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Reasons for Applying for the Double Degree Program in Japan and Korea

Reasons for Applying for the Double Degree Program in Japan and Korea

August 8, 2023

By Shuka Iwamoto

Now that the number of people going to study abroad is increasing, the reasons why these people go abroad are various, such as career advancement and language training. Have you ever been interested in studying abroad Korea? I am currently studying in Korea, joining the Double Degree Program of the University of Shimane and University of Ulsan. I would like to share two reasons why I decide to seek two degrees in Japan and Korea.
First, I have always wanted to learn Korean history and culture since I was a junior high school student. I have made Korean friends and have had conversations with them through language learning apps. During the conversation, I realized differences in perceptions of history and politics between Japanese and Koreans. Especially in terms of history and politics, there have been disagreements. Through this experience, I wanted to go to Korea and learn about their culture, history and politics.
Second, I want to improve my Korean language ability. I started studying Korean on my own when I was a junior high school student, and by high school I was able to read, write and speak to some extent. While studying Korean on my own, I became interested in how Hangul was established and the differences in dialects between regions. I wanted to deepen my understanding of Korean language.
I made up my mind to study abroad, and now I’m in Korea to study and learn various things that are different from Japan. There are also many Chinese, Vietnamese, and English-speaking foreign students as well as Koreans, and there are classes with them, so it is very helpful to learn about various cultures other than Korea.
A lot of people hesitate of studying abroad because it is expensive. But the Double Degree Program of the University of Shimane and the University of Ulsan is very reasonable, because the tuition to the University of Ulsan is excepted. I am able to improve my language skills, and I am able to broaden your horizon. I hope my experiences can help you make a good decision.

Three Reasons that Japanese Have Poor English Ability <br>

Three Reasons that Japanese Have Poor English Ability

February 21, 2023

By Honoka Akazawa

Can you fluently communicate in English with native speakers of English ? A lot of university students in Japan have an aversion to speaking English. According to the study by Tang & Ohashi, “66% university students in Japan said that the were not good at speaking English.” The necessity of speaking English will increase in the future. However, a lot of Japanese don’t speak English well, much less office workers don’t have time studying English. Why are not Japanese people good at speaking English? I would like to present three reasons why Japanese cannot speak English well; studying English for university entrance exams, cultural barrier to speak English, and having less chances speaking English.
Firstly, most Japanese people have a recognition that studying English is for university entrance exams. This way of thinking is affected by English education in Japan. Japanese students take English classes to improve skills reading and writing. They don’t have English classes for practicing speaking and pronunciation. According to a study by Sugiura (2017), “some students who left an impression what classes focused on language format said that they don’t have sense of using English by themselves. So, we can understand they are passive that they studied English for their tests.” Then even though students in Japan take English classes for six years, most people don’t speak English well. This is a fact in Japan. We need English classes that teach, listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Secondly, modesty in Japanese culture discourages Japanese people to speak up in front of English speakers. Tang & Ohashi point out that “Taking a passive role in the daily communications in Japanese seems to be a major problem for difficulty of cross-cultural communications in English.” Japanese feel that making a mistake is embarrassing. A lot of Japanese people are afraid of making mistakes. This is a Japanese culture, a culture of shame. According to Tang & Ohashi, “Japanese people are aware of what other people think about us and how other people react, and act to avoid being ridiculed by other people.” This culture of shame has a bad influence on speaking English. Therefore, people make neat an atmosphere that discourage speaking wrong English. They care about more correctness of grammar than communication.
Thirdly, Japanese don’t have a chance to speak English with other people. Since Japanese people do not experience speaking English enough they can’t have confidence about their English. And they don’t feel necessity of using English. I think that is because of an island country. If Japan connected by land, Japanese have more chance talking in English to people who speak English.
For these reasons, most Japanese can’t speak English. I think that Japanese English learners should change how to study English.

