It seem like just yesterday I was in the U.S.A to study English. Three months went by in a flash for me because it was first time to go abroad. Come to think of it, most of people who belong to our seminar have experienced to study abroad, so it is natural to write blogs in English. Anyway, I’d like to do it during I have clear and flesh memories about it.

First, to my surprise, when I make friends with whomever American or Asian, they ask me what my major and what I want to get a job after graduating my university at first time. They think about their future clearly. Recently, many Japanese students cannot answer what they want to do in the future, so I felt that the conversation was a difference between Japan and the U.S.A.

Second, I took language lessons in American university; all students took an active part in the class. When they had a question, they asked teacher as soon as possible. The teacher did not only answer about it but also asked another one to students. In short, like the conversation made a class. And, the class had a lot of group and field works, so there were many chances to communicate with other students and teacher. We tend to read other people’s minds in Japan, however, we have to claim something, otherwise, and we cannot fully convey our minds in the U.S.A. I think we need to keep proper a sense of distance between teachers and students and especially after classes, we need to create environment that it is easy to talk or ask to professor in their offices like the U.S.A. Our seminar is the same situation, but I have never seen others one yet.

Third, I could realize good points of Japan. Most of Japanese keep our promise and time tightly. We think it is natural that not be late and miss the appointment. It is rude behavior if you are late without contacting. So, Japanese are always in a hurry. For example, we usually run to the home to get on a train that will come every three minutes even if as the train was packed by a lot of people. Japanese is a tough time, that’s not good to wait. We think time is money. It is one reason could be said that the Japanese seriously.

I hope that I could cross the border. The differences of cultures and environment were a valuable experience. Anyway, I want to experience a lot of things more and more, and learn from that, maybe it is trial and error. Only if we consider something, nothing to start. I think workshops and projects are one of them we can get a new discovery.

2012 has just started. Best wishes for the New Year and I hope that 2012 finds you happy and successful.