Testimonials/Study Abroad Outcomes (AUGP)

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?

How did you spend your time outside of classes and internships?

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～

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?

Having participated in various study abroad programs such as AUAP and AUGP Ireland, what was your experience at AUGP New Zealand this time?

Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～

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～

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?

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～

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～

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?

Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～

Acquired Level 3 of the Chinese Proficiency Test

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?

Achievements after Studying Abroad ～My Before After～