I became friends with in class teach me Chinese. I made some Sudanese friends, and on my days off, we went out for dinner and went to KLCC (in Kuala Lumpur).
◯Meals
After the buddy session, I often went out to have lunch with my buddies. There are many delicious local food shops and cafes near UCSI University, so mealtimes were fun and fulfilling. My favorite dishes are a dessert dish called rotis, which is a chewy crepe batter spread with condensed milk, and a Malaysian dish called pineapple nasi goreng! I was able to enjoy the local flavors and now I miss Malaysian food.
◯Going out
Since I was going to study abroad for two months, I wanted to spend every day to the fullest, so I made sure to make plans to hang out with local friends and try out various experiences in my free time. On days when I don't have classes in the morning, I play basketball with Chinese friends I made locally, and on my days off, I go to the movies, go shopping, or go skateboarding if I'm invited! He acted proactively based on this motto. Thanks to this, I had more opportunities to converse in English and meet many people, and the hurdles to learning English gradually lowered. One of my most memorable outings was seeing the Twin Towers at night, and the view was so spectacular that I still can't forget it.
Even after returning to Japan, I still keep in touch with the friends I met there, and I hope to show them around Japan someday!
1. Reasons for considering studying abroad and reasons for choosing Malaysia
I decided to study abroad because I wanted to improve my language skills (ability to speak English). I wanted to develop the habit of getting used to English by living in an environment filled with English on a daily basis, rather than in an environment surrounded by "Japanese."
The reason I chose Malaysia among the AUGP destinations was because I thought it was a multicultural and symbiotic country where I could experience many different cultures and values. I also wanted to live a fulfilling life during the long spring break, so I decided to participate in the AUGP program.
2.About local life
◯Class
In class, students will be divided into classes based on their scores on the first test they take. In my class, we had a class specializing in the four English skills, and we focused on those. They studied according to textbooks, and during reading and listening, they were paired up with local students to solve problems, and during speaking, they sometimes gave presentations based on the designated themes.
In the morning, we had an English-based activity called a buddy session. Local students participated as buddies every time and came up with fun games.
The afternoon class was from 13:00 to 17:00, but since there was a break, I sometimes went to the store to take a breather and eat some waffles. Most of the teachers were friendly and kind, and it was an environment where I could learn English with peace of mind. I even had some Chinese friends I became friends with in class teach me Chinese. I made some Sudanese friends, and on my days off, we went out for dinner and went to KLCC (in Kuala Lumpur).
◯Meals
After the buddy session, I often went out to have lunch with my buddies. There are many delicious local food shops and cafes near UCSI University, so mealtimes were fun and fulfilling. My favorite dishes are a dessert dish called rotis, which is a chewy crepe batter spread with condensed milk, and a Malaysian dish called pineapple nasi goreng! I was able to enjoy the local flavors and now I miss Malaysian food.
◯Going out
Since I was going to study abroad for two months, I wanted to spend every day to the fullest, so I made sure to make plans to hang out with local friends and try out various experiences in my free time. On days when I don't have classes in the morning, I play basketball with Chinese friends I made locally, and on my days off, I go to the movies, go shopping, or go skateboarding if I'm invited! He acted proactively based on this motto. Thanks to this, I had more opportunities to converse in English and meet many people, and the hurdles to learning English gradually lowered. One of my most memorable outings was seeing the Twin Towers at night, and the view was so spectacular that I still can't forget it.
Even after returning to Japan, I still keep in touch with the friends I met there, and I hope to show them around Japan someday!
3. Things that surprised me/discovered while studying abroad
In Malaysia, prices were much lower than in Japan. I was able to try the food I wanted to eat and the activities I wanted to do at a reasonable price! I think Malaysia is the perfect environment for people who want to try anything. When I visited a world heritage site called Malacca as part of my school's holiday program, I took on the challenge of wrapping a snake around my neck. It took a lot of courage, but I was able to have an experience that I would never have had in Japan, and it remains in my heart as a fond memory. The Night Market is a festival that is held every Wednesday near UCSI University, and it was fun because I was able to discover many dishes that I had never tried before. Many local students participated, and we were able to make many memories with our friends.
