Q. How long did you spend in Ireland?
I spent 5 months at University College Dublin in Ireland.
Q. What was your first impression of Ireland?
Everything was so different! First, the weather was colder – it was about 10 degrees colder than Japan when I arrived in April. And people wore their shoes in the house! Of course, this is all very different to my life in Japan. The streets and houses were very impressive and although I had seen them on TV, it was amazing to see them in person. Not only this but the food was also very different to what I was used to in Japan. My favorite dish was Shepherd’s pie.
Q. Tell us about your host family.
They were very welcoming, and my host mother was kind and generous. I had arrived just before Easter, and everyone gave me an easter egg as the family had an easter party where many relatives came to visit. I enjoyed my stay with the host family very much.
Q. What about classes?
I enjoyed my classes and made a lot of friends in them. I feel my English has improved and that I learned a lot in my classes. In the beginning I felt I should speak more in class as my classmates spoke a lot more than me. After a while, I tried not to be so passive in class and found myself speaking more. The teachers were very helpful, and it was great to meet so many other students who came from so many different cultures.
Q. How do you think you benefitted from the SA program?
It was a program which gave me a lot of new encounters and shocks. I discovered so many new things in such a short space of time. I feel that I have gained unforgettable memories and new experiences which I can use in the future.
Q. Do you see any changes in yourself after taking part in the program?
Yes, English, of course, is a lot easier to understand! I also became more aware of a globalized society. I now feel a little closer to non-Japanese living in Japan as I too have experienced life in a foreign society. I was supported by many people while I was in Ireland and as a result, I feel that I would like to help non-Japanese living in Japan.
Q. How do you think your SA experience will help you in the future?
Of course, my English language skills will be extremely helpful in the future. I'm unsure about my future career, but I certainly plan to use my English skills. I also feel that I have become much more independent since I went abroad. I have learned to rely on myself and be flexible, especially when interacting with people from different cultures. These attributes will be of great use to me in the future.
