留学体験記（アメリカ）

I studied abroad at UNCW in North Carolina for a semester starting in August. As it was my first time going outside Japan, I faced many challenges. However, encounters and interactions with people greatly changed my study abroad experience. In this report, I am going to write about my experiences and my personal growth.

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Classes and Academic Life

Here is our weekly class schedule.

We took English classes in the English Language Center―ELC apart from local students. We were divided into three levels based on the test that we took in advance. I was in Level 2 and we took the same classes as Level 3 students. I often found the classes challenging, especially at first. Our classes were held only on weekdays, and were organized to improve our practical English skills with a balanced focus on reading, listening, writing, speaking, and grammar. We had homework such as book summaries, essays, speaking recordings, and presentations, that helped us actively use English.

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Dorm Life and Daily Living

The campus was surrounded by nature and had a peaceful, park-like atmosphere with animals like squirrels. There were plenty of facilities like some dining halls, cafés, and a library which has various study spaces. I sometimes studied with my friends over coffee after class. Also, going to work out with them was one of the ways I spent my time there, since there was a gym close to the dorm. Additionally, there was a weekly shuttle bus to Walmart, so I didn't have any problem in terms of daily shopping. I shared a room with a Vietnamese student who took the same course. Although I sometimes found it a little difficult to communicate with her in English, it helped me get more chances to get used to using English. Watching cartoons while having snacks with her in the room is still memorable to me.

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Cultural Exchange and Human Connections

My interaction with people expanded beyond the classroom and dorm. A part of the ELC program―hanging out with conversation partners became my first gateway to experiencing real-life English. Being with them was a lot of fun and an important part of my study abroad experience. Also, ordinary moments shared with classmates from several countries were meaningful to understand our different cultures and values. These moments were not limited to between classes and lunch time, but also happened outside of school especially when my close classmates brought me to a bar and introduced me to Latin dance. Such moments allowed me to experience culture beyond words through physical activity. As my connections with people were getting deeper, I was also invited to celebrate Thanksgiving with American friends. She and her family warmly welcomed me and let me enjoy the meals and special moments with them like a member of family. Moreover, I had opportunities to share Japanese culture with the local students through the Japan Club and Japanese class. We got to try noodle waterslider, moon viewing, tea ceremony, and more in the Japan Club. In Japanese class, I realized that teaching a language can be as challenging as learning one.

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What I Learned Beyond English

Through interacting with various people like this, I began to work on my weaknesses that I pretended not to see in some ways when I was in Japan. As a result, I learned the way I interact with others while respecting my own feelings without pushing myself too hard, little by little. I used to care too much about how I made others feel and sometimes hesitate to express my honest thoughts. Over time, the environment where my friends shared how they felt or what they thought openly helped me open my mind, and I gradually started to feel that it was okay to put my feelings into words. At the same time, I learned to rely on the people around me instead of trying to handle everything by myself. During difficult moments, I talked to friends, classmates, and teachers again and again. I was able to move forward with a sense of reassurance because they stayed by my side and supported me. Such a safe environment gave me the courage to speak imperfect English and to confront challenges, and helped me take action.
Even if you choose to go to a place you don’t really know, you are not alone. There will be moments that move your heart. Even with anxiety and uncertainty, you will find experiences that make you feel like you don’t want to go back home.

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I studied abroad in the U.S. for four months in 2024. I am very satisfied with my experience. It was my first time going abroad and making friends from different countries. I had never lived on my own or been away from my parents before, so, it was very challenging for me. However, it was absolutely memorable.

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Classes

Here is my class schedule. My classes started at 9 am and ended by 2:30 pm at the latest. Also, I had no class on Fridays.

I belonged to the English Language Center at UNCW. And all my classes were for ESL (English as a Second Language). Also, none of my classmates were from the U.S. They were from Vietnam, Turkey, Russia, Italy, and so on. I took three classes: Grammar & Writing, Reading, and Listening & Speaking. In Grammar & Writing class, I learned basic English grammar. I felt that it was the most important part of learning how to write academic English essays using MLA formatting. There are many rules for academic writing in English. Moreover, I had to do some presentations in another class. It was a great opportunity to improve my speaking skills and organize my thoughts before speaking in front of classmates. Through these presentations, I learned how to start my presentation and make a strong impression on my audience. Most of the skills I gained in class will be useful in my life in Japan. I also thought that activity studies helped me develop my skills very quickly and effectively because everything I had to use English. If I wanted to ask something, I had to use in English. During discussions, I also spoke only in English the whole time. Therefore, I recommend studying abroad to anyone who is on the fence about it. Studying abroad will help you improve both academic English skills and, your daily speaking skills.