4. What do you want to do in the future after studying abroad?
During my two-month study abroad in Malaysia, I was able to meet people from many different nationalities and backgrounds, and was able to learn about events, ways of thinking, and various values that I could not have imagined when I was in Japan. I strongly felt Malaysia's flexibility in terms of its way of thinking about time and being open to interacting with everyone, which is unique to Southeast Asia. As in Japan, I strongly realized that no matter where you are or what your environment is, unless you take action, nothing will happen. Through this study abroad experience, I learned that it is important to not only think about what you want to try, but also to take action. I encountered many unexpected incidents, such as catching the flu, but I overcame them with the help of friends I met while studying abroad and Japanese students. Before studying abroad, I wasn't confident in my vocabulary, but I asked study abroad staff for help in English, and I was able to improve to the level where I could communicate my needs. Through these experiences, I would like to continue to be conscious of taking action on my own and actively communicating. Also, after studying abroad, I was able to notice many good things about Japan, such as the seriousness of Japanese people, their sense of duty, and their sense of punctuality. Lastly, Malaysia offers an environment where you can encounter many cultures, people, values, and challenges. In fact, I was able to meet people from various nationalities and backgrounds, and my sense of values has expanded greatly compared to before I came to Malaysia. I would definitely recommend Malaysia to students who are unsure of where to study abroad!
The experience of studying abroad during your student days is valuable, and I believe it will be extremely useful in the future.
Please come and have a once-in-a-lifetime valuable study abroad experience in Malaysia!
In Malaysia, prices were much lower than in Japan. I was able to try the food I wanted to eat and the activities I wanted to do at a reasonable price! I think Malaysia is the perfect environment for people who want to try anything. When I visited a world heritage site called Malacca as part of my school's holiday program, I took on the challenge of wrapping a snake around my neck. It took a lot of courage, but I was able to have an experience that I would never have had in Japan, and it remains in my heart as a fond memory. The Night Market is a festival that is held every Wednesday near UCSI University, and it was fun because I was able to discover many dishes that I had never tried before. Many local students participated, and we were able to make many memories with our friends.
4. What do you want to do in the future after studying abroad?
During my two-month study abroad in Malaysia, I was able to meet people from many different nationalities and backgrounds, and was able to learn about events, ways of thinking, and various values that I could not have imagined when I was in Japan. I strongly felt Malaysia's flexibility in terms of its way of thinking about time and being open to interacting with everyone, which is unique to Southeast Asia. As in Japan, I strongly realized that no matter where you are or what your environment is, unless you take action, nothing will happen. Through this study abroad experience, I learned that it is important to not only think about what you want to try, but also to take action. I encountered many unexpected incidents, such as catching the flu, but I overcame them with the help of friends I met while studying abroad and Japanese students. Before studying abroad, I wasn't confident in my vocabulary, but I asked study abroad staff for help in English, and I was able to improve to the level where I could communicate my needs. Through these experiences, I would like to continue to be conscious of taking action on my own and actively communicating. Also, after studying abroad, I was able to notice many good things about Japan, such as the seriousness of Japanese people, their sense of duty, and their sense of punctuality. Lastly, Malaysia offers an environment where you can encounter many cultures, people, values, and challenges. In fact, I was able to meet people from various nationalities and backgrounds, and my sense of values has expanded greatly compared to before I came to Malaysia. I would definitely recommend Malaysia to students who are unsure of where to study abroad!
The experience of studying abroad during your student days is valuable, and I believe it will be extremely useful in the future.
Please come and have a once-in-a-lifetime valuable study abroad experience in Malaysia!
Nakayama Ichigo
Destination: Sydney, Australia (internship program)
△At Taronga ZooFirst of all, I would like to tell you why I chose to do an internship in Australia using the AUGP system. When I was in high school, I studied abroad in Australia for a year. ``I want to go again, but this time it doesn't have to be for a long time, and I want to test my abilities by going abroad in a way other than just studying abroad.'' That's when I discovered AUGP, a short-term study abroad program. I immediately decided to participate in the AUGP internship because Australia was the only country where I could do an internship among various countries.
Although it was a short period of 5 weeks, I think I was able to spend a very intense and fulfilling time. During the training period, I spent the first week at a language school and the remaining four weeks did an internship at a hotel. At the language school, students were divided into classes based on the first test they took, and classes were held in small classes with International Student of the same level. I was inspired by my classmates' eagerness to participate in class, and I think it was the perfect environment to study English. At the hotel where I interned, I mainly worked as a concierge. Concierge is a job that responds to all customer requests. The hotel I worked at had many guests from overseas staying there for vacation purposes, so I kept in mind information about the hotel's surroundings, such as nearby tourist spots and transportation facilities.
