About a month has pasted since I came to Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute in September. I thought I would not find new things at first, but I finally discovered new things in Spokane recently. There are three small surprising things in my life in Spokane.
First, I have been really amazed to learn experiences how difficult it is to have conversation between second language learners. I'm immersed in studying English for sure now. When studying English, I listen carefully when I talk or hear something in English. I have realized my English has improved more than I thought because of my experiences at some universities. I visited Washington State University and met with international students a month ago. At that time, I talked with Taiwanese and Chinese students. I hoped to have a great time with them. However, I couldn't talk with them easily. We both have original accents, so it was difficult for me to understand what they said. I was a little overwhelmed. I realized how difficult it is to understand English from Asian. In addition, I thought my English was also not clear for them to understand. I'd like to figure out how to practice in improve my English skill.
Secondly, I was surprised that I smile at people I don't know. I couldn't talk with strangers before I came to America, but Americans talk like friends even if they don’t know each other. Last semester, I thought this thing was unusual for me. I didn't smile and talk with someone who I didn't know then. I felt a little afraid of them to talk. Unlike last semester, I often smile at people outside of MFWI when I see them. In addition, I have no more fear than before about Americans. That is a good thing for me. I got used to communicate with Americans better than before. I am amazed that I lost my fear of Americans.
Finally, I was astonished that my dorm life was limited. I definitely realized our life is restricted. I didn't care about the rules at MFWI without a doubt before. There are two reasons why I thought so. One of them is that I hear the story of RAs or some friends in Spokane like to hanging out. The place where we can go is limit. We can go somewhere only by city bus. Unlike us, RAs can go anywhere they want to go for sure. Another thing, I hung out with my American friends last week. For me, it was such an amazing day ever because they took me many places and talked in English. That means I can enjoy hanging out and also learning English. I wish the time would continue forever. I thought, I would go out every day if I were an exchange student of university here. However, I'm satisfied with this life which has good environment to study English, and I can tell how safe my life is here. My teachers and advisers protect our life in America. Many rules are definitely for our safety.
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| At Washington State University |
First, I have been really amazed to learn experiences how difficult it is to have conversation between second language learners. I'm immersed in studying English for sure now. When studying English, I listen carefully when I talk or hear something in English. I have realized my English has improved more than I thought because of my experiences at some universities. I visited Washington State University and met with international students a month ago. At that time, I talked with Taiwanese and Chinese students. I hoped to have a great time with them. However, I couldn't talk with them easily. We both have original accents, so it was difficult for me to understand what they said. I was a little overwhelmed. I realized how difficult it is to understand English from Asian. In addition, I thought my English was also not clear for them to understand. I'd like to figure out how to practice in improve my English skill.
Secondly, I was surprised that I smile at people I don't know. I couldn't talk with strangers before I came to America, but Americans talk like friends even if they don’t know each other. Last semester, I thought this thing was unusual for me. I didn't smile and talk with someone who I didn't know then. I felt a little afraid of them to talk. Unlike last semester, I often smile at people outside of MFWI when I see them. In addition, I have no more fear than before about Americans. That is a good thing for me. I got used to communicate with Americans better than before. I am amazed that I lost my fear of Americans.
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| Awesome Hanging Out |
That's why, these things are surprising for me. I don't think I discover some new things easily, but I hope I find more new things. The time that I spent in Spokane is quickly passing, so I need more things to surprise me.