Students in the EAGL Department pursue various career paths after graduation, such as working for companies, becoming public servants, English teachers, or pursuing further education in fields like the English language. Approximately 90% of our students find employment in companies, with some becoming English teachers or going on to graduate school. This blog is about Ms R.F., a graduate from Miyazaki Miyakonojo Nishi High School, who has been accepted into the master's program at the Graduate School, Oxford Brookes University in the UK. Ms R.F. will specialize in International Hospitality, Events, and Tourism Management. The university is located in Oxford, but London is easily accessible by train within an hour. Both Oxford and London are attractive cities for studying tourism. Ms R.F. seems to have dreams of working abroad or returning to Miyazaki to contribute to the revitalization of the city after graduation. Her story suggests that she has realized the department's missions: Think Simple, Think Different & Think EAGL.

There are three reasons for my decision. The first is that I wanted to learn not just "English" through studying abroad but to study something in a "specialized field" using the English language. The second reason is that after going abroad for a short period for the first time this year (2023), I strongly felt, "I want to experience 'studying abroad' before starting my career!" The fact that I could only study abroad online (due to the pandemic) was a lingering regret, and I decided to postpone job hunting and take the plunge into graduate school abroad. The third reason is about the "learning environment." Since I am often influenced by my surroundings, I chose to place myself in an environment where I can "study diligently."

I feel that the "ability to think for oneself" that I learned in the EAGL Department has been particularly useful. In Professor Hosokawa's seminar classes, I learned a lot about "things that would be useful in society after graduation." Even when I was struggling with how to study abroad, this "ability to think for oneself" was very helpful. Instead of blindly accepting all information, being able to "think for myself first," "think until I am satisfied and make decisions on my own in the end," and "ask questions without hesitation when I don't understand" have all contributed to a good path. I feel that I have learned in a very comfortable environment.

My future aspirations are to say, "If I want to do it, I'll do it all!" Time is limited, and we never know what might happen. That's why I want to cherish each day and live with the mentality of "It will somehow work out!" I will continue to challenge myself in various ways. In the future, when I look back on my twenties, I want to feel that "that study abroad experience is still alive today."

To all the prospective students: I genuinely feel that "I'm glad I studied at this university" from the bottom of my heart. This may be hindsight, but regardless of which university you enter, I believe it's crucial how hard you work after enrollment. It's going to be okay! You can make it work! I'm cheering for you. I'm also planning to take the IELTS exam again, so let's do our best together!