Huanu, T. & Makoto, O. , A study on different communication-consideration-Focusing on the culture of “shame” and “emotional dependence.” Qingdao Language School of Science and Technology, and Tokushima University School of Education. rsr_8_1.pdf
Rie, S. (2017), English Language Learning of Japanese University Students-A Qualitative Investigation based on Narrative Frames- J. Higher Education, Tokai University (Hokkaido Campus) jheTmplt2010 (u-tokai.ac.jp)
Takunori, T. (2021, October), Frequency of Japanese Workers Using English-Based on Web-Panel Questionnaires- Kwansei Gakuin University Repository. ８.pdf

Japanese English educational problems

February 21, 2023

By Ryota Kagehira

Japanese English learners have the lowest speaking score of TOEFL in the world. This is shocking. TOEFL’s the speaking score of the Japanese test takers is only 17 points, which is the lowest speaking score in the world. Why are Japanese English learners cannot speak English?
Firstly, the curriculum of Japanese English education does not teach English pronunciation. The number of consonants and vowels in Japanese is far fewer than that of English, so it is necessary to teach pronunciation of English consonants and vowels. However, most Japanese people do not learn English pronunciation. So, Japanese people cannot pronounce English sounds correctly and do not have confidence when they speak English. In this situation, they are afraid of making mistakes.

Secondly, English education does not provide enough speaking time for students. According to Kenzo Tokunaga, a survey for 12 thousand public Junior highs and 38 hundred public high schools by MEXT showed data about English classes. Some schools answered that the English class is using English mostly. The first year in Junior high is 3.9%, the second year is 3.7%, the third year is 4%, and high school is only 1,1%. As you know, it is said that Japanese students do not have the opportunity to speak English in a foreign language class. Also, conversation between students and teachers is spoken in Japanese. For this reason, a lot of Japanese students cannot speak English.
There are two problems with Japanese English education lack of pronunciation instruction and speaking time. If these problems of Japanese English education are solved, Japanese people will be able to speak English better.

https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.agulin.aoyama.ac.jp%2Fmmd%2Flibrary01%2FBD90039085%2FBody%2Flink%2Fn12u0021_036.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C0daa2b8b9a654fa14e5f08db035fd40e%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638107484731269692%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=m6qfQ8WMMeAdKBcY6NaH1hNVwB8Y2swIuKm2lEcZ%2BM0%3D&reserved=0

https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcore.ac.uk%2Fdownload%2Fpdf%2F267826235.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C0daa2b8b9a654fa14e5f08db035fd40e%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638107484731269692%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zpQeWC%2B1Y%2BZ4hK1YyDg7haxvqddkU1QQgNMSEf429SU%3D&reserved=0

https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkiu.repo.nii.ac.jp%2F%3Faction%3Drepository_action_common_download%26item_id%3D422%26item_no%3D1%26attribute_id%3D18%26file_no%3D1&data=05%7C01%7C%7C0daa2b8b9a654fa14e5f08db035fd40e%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638107484731269692%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BNsCJx5p50lq4wNXnsT0kXY3xiW8KRMqmEyy%2FvvKVZA%3D&reserved=0

Problems in English Education of Japan

Problems in English Education of Japan

February 21, 2023

By Nao Yasutake

Do you think English education system in Japan have effects on improving student’s English-speaking abilities? Generally, Japanese people take English classes for more than 6 years at the school. If people spend time to study English more than 6 years, it seems that people can speak English fluently. However, practically most Japanese people who have learned English at school can’t communicate well in English. It means Japanese English education system has failed to develop English speaking ability. There are three reasons for the lack of English-speaking abilities of Japanese English learners.
        English education system doesn’t provide enough time to practice speaking for students. Usually, English teachers spend most of time to teach English grammar and vocabulary for students at the lectures. Sometimes students have time to read aloud English textbooks during class, but the time to practice speaking English is overwhelmingly not enough in current Japanese English education. Sugita (2021) showed that only 10% of students answered that improving communication skill was most focused in their high school English education, and 20% of students answered improving all four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing were focused on high school English class. This survey results shows that only 30% of students felt they spent time to improve their speaking skills in English classes.
        English teachers use Japanese when they gave English lectures in Japan. Therefore, students have more time to listen Japanese than listen to English during English class. Traditionally, Japanese English education gives “Grammar Translation Method” for students. It is s study method that teachers instruct English grammar and vocabulary in Japanese, and students translate English sentences to Japanese. This teaching method has disadvantage to develop student’s English communication skills. According to Tajima (2013), “The problem is student can’t cultivate their abilities of listening and speaking English, because students and concentrate on Japanese”. As I mentioned before, students learn English grammar and vocabulary in Japanese, so they end up thinking in Japanese in their brains when they communicate with English speakers. This is one of a bad habit which disturb to communicate smoothly in English.
       Japanese English education doesn’t teach enough English vocabulary for students. It causes the problem that Japanese can’t communicate in English even they learn English for many years at school. Japanese people learn basic 800 English words at junior high school, and they learn advanced vocabulary at high school. The reason why high school English education suddenly teach difficult vocabulary because students are required understanding advanced long sentences in English in college entrance examinations. Inoue (2004) suggests that, vocabulary of Japanese English learners lack between basic 800 words and advanced vocabulary for college entrance examinations. Therefore, they don’t have most important daily conversation vocabulary (p.232). English education system doesn’t teach daily language for students, so Japanese people don’t have English speaking ability.
        There are three problems of Japanese English education system in terms of limited time to practice speaking English, the language of lecture, and the lack of English vocabulary. Current Japanese English education system isn’t organized to develop student’s speaking English abilities. Therefore, current English education system in Japan have to change the contents of the English lectures to raise students who can be active in global society in the future.