Although it was a short period of 5 weeks, I think I was able to spend a very intense and fulfilling time. During the training period, I spent the first week at a language school and the remaining four weeks did an internship at a hotel. At the language school, students were divided into classes based on the first test they took, and classes were held in small classes with International Student of the same level. I was inspired by my classmates' eagerness to participate in class, and I think it was the perfect environment to study English. At the hotel where I interned, I mainly worked as a concierge. Concierge is a job that responds to all customer requests. The hotel I worked at had many guests from overseas staying there for vacation purposes, so I kept in mind information about the hotel's surroundings, such as nearby tourist spots and transportation facilities.
△Internship hotelAfter completing my internship at a hotel, what struck me most was the difference between "hospitality" in Japan and overseas. In Japan, customers are treated with respect when serving customers, and politeness is expected. I also believe that there is always a certain distance between those who serve customers and those who are served. On the other hand, during my internship in Australia, I found that many employees were relatively frank and served customers in a warm and reassuring manner that felt like friends. Therefore, I felt that in Australian hospitality, there is a kind of bond between the customer and the person serving the customer. I belong to the Department of Hospitality Management and study the hospitality industry, so I was happy to be able to experience the difference for myself. There were rare days when the hotel handed out ice cream and sweets to the employees, and one of my most memorable memories was how I looked forward to it and worked hard at work!
Finally, after studying abroad, I felt that my English skills still have a lot of room to improve. My motivation for language learning has increased even more, so I want to study more seriously and aim to improve my level. I also got to see and experience working overseas first-hand, and there were parts of it that I found appealing. I'm about to start my job search, and I want to do my best while keeping an eye on work related to overseas.
Finally, after studying abroad, I felt that my English skills still have a lot of room to improve. My motivation for language learning has increased even more, so I want to study more seriously and aim to improve my level. I also got to see and experience working overseas first-hand, and there were parts of it that I found appealing. I'm about to start my job search, and I want to do my best while keeping an eye on work related to overseas.
Miho Tanaka
Destination: Sydney, Australia (internship program)
Miho Tanaka
Faculty of International Relations Department of Multicultural Communication
Faculty of International Relations Department of Multicultural Communication
- Participated in 2014 AUAP Study abroad at Eastern Washington University in the United States for 5 months
- Participated in 2015 AUGP Australia (Sydney) Experienced language training and internship in Sydney for about 5 weeks
- Participated in AUEP in 2016 Studying abroad at Central Washington University in the United States for about a year
What made you decide to participate in AUGP?
In participating in AUGP Sydney this time, I set three goals. The first is to experience multicultural coexistence in Australia, a multinational nation. The second is to expand your network at language schools and internships. And finally, learn professional English (business English) through an internship at a travel agency.How were your language classes?
At my first language school, English classes were held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Teachers from Australia and England were in charge. There were about 17 students in the class, more than half of whom were Chinese. It was an international class with Japanese, Korean, Iraqi and Colombian students.Each class had a theme, and I was able to have fun while exchanging opinions in pairs and playing games along the theme. As an extracurricular class, I was able to learn about the history of Australia by going to a museum and seeing exhibits related to the Aborigines, the indigenous people of Australia. I was able to learn new words in each class, and I was able to know the expressions unique to Australia, and I felt that I was growing every day. Because it was an international class, I felt that we were able to communicate about each country's culture and customs through debates on themes, leading to cross-cultural understanding.
What kind of experience did you have during your internship there?
During my internship, I mainly provided car rental support at a local travel agency and administrative support in communicating with another travel agency. I was able to learn about cars and car rental companies that I had no knowledge of at all, and I learned more polite ways of communicating and new phrases to use in business through email exchanges in English.
Being a foreign-affiliated company, I was the only Japanese person there, so I feel that I have improved my ability to listen and communicate in English. People from different countries worked together in the office, and some of them were working while studying. The way people from different backgrounds understand each other's differences and work together has left a lasting impression on me.
Being a foreign-affiliated company, I was the only Japanese person there, so I feel that I have improved my ability to listen and communicate in English. People from different countries worked together in the office, and some of them were working while studying. The way people from different backgrounds understand each other's differences and work together has left a lasting impression on me.
How did you spend your time outside of classes and internships?
In my free time and weekends outside of classes and internships, I tried to spend as much time outside as possible exploring tourist spots and towns. On weekdays, I would visit nearby tourist spots from the city, go out to lunch with friends I made in class, buy coffee and just hang out in the park.
