The SIJ program was my first time studying abroad in Japan. I was very nervous coming to MWU because, I have only study Japanese for one year and my Japanese teacher in America mostly focused on writing and some listening, so before this program I had very little speaking practice. I was glad I got to spend 3 hours each day in a language class and have many opportunities to interact with the Japanese students. It helped me become more confident in speaking. At the end of the program, I was surprised how well I could communicate what I wanted to say in Japanese, even though I did not have a very large vocabulary in Japanese or much practice speaking beforehand. My overall experience in the classroom has made me more excited to continue learning Japanese to one day become fluent.
I also enjoyed the many trips and experiences that I had here. I was able to go to many places with friends, such as Umeda, Namba, Kobe, Nara, and Himeji.I loved seeing several different places in Japan and learning about the culture and history through these places. I never thought I would go to two world heritage sites in a week. Nara and Himeji are beautiful and amazing locations and I’m glad I had the opportunity to go. Umeda and Namba were very fun to visit. Even though I went to both places several times I still think I have not seen everything there is to see there. I have never been to big shopping areas in America, so it was fun to explore Umeda and Namba. There are so many places to go shopping, to eat, and visit. I am glad I had time to go to all these places while studying in Japan.
One of the reasons I was excited to go to Japan was because I work at MFWI as an RA. I was able to see all of my friends and I really enjoyed being able to see many of them walking around campus and at lunch. They were also very kind as to take me out and show me and other international students their favorite places to shop and eat. It was very nice to go to the same college as them. I also enjoy staying with my host family. It was interesting to stay with a Japanese family; it was very different than anything I have experienced in America. I learned a lot of things about daily life in Japan from them. I wish I could have spent longer than just one weekend with them. Overall, I had a very good experience in Japan and I cannot wait until the next time I can come.