References
Sugita, Y. (2021). “Hanasukoto”no gijutsu kojoni tsunagaru kokoeigozyugyono arikata:
Kokoeigo zyugyoni kansuru daigakusei taisyono sitsumon chosano kakkakara [The best high school English class that promote the skills of “speaking”: Results of a survey of the high school English classes by college students]. JACET KANTO Journal, 9, 5-24
https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jstage.jst.go.jp%2Farticle%2Fjacetkanto%2F9%2F0%2F9_5%2F_pdf%2F-char%2Fja&data=05%7C01%7C%7C26579c5d0d5042b0047508db08a5ad75%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638113281079887345%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SesnMtU73%2BFqktN6OihPQpGxK3aw3kQ0My8a3dyQ5mo%3D&reserved=0

Tajima, H. (2013). “Eigode eigowo osierukoto”ni kansuru kenkyu [Regarding the survey of “teaching English in English”]. Teikyo University Department of Education Bulletin, 1, 77-85
https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fappsv.main.teikyo-u.ac.jp%2Ftosho%2Fkyoiku-38-07.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7C26579c5d0d5042b0047508db08a5ad75%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638113281079887345%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DA25IbGxzrgL%2BAEElY6em%2FJCON7pLG1PGi5wzkfiUPs%3D&reserved=0

Inoue, K. (2004). Tsukau tameno daigaku zyuken eigo [English of university entrance examination to use practically]. Chikuma Bookstore

The Impact of Social Media on Long Distance Romantic Relationships

The Impact of Social Media on Long Distance Romantic Relationships

February 21, 2023

By Karua Ono

Have you ever missed your lover in a long distance romantic relationship? During a long distance romantic relationship, it is difficult to due to the physical distance. However, all couples in long distance relationships can talk face-to-face at any time thanks to social media. Couples can fill their own lonely hearts and share their feelings or current situations by using social media. In the following essay, there are three examples about the impact of social media on long-distance romantic relationships.
        Couples can share the same time even if their phsical distance are far by using social media. Thanks to the progress of technology, we can send messages easily and quickly because there are many social media sites such as LINE, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. According to a report by Morgan (2020), “communication is a great tool for combating relational issues in long-distance romantic relationships” (p. 2). By talking to their partners about funny or sad events of the day on the LINE every day, couples can relieve their loneliness of not being able to meet face to face and it can avoid conflict between them.
       On social media such as spotify, couples can share favorite pictures, funny videos and music. For example, we can make own playlist and share it to the other person by using sites like Spotify. By listening to the same music, we can feel connected with partner. According to a report by Morgan (2020), the impact of sending songs are “1) we just heard and really like and need to share 2) remind us of one another; a form of romance or intimacy 3) communicate in a way we can’t always put into words.” (p. 10). Also, according to the same report, sharing humorous content like sending funny videos and pictures is important to maintain a long distance romantic relationship (p. 9).
        The most important role that social media play a big role is couples can talk watching face each other in real time via video call. It is almost the same as speaking directly, they can feel like partner is in the same place. We can notice that changes of partners hair, make up, and facial expression. If there are no video call like Skype or Zoom in the world, long distance romantic relationship couples may forget partner’s smile or facial features.
        In conclusion, the impact of social media on long distance romantic relationship couple is very big without social media ,it would be difficult to keep a long distance relationship. However, the functions like messages, sharing music and video call make it possible to keep in touch.