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Living in a dormitory

I stayed in a dormitory on campus for the whole semester and it was such a beautiful experience for me. Living in a dormitory helped me make new friends. Most of my roommates spoke English as their first language. So, this gave me the opportunity to have conversations with them every day and listen to natural English. Sometimes they even helped me improve my English skills. One of the most memorable things for me was building good relationships with them. When I first met them, I could not speak English well because I was nervous and unsure how to connect with them due to my limited English skills. But despite my struggle, everyone was kind to me and tried to understand what I was trying to say. Of course, I had a hard time getting used to living alone and speaking only English with my roommates. There was a huge gap compared to Japan. But I realized that it was important to express my feelings to someone when I was sad and in pain. Especially since I had no family or friends from Japan there, and nobody knew me, there were times when I could not open up and felt overwhelmed. But even so, there were people who tried to help me. So, I never gave up when I was in trouble. If I could advise people thinking about studying abroad, I would tell them that putting in effort is one of the best ways to create enjoyable memories. It also helps you grow a lot. I am so grateful to them and will never forget the fantastic memories I made with them!!

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Conversation partner

At UNCW, they provide us with opportunities to talk to others and make friends with someone. It is called a conversation partner program. We can meet with our conversation partners at least once per week. And, if you would like to hang out, you can always ask them. I am very thankful for it. Without this program, I would not have been able to make such lovely friends. I am even keeping in touch with them now. If you go to UNCW, you will definitely make friends through this program.

My memory in the U.S.

During break times, I made memories with my friends. All my break times were wonderful. I hiked with my friends, went to New York and experienced Thanksgiving. There are lots of memories that I will never forget too!!

勉学

私が勉強していたクラスでは、世界各国から英語を学びに年齢も様々な学生が集まり文法やレポートの書き方、プレゼンテーションを2週間に2，3回ほどクラスの前で行うなどの事をしていました。初めの頃は、作文の完成させるスピードや、毎回のプレゼンテーションで緊張して上手く話せなかったなど、苦戦ばかりでした。しかし、何度も教授の添削や、練習を繰り返すことで作文のスピードも速くなり、帰国後の90人ほどの前で英語のプレゼンする機会では緊張せず自信をもって発表することが出来ました。成長だと思います。また、世界各国から学生が集まるので、休み時間などには自国の言語を教えあったり、お互いに国の紹介をしたりして盛り上がっていました。

寮生活

寮生活のメリットとデメリットを挙げるとすれば、メリットは現地学生との距離が近い事、他人を気にするストレスが少なく生活できる事だと思います。私の寮では１フロアに7人ほど暮らしており、2つのシャワーとトイレ、1つの共同スペースがありました。私のフロアメイトは皆静かに生活するタイプで、ホテルぐらいの静けさでした。ですが他の棟では、夜になるとパーティー会場に変わる所もあるので運もあるかもしれません。デメリットは、ホストマザーや子供との日常会話が無い事、風邪や体調を壊したときに自分で何とかしないといけない点だと思います。デメリットは私にとって余り無かったですが、寮などの他人と生活するのが苦手な人や、家族の雰囲気や日常会話を学びたい人には、ホームステイを選択できる大学へ留学するのも良いと思います。

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意識したこと

最初の4か月は、とにかくアメリカ人や留学生に話しかけて友人作りや、積極的に行動することを意識していました。私は硬式テニスを14年ほどやっていたので、日本からラケット一本をスーツケースに詰めて持って行き、大学のテニスサークルで9か月間所属していました。そのおかげで他州への遠征、トーナメントへの参加、旅行、パーティーの参加などの様々な素晴らしい経験をさせてもらいました。また、スピーキング力を高める最適な環境だったと今でも思います。ジムでもマッチョと友達になりました。スポーツだけでなくとも、何か一つ特技があれば自分を輝かせる武器になります。
さらに、アメリカでしかできない事をすることです。テニスの全米オープン、大谷選手の観戦など。休暇期間に旅をしてみることをお勧めします。財産になること間違いなしです。

ターニングポイント

9か月の留学を通じて、ターニングポイントは3つありました。1か月目、4か月目、9か月目です。（人によって違うと思いますがあくまでも参考にしていただければ幸いです。）初月は、現地人が何を話しているのかほぼ理解できなかったのと、環境に身を慣れさせる期間だと感じました。9か月の中で一番精神的に大変だったと思います。4か月目は、聞き取れる文章量が増え、自分の意見も少しずつスムーズに言えるようになりました。また、少し自分の英語力が変化したと思う時期でした。そして9か月目には、帰国したくなくなります。

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最後に

アメリカに問わず、日本を出て生活することは、時に辛く、時に刺激的な経験になります。文化、食、人の特徴、働き方、何をとっても違います。しかしこれらを生で体験することはその国の事を理解しようとし、自分が感じた事を、これからの自分の人生に生かすことが出来ると思います。英語力を伸ばしに行く目標のみならず、生涯の友人ができたり、忘れられない思い出ができたりと留学することで得られる事は無限大です。チャンスがあるならぜひチャレンジしてみてください。