Today, the Extension student went on a marvelous tour to WSU (Washington State University) in Pullman. We visited IALC (Intensive American Language Center) There are a lot of international students from several countries there, and they study English to enter WSU. We talked with them, ate lunch together and walked around WSU. I learned some new things such as motivation and culture while spending time with them.
First, I was stimulated by my four pleasant friends. They were from Saudi Arabia, Brazil, China and Japan. I joined their grammar class and talked with them. I was surprised there are a lot of Chinese students at the school, and they were friendly. Actually at first I was a little nervous because Japan and China has some problems, but the students were kind and chatty. On the other hand, Chinese people communicated with other Chinese people, they often spoke in Chinese. Then, one Brazilian said, “English please!", and he also said to me, "we got money to study here from our government, so I have to study hard here." When he met another Brazilian friend, they tried to speak in English. I was surprised and moved by their high motivation.
Next, I had a precious experience learning about culture. Actually, the day we visited WSU was Independence Day of Saudi Arabia. There were some male students wearing white clothes. According to my Saudi Arabian friend, they wore traditional costume, and they celebrated and respected their home country's independence. Also, the Saudi Arabian taught me about their life and culture. She has a large family and they eat meals together sitting on the floor. But now, she came to America together with her husband and her child. Although she isn't alone, she misses her country and her family. I admired her determination to come here to study. I learned culture and coincidentally I was spurred by her attitude.
In summary, I thought it was enjoyable for me to mingle with international people. Of course it is difficult to talk with English learners, but I enjoyed spending a day with them and I was able to broaden my horizons thanks to them. I need to hang in there so that I will speak English more fluently when I see them again someday.
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| Marvelous Campus |
Next, I had a precious experience learning about culture. Actually, the day we visited WSU was Independence Day of Saudi Arabia. There were some male students wearing white clothes. According to my Saudi Arabian friend, they wore traditional costume, and they celebrated and respected their home country's independence. Also, the Saudi Arabian taught me about their life and culture. She has a large family and they eat meals together sitting on the floor. But now, she came to America together with her husband and her child. Although she isn't alone, she misses her country and her family. I admired her determination to come here to study. I learned culture and coincidentally I was spurred by her attitude.
In summary, I thought it was enjoyable for me to mingle with international people. Of course it is difficult to talk with English learners, but I enjoyed spending a day with them and I was able to broaden my horizons thanks to them. I need to hang in there so that I will speak English more fluently when I see them again someday.