The Impact of Social Media on Business

The Impact of Social Media on Business

February 20, 2023

By Riko Yamamoto

Do you like surfing webs? I love web surfing because I can get what I want without going out. It is not just me, but young people these days often shop online. One of the reasons is that a number of businesses promote productson SNS such as Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter. Opportunities to see various products are increasing by using those SNS. As companies that want to sell products have started to enter SNS, a large market that anyone can easily visit has begun to develop. In this essay, I will mainly consider the role of Tik Tok as a product market, what social media is, and the benefits of advertising on Tik Tok from the company’s point of view and the effect from the consumer’s point of view.
   According to Yoko (2019), SNS is an abbreviation for social networking service, and it is a service that has the function of communication and connection between users in the Internet award. Among many SNS, Tik Tok is a has shown rapid expansion in recent years. Ikkaku (2021) said that while Instagram is required to look good like a magazine, Tik Tok is equipped with short videos that can be viewed quickly and abundant video editing functions.
     Companies that want to sell products can boost sales by using celebrities who use Tik Tok to promote their products. Viewers would be more likely to buy if their favorite entertainers introduce product that they were wondering whether to buy. Eiko (2002) said that by emphasizing with the way of life and way of thinking of celebrities and artists through the media and imitating them or setting goals, people gain psychological satisfaction, and objective and instrumental satisfaction. As they subconsciously want to be like their favorite celebrities, they want to buy products that celebrities introduce. So, by using celebrities who have a lot of fans, mass consumption from their fans can be expected.
     Another advantage of using Tik Tok is that consumers who want to buy products can get more information about the products they are trying to buy. On general online shopping site, only a few photos are posted, and it is difficult to understand what kind of texture and what kind of size a product will be. For example, when we buy a clothe, even S size differs depending on the manufacturer, so it is difficult to tell whether the clothe are really small S size or large S size by simply looking at the labels. However, if we use Tik Tok and search the clothe or its brand name, we would be able to see the shoppers’ reviews of the clothe. We can get more information there and ask questions in the comments section. In addition, we can also have the video taken again for even more detailed part. In this way, there are great benefits for consumers.
     Tik Tok is a video distribution app and we can watch a lot of videos easily. And many companies and celebrities have cooperated to introduce a lot of products. Also, Tik Tok is making us less anxious about buying products. We may have worries about SNS, but in this way, SNS improve our quality of life!

The Effect of Social Media on Students Life Decisions

The Effect of Social Media on Students Life Decisions

February 20, 2023

By Tomoka Izumi

Do you know that social media have a big influence on your life decisions? Now that social media are part of the life of young people, they have a big impact when they make major decisions in your life, such as going to college or getting a job.
    Social media refer to blogs, social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter, video sharing sites such as YouTube, messaging apps such as LINE and other media in which users transmit and share information. Social media are characterized by the various mechanisms that promote connections among users and allow them to visually understand each other’s relationships. And social media has become an important part of the use of the Internet since the 2000s.
　　 Social media has influence on students when they enter college. Students who want to go to university in the future must first gather information about what kind of university they want to go to. And then using social media can help students. Many universities have an official Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. And there are posts about university events and student life. Then, prospective students can follow such accounts and see the social networking posts to find out what kind of university they are aiming for. Thus, social media can be very helpful for students who want to gather as much information as possible about the schools they are interested in.
　　Social media can also help students find jobs. Orido and Murata (2012) state that in recent years, the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter has attracted attention. They also noted that job-seeking students also try to appeal to prospective employers by disseminating information of themselves. In this way, social media are very useful for students not only to know information about companies, but also promoting their own information. And according to Orito and Murata (2012) social media also allow students to exchange information with each other and with alumni and alumnae. It is reassuring to be able to exchange opinions and information with other students who are seeking employment, and it can also improve motivation for job-hunting activities. Also, by talking directly with alumni and alumnae, students may be able to hear information that will help they find a job.
　    To summarize, using social media in this way has several positive impacts for students seeking for information of colleges employment. How about using social media to help you make big life decisions too.