There are many restaurants and cafes where you can eat food from various countries in the city, and you can taste different countries' food every day. Also, in Australia, both schools and companies start early in the morning, so cafes open early, everyone buys breakfast and goes to work, and I saw people exercising in the park in the morning. The park in the middle of the city is a place where everyone can relax, and office workers sometimes take a nap during their lunch break.
There are many restaurants and cafes where you can eat food from various countries in the city, and you can taste different countries' food every day. Also, in Australia, both schools and companies start early in the morning, so cafes open early, everyone buys breakfast and goes to work, and I saw people exercising in the park in the morning. The park in the middle of the city is a place where everyone can relax, and office workers sometimes take a nap during their lunch break.
How would you sum up your study abroad experience at AUGP?
The most enjoyable part of my International Student was meeting many people and expanding my network. With the Iraqi woman I met on campus, I was able to communicate more deeply through Arabic, which I had learned as a second foreign language at university. I had many opportunities to meet people from countries I had never met before, so I learned a lot and learned a lot every day.During my five-week study abroad in Australia, a multinational country, I was able to meet many people and experience a multicultural society. In particular, I was able to master business English, which was my goal, through the internship, and I believe that this led to my future study abroad program (AUEP). I'm thinking of working at an overseas travel agency in the future, so having the opportunity to actually experience business this time made me even more determined to achieve that goal. Through this experience, I felt that not only specialized knowledge but also general education is necessary, so I would like to continue studying after returning to Japan and make use of it in the future.
Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～
ABE Makiko
Destination: New Zealand
Makiko ABE
Faculty Faculty of International Relations Department of International Relations
Faculty Faculty of International Relations Department of International Relations
- Participated in 2014 AUGP Ireland Study abroad at the University of Limerick for about 3 weeks
- Participated in 2015 AUAP Study abroad at San Diego State University, USA for 5 months
- Participated in 2016 AUGP New Zealand Study abroad at Ala Institute of Canterbury (formerly Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology) for about 4 weeks
What made you decide to participate in AUGP?
I originally liked going to places I didn't know and meeting new people.Among them, I chose New Zealand because I was attracted to its abundant nature and calm atmosphere, and because I was interested in the fact that it was a city that suffered a major earthquake at the same time as the Great East Japan Earthquake.
What kind of classes did you take there?
It was a small class of about 15 people, and the class was centered on pair work and group work. You can enjoy learning grammar and vocabulary while having conversations with your classmates and teachers.The classes I found most interesting were the role play and listening to music classes. In role-playing, students pair up with classmates and perform a short play on a theme. Each one had their own individuality, and it was a very fun time to think about the content and see everyone's play. Music is a class in which one student performs a favorite song to a classmate, listens for words, and thinks about the meaning of the lyrics. It was a form in which the students who showed off were in the position of the teacher and proceeded with the class, so I was able to enjoy it with a fresh feeling.
Overall, I had a lot of opportunities to communicate, so I was able to improve my speaking and listening skills, and it was an environment where it was easy to get along with my classmates.
Looking back on your study abroad, what was the most enjoyable or memorable experience?
The most memorable trips were Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo, which I visited during my vacation. Mount Cook is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Lake Tekapo is said to be the most beautiful place in the world to see the stars. I was deeply moved by seeing magnificent mountains, lakes, and starry skies that I cannot see in Japan. I also have fond memories of cooking for myself at the accommodation with my friends and interacting with the animals at the farm where I stayed. It was a trip that I will never forget.
Another thing that left an impression on me in my daily life was the state of reconstruction after the disaster. Many buildings were still under construction, and some were left in a state of disrepair. Seeing the state of the city, which was recovering slowly compared to Japan, I felt that it was a really big earthquake.
Another thing that left an impression on me in my daily life was the state of reconstruction after the disaster. Many buildings were still under construction, and some were left in a state of disrepair. Seeing the state of the city, which was recovering slowly compared to Japan, I felt that it was a really big earthquake.
Having participated in various study abroad programs such as AUAP and AUGP Ireland, what was your experience at AUGP New Zealand this time?
I have participated in the AUGP Ireland and AUAP, which I have participated in so far, because I thought it would be a place to improve my English skills. On the other hand, I participated in New Zealand this time not only to further improve my English skills, but also to think about how much I can make use of what I have learned and regrets from studying abroad.
In fact, by studying abroad so far, I have gained confidence in my English skills and ability to take action, so I was able to tackle everything positively and positively in New Zealand. By taking initiative and taking action, I think I was able to have a rich experience even in a short period of one month. For example, I regretted that I didn't spend enough time with my host family during my previous study abroad, but in New Zealand I was able to build a closer relationship by asking my host family out on my own initiative and by speaking honestly about everything. I feel that I was able to grow even more through this AUGP without wasting my experience studying abroad.
