August 9, 2017
Shobu's adventure in America
Two weeks ago one of our students, Shobu, started his ten-month study abroad program. He will be living and studying in the United States for the next year.
We would like to post some of his progress reports here on our international website. Here is his first report after only two weeks...
It is in Japanese but I have translated it below.
アメリカ合衆国に来て早くも13日が経とうとしています。慣れない生活ではありますが苦ではなく毎日楽しく生活を送れています。しかしやはり英語が大変です。自分は日本にいる時、英語ができる方で英語には自信がありましたがこっちに来て自分の無力さがわかりました。自分の言いたいことも言えないし、自分が喋っている英語がネイティブと全く違う事は自分でもわかります。正直とても不安です。ですが今は何とか周りと仲良く楽しく怪我なく生活を送れています。この間は、湖に行って泳いだりまたナイアガラの滝へ行ったりと毎日が初体験の連続です。
It has already been 13 days since I arrived in the US. I haven't completely adjusted yet, but it hasn't been too hard on me. In fact, I am enjoying every day. However, English certainly is difficult.
When I was in Japan, I was confident that I was pretty good at English. After coming here though I see how lacking my English is. I cannot say the things I want and, when I do speak, it is not like a native. To be honest, I am anxious. But I am currently making friends and enjoying life without any real troubles. The other day, I went and swam in a lake and on another day I went and visited Niagara Falls. I am experiencing new stuff every day.
Good luck, Shobu! You can do it!