Since October, 54 second-year students (and some third-year students) from Faculty of Global Studies have been participating in an "overseas training" program to study language and engage in research activities in our university's partner universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.
In addition to interacting with local students and studying the language, the students are conducting fieldwork, questionnaire surveys, interviews, etc. with their supervisors before they leave, based on a research theme specific to their training site. After returning home in mid-December, a follow-up lecture will be held, followed by a research presentation.
Study abroad destination: Washburn University (USA)
Classes are centered around speaking, and there are many opportunities for discussion and presentations with groups and partners. In addition, writing is also scheduled once a week, where students write for eight minutes on a specific topic. There are many assignments, and sometimes it feels difficult, but I hope that my English skills will improve little by little, and I am enjoying studying in the United States. Outside of class, I actively participate in events such as pancake making, ping pong tournaments, pizza parties, and dodgeball tournaments, and I hope to have a fulfilling study abroad experience while enjoying interacting with local students.
Miyazawa Seimu, 2nd year Faculty of Global Studies (graduated from Tsuchiura Daisan High School)
Study abroad location: Perth College, University of the Highlands and Islands (UK)
Students never run out of things to talk about, even during lunch breaks or after school, on topics such as the climate and culture of each other's countries, how to spend Christmas, and more. By asking about things I wanted to know, I naturally made friends through conversation. They also became practice partners for my presentation assignments. I was also fascinated by the history and traditions of the national museum, Scottish castles, and afternoon tea experiences we visited during activities. I heard the question "Who cares?" many times. I was able to think in a way that I could be proud of myself and make choices.
Ririko Yoshida, 2nd year Faculty of Global Studies (graduated from Iwaki Koyo High School)
Study Abroad Destination: Asia Pacific University (Malaysia)
At Asia Pacific University, where 60% of the students are international students, there are people from a variety of backgrounds. Therefore, I live my life every day feeling the difference in values, such as differences in religion and culture, and the fact that what is considered normal in Japan is not always normal. In class, there are many opportunities to speak in front of others, such as group work and presentations, and I am learning practical English. Not only in class, but also when I go out, I am conscious of "speaking English as much as possible," and I am able to have valuable experiences such as interacting with people of different generations, so every day is a series of surprises and is always fresh.
Yuna Tanimatsu, 2nd year Faculty of Global Studies (graduated from Matsudo Mutsumi High School)
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