In fact, by studying abroad so far, I have gained confidence in my English skills and ability to take action, so I was able to tackle everything positively and positively in New Zealand. By taking initiative and taking action, I think I was able to have a rich experience even in a short period of one month. For example, I regretted that I didn't spend enough time with my host family during my previous study abroad, but in New Zealand I was able to build a closer relationship by asking my host family out on my own initiative and by speaking honestly about everything. I feel that I was able to grow even more through this AUGP without wasting my experience studying abroad.
Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～
Kikkawa Chinae
Destination: Malaysia
Kikkawa Chinae
Faculty of Business Administration Administration
Faculty of Business Administration Administration
- Participated in AUGP Malaysia in 2014 Study abroad at UCSI University in Malaysia for about 4 weeks
What made you decide to participate in AUGP?
There are two reasons why I participated in AUGP, a short-term study abroad program in Malaysia.The first is to improve my English skills. English is the number one spoken language in the world. I wanted to improve my English skills and work more globally. And the second is to know Malaysian culture. When I researched Malaysia before studying abroad, I found out that Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country. Malays, Chinese, and Indians coexisted together with people of other ethnic groups, and I was very interested in the culture that was different from Japan.
What kind of classes did you take there?
Classes were held from 8:00 to 12:00, and the classes started early in the morning, but I had no resistance to classes starting early in the morning. For me, who wanted to enjoy my one-month stay in Malaysia to the fullest, I was happy to be able to work early in the morning.Some of the class content seemed a little easy, but listening to and learning what I understood in English was exceptional, and helped me to improve my speaking and listening skills, which I was not good at. As a result, I was able to take my classes seriously. The good thing about my class was that there were relatively few Japanese people compared to other classes. It was the perfect environment for me, as I wanted to spend as much time as possible in an English-speaking environment.
In addition to language classes, I also took a Malaysian culture class and had the opportunity to visit a Malaysian company.
How did you improve your language skills during the short-term training?
Before studying abroad, I had a strong desire to improve my English skills, so I planned to use teaching materials brought from Japan for my English study outside of classes in Malaysia. However, as soon as I came to Malaysia, I felt that this method of studying was not good and that it would be best to talk with foreigners as much as possible. I made it a point to study using Japanese textbooks after returning to my room at night.Towards the end of my study abroad, I was often the only Japanese person mixed in with foreigners. Among the members who participated in the same training, there was a person who has been to the twin towers in the center of Kuala Lumpur many times. It's meaningful to spend time with people (international International Student from other countries or local students)."
What was your life like there?
I had a strong desire to make the most of my days since I only had one month, so I worked from morning to night and was able to spend a fulfilling and enjoyable time. So I didn't like the idea of spending my free time on holidays sleeping. I wanted to go somewhere and do something rather than sleep. Prices in Malaysia are cheaper than in Japan, and it was very refreshing to see the culture of eating out every day. In addition, I was happy to meet food that I have never eaten before. One of the benefits of studying abroad was that I was able to meet friends from various countries such as Malaysians, Koreans, Chinese, Indonesians, Thais, Jordanians, Libyans, and Kazakhs.How do you want to make use of what you have learned from International Student?
I am easily influenced, so I wanted to spend more time in Malaysia on the last day of my study abroad. After returning to Japan, I wanted to learn not only English, but also Korean and Arabic, which I had never thought of. I think this kind of interest arose thanks to International Student in Malaysia.Through this study abroad, I became interested in Malaysia, and from there I became interested in Malaysia's "tourism industry". After graduation, I decided to study tourism in Malaysia.
Malaysia is a "multi-ethnic country" where various ethnic groups such as Chinese and Indians coexist with Malays at the center. Along with that, it is a country rich in "diversity" that Japan does not have, such as diverse languages and diverse food cultures. Please visit Malaysia this summer and try “English learning” + “cross-cultural experience”!
Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～
Hirotaka Nakajima
Destination: France
Hirotaka Nakajima
Faculty of Law Department of Law
Faculty of Law Department of Law
- Participated in 2015 AUGP France Study abroad at the University of Burgundy, France for about 4 weeks
What made you decide to participate in AUGP?
This is because I want to learn more French and experience French culture directly. I also wanted to learn this language, which is the second most spoken language after English, and use it in the future.In the first place, I chose to study abroad not just because I wanted to go abroad, but also because I was originally interested in Europe, especially France. I decided to participate because I thought I could research history and culture even in Japan, but if I didn't see and feel it myself, I wouldn't know the truth.
