I studied abroad to the University of Queensland in Australia for five weeks. I have always wanted to study abroad because I hoped that spending time in a foreign country would give me something of value for my life, for example diverse values and confidence. Of course, it includes improving my English skill. I had a great experience by going to Australia. In this report, I will write about the context such as school life and daily life and I will be happy to share something which I experienced and learned through my studying abroad.
First, I will describe about school. I went to language class that is held in UQ. We were divided into five classes depending on the test which we took by using ZOOM before we go to Australia. We joined the class every morning, 8:15-10:15 and 10:45-12:45. However, only Thursday we could join not daily class which is specialized in the course, Business course or IELT course. I could choose the class myself. I selected the IELT class because I want to get qualifications like IELT, TOEIC, EIKEN and so on and I want to use that for entering company in the future.
Actually, I felt that my language school was like Japanese school because most of students were Japanese. I want to improve my skill of English so I tried to talk with my classmates using only English not Japanese. In the beginning, I didn't want to go to school because I couldn't understand what my teacher said during class. It was tough for me to keep up in class. However, thanks to the stimulation from my classmates who were good at ushing English, I could try studying hard to study English without giving up. I went to the library every morning before my class started and I memorized vocabulary I learned in the last class. As time passed, I become used to listening to English and understand content of the lesson. My teacher was also kind and friendly so he helped me a lot when I couldn't find my words. Also, I couldn't make statement in front of everyone because I was afraid of making a mistake and being laughed from my classmates. However, I got confidence through studying hard and I could question and speak up in public. I was happy to study with my teacher and classmates.
Second, I will introduce about daily life in Australia. For five weeks, I stayed at my host family's house. Before I went to Australia, I was anxious about home stay because this was my first time to stay at a house with other people. I was worried about food for I thought that I couldn't eat meals which I am accustomed to eat such as rice ball, miso soup. However, my host mother was Korean so she served meals similar to Japanese food. Fortunately, I could eat the same foods with Korean family. Many friends didn't match with Asian family and I know one student who changed her host family because her life style with her family didn't suit her. Eventually, she changed the house. I want to share with those who are worried about doing a home stay that you can change your host family if necessary.
I did a lot of things on weekend with my friends. I will explain my best memory for you.
This is the Brisbane Festival, which is held on 2nd Sep. This festival is held every year in Brisbane. I could see a big fireworks in front of the river. I watched fireworks with my friends who is not only Japanese but also Korean. I could make the best summer memory!
In conclusion, I had valuable experiences and got many friends. Moreover, I learned that I can talk to foreigner with unskillful English if I try hard to communicate with other people. Although I was not able to speak English frequently, I could talk with lots people in various situation. For instance, I went to café with my friend who is originally from Venezuela, thirty-year-old, and we talked about something that is light conversation as well as social issues. We mainly exchanged of opinions about woman's status in the world. Likewise, I got to know with two Chinese students who like Japan very much. I was interested in appearance of Japan from China because I often watch bad news in connection with China-Japan relations. I could know that Chinese people have concerned about Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Accident even now. They told to me that due to the news which spread false information that regarded treated water as radioactive water, people in China avoid purchasing foods from Japan. I was glad to learn about that and I thought that I want to exchange of ideas with many other people who have different values from me because of the environment where we were raised.
That is the start of studying abroad this time, I will study English even harder English more after finishing language training and improve my English skill.
By doing so it will be possible to communicate with people and discuss important issues of the day.
I want to go back to Australia with my advanced English skill someday! Thank you:)
福島大学への留学案内・年間スケジュール
