At the English Language School of California Lutheran University, international students from various countries gather for the purpose of getting admitted to a university. The students take class that fit their level, and each class has 10 to 15 students maximum. In the morning, we had 4 grammar and vocabulary classes, and there was TOEFL preparation class only for Kanazawa University students in the afternoon. In the morning classes, in addition to textbook-based lesson, we learned how to write essay based on interviews with local university students, etc. Through classes, I learned not only English, but also about the culture and the way of thinking in each country.

After school, there were events to interact with the locals such as exchange meeting with local students, conversation café run by volunteers and so on. In the weekends, I went on sightseeing and watched NBA in Los Angeles with my host family and other international students.

The time I spent with local and international students inspired me a lot, especially discussing the prospects of studying abroad with them has greatly expanded my future options. Friends and host family provided me with a good stimulus, and that is the best outcome I gained from this program.

I was very nervous at first: however, now I rather feel I should have gone abroad earlier. Going abroad is just a starting line.

(Updated: September 4, 2017)