What kind of classes did you take there?
There were four hours of classes a day. The basic content of the class was to practice conversations after learning grammar.
It wasn't divided into grammar classes, conversation classes, etc., but I learned various categories in one session. Regarding grammar, I had already learned a lot of things, so I had to review them, but listening to and understanding them in French was difficult, especially at the beginning. However, because I listened carefully, I was able to cultivate the "listening ability" that I could not practice in Japan.
In addition to the language classes, there were also culture classes that students could take after school if they wanted to. There was one theme per week, and Lecture covered interesting topics such as music and society. Unlike language classes, French was also difficult, but I enjoyed taking the class while looking it up in the dictionary little by little.
In addition, there was an extracurricular class hosted by the university, and I went to Beaune. We were able to visit the chateau and the vineyards. I've always been interested in French culture, and it's an essential part of learning about French culture, so it was a great experience to actually come into contact with that culture. Outside of class, I realized how difficult it is to communicate with local people. In addition, I was able to make frequent walks around the city center and suburbs, making discoveries that weren't written in books, and experiencing cultural differences that I wouldn't have known in Japan.
It wasn't divided into grammar classes, conversation classes, etc., but I learned various categories in one session. Regarding grammar, I had already learned a lot of things, so I had to review them, but listening to and understanding them in French was difficult, especially at the beginning. However, because I listened carefully, I was able to cultivate the "listening ability" that I could not practice in Japan.
In addition to the language classes, there were also culture classes that students could take after school if they wanted to. There was one theme per week, and Lecture covered interesting topics such as music and society. Unlike language classes, French was also difficult, but I enjoyed taking the class while looking it up in the dictionary little by little.
In addition, there was an extracurricular class hosted by the university, and I went to Beaune. We were able to visit the chateau and the vineyards. I've always been interested in French culture, and it's an essential part of learning about French culture, so it was a great experience to actually come into contact with that culture. Outside of class, I realized how difficult it is to communicate with local people. In addition, I was able to make frequent walks around the city center and suburbs, making discoveries that weren't written in books, and experiencing cultural differences that I wouldn't have known in Japan.
Looking back on your life there, how was it?
There are too many fun things to mention, but I think that being able to meet people who are learning the same French as me is one of the biggest rewards for me. I was able to make friends who were around the same age and had much better language skills than me, and I was very inspired.During the preliminary training, I was a little worried when I was told that some people might fall into culture shock, including how to adapt, but that didn't happen. I wanted to get used to the new culture, which is different from Japan, so I absorbed it quickly and fully enjoyed the cross-cultural stress. It's true that there were times when I couldn't convey what I wanted to say to the local people, but I was helped by the understanding of the people I was talking to, and I was able to experience the kindness of the people.
Towards the end of the program, I was able to understand French, and while I was happy, I felt sad that my study abroad was over. When I finally left town, my teacher and dormitory manager told me that my French was improving, and I remember being very happy.
How do you want to make use of what you have learned from International Student?
Through this study abroad, I was able to broaden my horizons, and I could see many possibilities and paths. I will never let this experience go to waste, and I want to make the most of it. If possible, I would like to get a job related to France.Of course, I will continue to study French for the rest of my life, and I think I will become even more fascinated by France. Everyday life in the extraordinary is very exciting and not something you can forget!
Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～
Shimizu Kana
Destination: South Korea
Shimizu Kana
Faculty of International Relations Department of Multicultural Communication
Faculty of International Relations Department of Multicultural Communication
- Participated in 2014 AUGP Korea Study abroad at Kyung Hee University in South Korea for about 3 weeks
- 2015 Participated in AUAP Study abroad at Central Washington University in the United States for 5 months
What made you decide to participate in AUGP?
I have been interested in South Korea for a long time and have traveled to South Korea several times.What kind of classes did you take there?
Class time is 50 minutes, which I felt was very short. In terms of the content, we had classes on "listening and speaking" every day, and in the cultural special lecture that was held once or twice a week, I chose a "writing" class. In the "listening and speaking" class, we learned various phrases and grammars that can be used in everyday life, and the teacher looked at difficult pronunciations that are not found in Japanese one by one. Of the 100-odd International Student who gathered this time, only four students were selected for the “writing” class in the culture special lecture, so the teacher looked at each student in detail each time. Therefore, I could write only a few sentences before studying abroad, but now I can write long enough to introduce my friends. The teachers were Korean, and some of them could speak a little Japanese, but most of the classes were conducted while speaking Korean, so it was an environment where I could learn a lot just by listening to what they were saying.In addition, during the three-week study abroad period, two field trips were held. The first was ceramics production and a tour of the Korean Folk Village. I visited Fukunomiya. Also, except for Chuseok, which is like Obon in Japan, we had classes every day and had homework every day.
