The Extension students visited Washington State University on September 22, and we had wonderful time. We went to the Intensive American Language Center. At this center, there are many students who study English from various countries. We made some small groups and had conversations. My group members were Chinese, Brazilian and Arabian. They were very kind and they taught me a lot of things.
I learned a lot about language. An Arabian showed me Arabic letters, they looked very difficult for me. He also said English is easier than Arabic. I couldn't believe that. I have never thought English is easier than Japanese. Next, I asked the question "How long have you studied English?" One of them answered "just one year." I was surprised because he can speak English better than me!! I have studied English for about 7 years. When I was a junior high and high school student, I studied grammar. I hardly speak English, and my teacher taught me English in Japanese. I realized of course grammar is important, but speaking English is important too. He has many native speaker friends and he has a native speaker roommate. I have such a rare opportunity to have many native speakers around me, so I should speak English more. I should do what I cannot do in Japan. I want to improve my English speaking skill and pronunciation so I have to speak English with naive speakers. How to learn English in the other country is impressive for me.
 |
| enjoyable campus tour |
Also, the students were shown around WSU and a learned a lot about the university. It was nice place and I surprised because the campus is so big. I was tired on walking around it. There is also very big sports field. I want to watch games there. We ate lunch at the student cafeteria. It is like buffet restaurant. I met a Japanese girl and I could talk to her a little bit. It was very nice opportunity. At last we ate Ferdinand's ice cream. It was too big and delicious. It was amazing that there is such a good ice cream shop in a campus. I could see American university.
As you can see, I could have marvelous experience and I could make new foreign friends. I'm looking forward to visiting another university and learning about more culture, school system and so on. I was satisfied with this tour.