What I learned through the program

I learned English in English (vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, listening, etc.) together with people from other countries. On the first day, a speaking test was given to determine which class was best suited to me. I studied English for one month in class 20A. The class had different teachers for the morning and afternoon sessions, and the content was different for each. What the two classes had in common was that they focused on communicating with people in one’s own country and in other countries, assuming that English is not to be learned but to be used. Some classes had a specific topic (e.g., international issues, personality, life, etc.) and had the students discuss it in class based on a debate-like format. Through the homestay program, we were able to deepen our understanding of how people in Canada live and think, focusing on the differences between Canada and Japan.
 

My life during the program

Thanks to the support of my host family, I was able to enjoy my stay without any particular difficulties. The food and customs that I had never tasted or experienced in Japan were extremely interesting to me, and I felt that I was making new discoveries every day. It was very comfortable, including the fact that the university was located close to my host family's house. My host family accepted me as if I were one of their own. Most of the time, I discovered the differences between Japan and Canada through casual conversations with my host family. Aside from more stereotypical differences in cultural backgrounds, there were many differences even among individual families living in Victoria. This is partly due to the fact that Canada is a multiracial country, and it is something that can only be experienced by studying in Canada. Although it was only a month, the time I spent with my host family will remain in my memory forever.
 

Overall impressions of the program

I participated in this short-term study abroad program because all of the students who had experienced studying abroad said that it was a good experience for them at the information session. This was the first time for me to go abroad, and I was half anxious and half excited to go to Canada for a month to study abroad, but I had a really intense and fulfilling month in the end.

More than anything else, I was able to clearly understand what I was not good at and what I could be confident in. Before I experienced studying abroad, I felt like I was only looking at myself by comparing myself to others. Now that I am able to face my feelings honestly, I have realized the importance of being myself. I felt that the students studying in specialized fields at the University of Victoria, my host family, and the people living in Victoria all value individuality and selfhood. This leads to having one’s own opinions on various international issues and communicating them. I also learned that it is not an easy thing to do even if you want to try it yourself. This is because there are many factors that come into play, such as culture, background, environment, and one’s own personality.

However, “taking on a challenge” is something that can be started at any time, and I don’t think it has anything to do with any of the above factors. Through the attitude of the Canadians, I learned that you can challenge yourself to do anything as long as you have the will to do so.

Also, I was able to absorb what I usually learn at Akita University more clearly as my own knowledge. For example, I learned for the first time in Canada that there are various types of English and that English is now an international language. In the same program, there were not only Japanese, but also Chinese, Koreans, Brazilians, and many other people from different countries. Each of them spoke a different language, but by using English as a communication tool, they were able to understand each other’s feelings and opinions as a matter of course. I was particularly impressed by the “Communicate your culture in English” activity that we did in the class at the University of Victoria. It was amazing to be able to communicate with people from all over the world using English, and at times I wondered why it was English at all.

I discovered many things about Canada that I could not have seen in Japan. For example, I was really impressed by the attitude of the people living in Canada to protect the environment with their own hands. They sort and collect all the things they use in their homes into recyclable and non-recyclable items, and they actively participate in volunteer activities so as to maintain the natural environment of their communities. Also, for the first time, I was able to look at Japan from another country and learn about the appeal of things in Japan that don’t exist in Canada. Even if you are living in a different country or region, there are always similarities as well as differences. When I was able to share these similarities with my host family and we were able to learn about each other's culture, it was a really fun and valuable time, and I also experienced the joy of understanding different cultures.

I haven't decided exactly what I want to do in the future, but this month's experience was a turning point that changed the way I think about my future. At any rate, I want to be honest with myself and challenge myself in various ways. I would like to expand my way of thinking by taking on new challenges.
 

Future plans for study

I would like to continue to learn English in English, which I learned through this study abroad program. In addition, I will use English as a communication tool to convey my own opinions through activities in ALL Rooms and interactions with international students. Although I would like to study abroad for a long period of time, I am not yet certain what I am interested in and what I want to delve into for research, so I would like to start by getting to know myself while consulting with my professors and family. In addition, I will take the TOEFL, EIKEN, and TOEIC exams on a regular basis, so that I can objectively measure my English ability. I would also like to participate more in activities to convey to other students what I learned in this short-term overseas study program and the appeal of language study abroad.