References
Orito, Y. & Murata, K. (2012). Job hunting using social media and its influence over the construction of digital identity. 2012 Fall National Research and Presentation Conference, 291-294.https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jstage.jst.go.jp%2Farticle%2Fjasmin%2F2012f%2F0%2F2012f_291%2F_article%2F-char%2Fja&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cbed604f82fe2403d849208db0b656040%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638116303015753686%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=v%2Bnn50f9ANQhhEt9vh5O5I1F1Ndi4tddi95%2F1Btjuhk%3D&reserved=0
     Ministry of Internal affairs and communications. (2017). Changes brought about by the proliferation of social media. https://jpn01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.soumu.go.jp%2Fjohotsusintokei%2Fwhitepaper%2Fja%2Fh27%2Fpdf%2Fn4200000.pdf&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cbed604f82fe2403d849208db0b656040%7Cf11434e8abcf41f48154a9b2608dcd42%7C0%7C0%7C638116303015753686%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZB%2FY3Ygx%2BYw4qhB0w%2FcksB2RxXJfy7zyGqidR%2F7Er2I%3D&reserved=0

Daiso, Popular 100-yen Shop in Japan

Daiso, Popular 100-yen Shop in Japan

August 25, 2022

USJ students are loyal customers of Daiso

Daiso, the Japanese 100-yen shop, is very popular in Japan. Daiso can be found across Japan and there are two Daiso shops near the University of Shimane. The reason for Daiso’s popularity is its low price. Most products are unified to 100 yen. Japanese 100 yen is equal to about 0.79 dollars, and you can see that it is very reasonable. Isn’t it amazing that you can buy household goods, such as kitchen utensils such as tableware, storage boxes and stationary at such a low price? (Naoto Hakata)

But the price is not the only reason of their popularity. A wide variety of foods such as frozen foods, confectionery, and preserved foods are sold. If you want to buy sweets, go to Daiso and you’ll be all set. I got upset when I did not find my favorite sweets at a convenience store. To my great delight, I found them at Daiso. I was very impressed. Daiso never disappoint me. (Fujimoto Masanari)

Daiso keeps pleasing their customers with everlasting new products. I had a part-time job at Daiso. Even four months after I started working there, I couldn’t remember the location of all the products. Unbelievable, isn’t it? This is because Daiso releases new products almost every week. The number of products is increasing day by day. (Inoue Mizuki)

Daiso products are very useful. This item, a plastic container, is for making onsen tamago-Japanese soft-cooked egg. Onsen tamago is very difficult to cook, because the temperature should be kept just right for the center to be cooked but the white should not be overcooked. But with this product, you get this problem solved! Just add an egg to the plastic container and pour three tablespoons of water, and heat it in the microwave (500W) for 1 minute. This Daiso product makes it easy to prepare onsen tamago at home. (Mimura Satsuki)

Another useful product is the container for making pasta. I always found it troublesome to cooking pasta. One day, I accidentally came across this item and decided to give it a try at home. All I had to do was to put water and pasta in a container and heat in the microwave. I could enjoy an ideal taste just by doing that. I was so amazed at this fresh idea! (Ogoshi Masaya)

In addition to the useful items, Daiso sells amazingly cute products, too. Plates are one of Daiso’s popular products. The price is low and the cost performance is good. But that is not all. Look at the picture. The designs are very cute, aren’t they? That’s why Daiso is so popular in Japan. (Yoda Kohei)

You must wonder why Daiso can manage to do this. The reason is that the design and structure is simple, and the manufacturing cost is reduced by using low-priced materials than those of other makers. In this way, many daily items are easily available for customers. It will be great fun to make new discoveries just by looking around the stores. Why don’t you shop at Daiso? You might become a loyal customer! (Hakata Naoto)

Memories of Australia

Memories of Australia

August 25, 2022

By Takuya Tsuchihashi

The most memorable vacation in my life was the summer vacation in my eighth year of junior high school, when I went on a short-term study abroad program in Australia. There are three reasons why I was impressed. It was my first international trip, I learned many things a bout other cultures and it had a major impact on my future.

First this was my first overseas trip, as this was my first short-term study abroad program in Australia. I have always been interested in foreign countries as much as in Japan. I have always been very attracted to cultures and atmospheres that I cannot feel in Japan, and I wanted to experience these different cultures for myself. At first I knew nothing about Australia, but I studied a lot before going there to study. I learned that there is a difference between the English you can actually use and the English you are studying. However, I learned for the first time that studying something you love is not hard at all, and can be a lot of fun.