During my study abroad period, I had the opportunity to visit a global company in South Korea, and I visited Samsung d'light (Samsung Electronics' global brand promotion facility) and interviewed them. In order to create a wider range of designs, it seems that they are currently hiring overseas employees and women rather than Korean employees. Samsung is not the only company, but I think there are many other companies that need overseas employees. English is essential for being active overseas and spreading Japanese ideas around the world, so I thought I had to be able to communicate.
Looking back on your life there, how was it?
I was happy that I was able to communicate with Korean people, but because of my lack of study, when I came across words and grammar that I didn't understand, we both got confused, so I could say what I wanted to say. There was something I didn't do. This kind of thing happened many times, and I thought I should have studied a little more before going to study abroad. Also, there are many pronunciations in Korean that are not found in Japanese, so there were times when I couldn't understand even if I was unfamiliar with the pronunciation.I was able to grow in terms of the language, but there were also times when International Student struggled, but Doumi (a student tutor at Kyung Hee University who helps international students learn Korean) and other Korean friends helped me learn Korean. I was guided to places that only other people go, and I could eat International Student that I rarely eat when I traveled. I was able to live. Also, the staff at the convenience store next to my dormitory, the staff at the coffee shop near the university, and the staff I became friends with while shopping, all of them remember me every time I go there. He treated me kindly with a smile.
How do you want to make use of what you have learned from International Student?
Originally, I had a desire to study abroad, but I was worried about whether I would be able to live abroad and whether I would be able to improve my language skills. However, after studying abroad this time, I gained the ability to transform my anxiety into confidence and a challenging spirit, even though it was an unfamiliar life. And I am about to study abroad in the United States for 5 months at AUAP. It will be a long stay, which is very different from 3 weeks, so you may have different anxiety from this time. However, I would like to spend my time thinking about how I can absorb it as much as possible.Also, although I was able to have a conversation at the AUGP Korea this time, I still regret not being able to convey what I wanted to say because there were still some things I didn't understand. I would like to study abroad in Korea.
Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～
Naoki Nishida (NISHIDA Naoki)
Destination: China
Mr. Nishida on the leftNaoki Nishida
Faculty of Law Department of Law
Faculty of Law Department of Law
- Participated in AUGP China in 2017 Study abroad at Beijing Normal University in China for about 3 weeks
What made you decide to participate in AUGP?
There are two reasons why I participated in the Global Program (AUGP) China. First, I failed Level 3 of the Chinese Proficiency Test both times, so I thought that if I lived in an environment where I was exposed to Chinese every day, I would definitely improve and pass the test. Second, I became very interested in cultural differences while talking with Chinese friends and International Student, and I wanted to see it with my own eyes.What kind of classes did you take there?
All classes were conducted in Chinese, with writing and reading in the 1st and 2nd periods, and speaking and listening in the 3rd and 4th periods.The contents of the first and second periods are classes in which students read textbook words and solve problems, and the third and fourth periods are classes in which Beijing Normal University Research Student mainly use PowerPoint according to the contents of the textbook. bottom. During the 3rd and 4th period classes, we were often divided into groups and had discussions. I also feel that it helps me improve my communication skills.
In extracurricular classes, we went to see the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Peking Opera. I had seen it on TV, so I didn't have high expectations, but when I saw it up close, I was so moved that I got goosebumps, and felt the depth of its history. When I go to China again, I always want to go sightseeing.
What did you feel the most growth in studying abroad?
During this study abroad, I had a hard time deciding whether or not to drop the Chinese class down one level. The reason is that most of the people in my class are so good that they can have various conversations in Chinese, but I could hardly understand the content from the first class, and I felt inferior and embarrassed. There were times when I was afraid of being asked questions during class, so I would sit down and take classes.However, I thought that if I boldly told my teacher and everyone in the class about my worries, they would make fun of me, but there were people who encouraged me to work hard together. I didn't expect to be encouraged, so I really wanted to learn more with everyone in this class, so I did my best every day without missing two or three hours of preparation and review. Little by little, I became able to understand the contents of the class, and I became able to speak positively without looking down.
