I have had a dream of studying abroad since I was a junior high school student. From a young age, I have enjoyed Western music and foreign television shows. Also, my parents love to travel, which influenced me and helped me develop an interest in foreign cultures and lifestyles. However, I often felt frustrated because I could not understand English well.

After I entered university, I met many classmates in my English classes who were aiming to study abroad or had already experienced studying abroad in high school. Listening to their experiences made my thought to study abroad even stronger.

During this study abroad program, I hope to meet people from different countries, learn about various cultures, and improve my English communication skills. I would like to become more confident in using English in daily life and academic situations. In addition to improving my English skills, I would like to participate in club activities and be active in various communities. I also hope to deepen my learning experience during my study abroad in a way that is different from what I have in Japan.

In the future, I would like to work to share Japanese culture with people from other countries. As a first step toward this goal, I would like to share the appeal of Japanese culture with local people through the kimono and my hobby, the shamisen. I would like to make this a valuable opportunity not only to improve my English skills, but also to practice intercultural exchange.

[Study]
I was only student from Japan in my class, so I think I was able to learn English in a fortunate environment. In the class, things that I had always thought were normal sometimes made my classmates feel strange, and sometimes their common ideas were difficult for me to understand. At first, I felt differences in the culture and values.
However, everyone in the class was working hard toward the same goal of passing the course. Because of this, we tried to understand and support each other, and we were all able to successfully complete the course in the end. This program was designed as preparation for studying at a university, so I was able to learn more academic content.
In addition, I learned how to take university lecture and how to approach assignments. Ti was a very valuable and meaningful experience for me.

[Daily life]
During the first two months, I was busy with assignments and got tired of my daily life, so I did not have many opportunities to go out with my friends. However, I sometimes went to a nearby café by myself, and I spend relaxing time with my host family after school. I was able to live comfortably.
Gradually, I become closer to my friends from language school. We went out to eat together and sometimes went to the beach. On weekends, these activities helped me refresh myself.
My host family always kind to me. When I felt anxious about school, they encouraged and support me.
Perth has stable weather and a lot of nature, so it is a very peaceful and comfortable city to live in. the public transportation system and living environment are well organized, so I rarely have difficulties in daily life.

[Reflection]
Although it has only been four months since I came to Perth, I experienced many difficulties and challenges. However, if I had not studied abroad, I would not have realized the kindness and diversity of people here. I was also able to realize again how fortunate my environment in Japan is.
Australia is a multicultural country, so I strongly feel the connection between people have differences in language and culture. While learning about many positive aspects of Australis, there were also many moments when I realized the good points of Japan again.
From this month, my university lectures finally began. I am studying more specialized subjects in English with local students comparing with my study in language school. I feel that it will be more difficult than before, and I am also a little nervous.
However, I would like to make the most of my remaining time studying abroad and to spend each day in a meaningful way.