Second, I learned many things that I could not feel in Japan. In particular, the culture, language, and climate left a strong impression on me. First of all, unlike the Japanese, many Australians are very sociable. When I visited the school, they treated me, a foreigner, as if I were their friend. Later, I found out that this is because Australia is a multicultural country, tolerant of all races, genders, and all other aspects of life. Next, language. The official language of Australia is English, but Australian English has an accent. For example, good morning is called “Good day,” and the pronunciation of the letter “a” is slightly different. I also learned a lot about communicating in English, which I did not learn much in school, and I remember being very happy to be able to gradually communicate my intentions. And the climate. It was winter in Australia when I studied there, but even in winter it was warm enough, just like spring and fall in Japan. On the other hand, when Australian students came to Japan in the winter as exchange students, I remember how they shivered as if they were freezing. These three distinctive differences gave me experiences that I could not have had in Japan, and all things led to new discoveries.

Third, this study abroad experience had a significant impact on my later life. The first was the student council election held in the fall of that year. I ran for the student council election with the social skills I had learned in Australia and the joy of interacting with many people, and I was elected student body president. Thanks to this, I was able to interact with many people regardless of grade level and made many friends. I also learned the difficulty and responsibility of managing a large organization. Studying in Australia also had an impact on what I wanted to do in the future. I had not had a clear idea of what I wanted to do before, but my interest in Australia was piqued after my study abroad experience, and I decided that I wanted to work in a career that would be international and cross national borders, so I began to think about becoming a pilot. I still haven’t given up on my dream of becoming a pilot, and after graduating from university, I would like to attend an aviation college and eventually work for Qantas Airways in Australia.

For these three reasons, my study abroad experience in Australia when I was in the second year of junior high school was the most memorable experience of my life. I cherish this experience and hope to learn more about Australia and other countries in and I want to work on my English language skills and be able to work in Australia in the future.

Effects of Studying Abroad on Young People

Effects of Studying Abroad on Young People

August 24, 2022

By Honoka Akazawa

Students are interested in studying abroad these days. They have a various of reasons to studying abroad. For example, people have reasons for studying foreign languages, getting ability to think flexibly, training what you want to learn in the best place, and getting unique experiences. It will help you. However, a lot of Japanese people don’t like foreign languages and Japan is an island country. So Japanese people have little chance to speak foreign languages with foreign people. And some people are interested in studying abroad, but studying abroad needs a lot of money and time. So, they give up it. Still, there many effects of studying abroad on young people.

Firstly, studying abroad make you intelligent. When you go abroad, you will learn a foreign language and gain knowledge of the destination. You must speak a foreign language all day, so you will get foreign language skills easily in a foreign country. In foreign countries, you touch foreign language more time. Then you have friends there. You will try to study more and more for communicating with them. And your foreign friends can collect your foreign language. By doing this, you can gain a native sense of the foreign language. And you learn about area’s information, you understand more about foreign country’s good points and your home country’s good points. Making foreign country’s friends is good for you in learning.

Secondly, you can assert yourself well. You may get a lifelong companion during your stay in foreign countries. And you will learn various of communication ways by them. People in Japan and people in foreign countries use different communication ways. In Japan, people are not good at express their feelings, they think modesty is a virtue. However, people in foreign countries are usually assertive, it is just a normal thing for them. Japanese people think modesty is good in Japan, but I think this thinking is dangerous in an increasingly globalized world. So, if you are not assertive, you can’t do it from now on. If you are aware of it, you get the upper hand in socially. Now a lot of companies need capable person who can accept globalization.

Thirdly, you get new values. You can feel what you can’t feel in Japan, because foreign countries have different culture from Japanese culture. It may shocking things for you. For example, people in foreign countries have more sense of discrimination than people in Japan. Then people in foreign countries believe in religious, but a lot of Japanese are not non-religious people. What you think it is obvious is changed by going to studying abroad. Sometimes it makes you irritate during your stay in foreign countries, but it removes stereotype, and you can think flexibly. It is very useful ability in society too.
To summarize, Studying abroad gives you many effects. In conclusion, there are three of effects.

Learning a lot of things that you can’t learn in Japan. Getting skills what express yourself in public. Getting influence from foreign people will broaden your horizons. During studying abroad, a lot of things are happened, and they are opportunities to improve yourself. If you want to get these effects, you should study abroad.