I thought that it was good that such difficulties occurred during this study abroad. I used to run away from situations like this, but by going to an environment full of ambitious people, I came to feel from the bottom of my heart that I want to improve myself.
What are your future goals after studying abroad?
Questionnaire survey on the streetBefore I went to study abroad, I didn't have a dream, so all I could think about was simple things like passing the Chinese proficiency test and writing it on my resume would make it easier to get a job. However, during this study abroad, I encountered various difficulties and thought about things from various angles, and I was able to overcome them without running away. As a result, I was able to create a dream for the future that I never had before, and I was able to acquire skills that I didn't have before.
My next goal is to study International Student in China for a long period of time under the AUEP program, learn Chinese that can be used in business, and become able to understand the differences in values between Japan and other countries and problems from the other person's point of view. I think.
My next goal is to study International Student in China for a long period of time under the AUEP program, learn Chinese that can be used in business, and become able to understand the differences in values between Japan and other countries and problems from the other person's point of view. I think.
Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～
SUGANO Misaki
Destination: Indonesia
SUGANO Misaki
Faculty of International Relations Department of Multicultural Communication
Faculty of International Relations Department of Multicultural Communication
- Participated in AUGP Indonesia in 2015 Study abroad at Al Azhar University for about 4 weeks
What made you decide to participate in AUGP?
While studying Indonesian at university, I came to want to actually go to Indonesia and experience life there. Of course, I wanted to improve my language skills, but I was also interested in religion.What kind of classes did you take there?
Classes were from 8:30am to noon or 3:00pm. One period was 90 minutes, and there was a 30-minute break. There was a 90-minute lunch break, and there were two to three periods per day. The contents of the class are Indonesian grammar, conversation, reading comprehension, writing and reading.As extracurricular classes, Car Free Day (a period when driving is prohibited on Sundays), Monas (Independence Monument), Taman Mini (a theme park that reproduces the history and culture of Indonesia), Bandung (a city near Jakarta) ). We also practiced bargaining at the market.
The teachers in charge were mainly teachers from the Japanese language department, but there were also classes taught by teachers from other departments. In addition, the students of the Japanese language department helped me with the classes. The homework was basically to do something that wasn't finished in class, almost every day, and it was to write an essay on the theme in class. For example, comparing Jakarta and my city, family, transportation, shopping, etc.
We also visited a Japanese company (Ajinomoto Co., Inc. this year). After listening to the corporate philosophy and the introduction of products for Indonesia, we toured the factory. As part of our cultural experience, we practiced angklung, a traditional Indonesian instrument, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm about once a week, and presented our results before the completion ceremony.
Looking back on your life there, how was it?
While I was studying abroad, I always had a notepad and pen with me when I moved around. There were too many words that I didn't understand, so at first I was just taking notes, but I think I improved my conversational skills by remembering the words I wrote down. Also, it was very difficult to distinguish between E and U, L and R, N and NG, so I often asked my friends and teachers to practice pronunciation together during conversations. At the dormitory, I practiced by exchanging messages in Indonesian with the friends I made there.Looking back on International Student, what I enjoyed most was interacting and talking with Indonesian people. Not only my friends and teachers, but also the manager of the apartment I was staying in, my neighbors, and the clerks at the nearby convenience store, I was involved with many people, and they were all cheerful and kind, and they were always kind to me. . Even when I was at a loss as to where the post office was, I mustered up the courage to call out to them.
I was very happy to be able to feel the warmth of the Indonesian people and to be able to converse in Indonesian.
How do you want to make use of what you have learned from International Student?
It goes without saying that life in Indonesia and life in Japan are different. Sometimes I find the difference interesting, and sometimes I think Japan is better. However, after living there for a month, I got used to the life there. I think it was because of the support from teachers, friends, and everyone who was involved with us. Thank you very much.
I will cherish my encounters in Indonesia, keep in touch, and study together with my friends. Also, if my Indonesian friends come to Japan, I would like to support them next time.
Through this study abroad, my motivation to learn Indonesian language has increased. I will continue to study hard with the aim of acquiring B grade in the Indonesian Language Proficiency Test.
I will cherish my encounters in Indonesia, keep in touch, and study together with my friends. Also, if my Indonesian friends come to Japan, I would like to support them next time.
Through this study abroad, my motivation to learn Indonesian language has increased. I will continue to study hard with the aim of acquiring B grade in the Indonesian Language Proficiency Test.
Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～
<Updated on January 10, 2024>