Problems for Asian Students: Part 6

Q: Hi, Keiko. Would you introduce yourself?

A: Hello, my name is Keiko Sugahara and I’m from Kanagawa which is next to Tokyo, Japan. I am a transferred student from a Japanese college, and I had been spending for one year there. I used to live in the Mill street last semester, but now I live in off-campus!

Q: When was your first day to come to USA?

A: I do not remember the first day but I came here May, 2015. I’m here for my study and career.

Q: Do you miss your country? As you know a lot of international students miss their country.

A: Yes, I do! To study in USA, I had to say good bye with many things and people such as my friends, Japanese traditional foods, my school, friends, atmosphere of Japan and something like these. But now I am really accustomed to this American environment and I love it. But even though I’m accustomed to it, I know I should do my best for my English skill and future.

Q: What made you come to USA?

A: I just desired to speak in English. Because when I watched Japanese TV show, one Japanese on that TV show was really good at speaking English.  After I watched that, I felt myself that I want to be just like her. She was so cool and amazing.

Q: There are many schools in USA. Is there any reasons that you came to Concord University?

A: I have a reason why I chose this school. When I was in Japanese college, I consulted with my teacher to decide the university that I am going to go. She recommended this school which is related with my major, commuting available, having generous professors, good faculty and facilities. Also she said that lots of staff member, professors and people are really kind and nice to international school students. What she said made me not to be reluctant and I picked this school without consideration. Now I feel all of things what she said is true. All of the people here are literally so considerate and trying to understand us. I’m so grateful with it! 

Q: How do you like it here?

A: I do like nature here. We are surrounded with it all the time. I had been growing with it my home country so I am such a lucky girl to have it because I can feel my home and get energy from it.

Q: What are the hard things about staying here? I mean the kinds of challenges that you face.

A: Actually, I’m facing disability for speaking in English. It is such a hard thing for me to communicate with other country students if I cannot express my thoughts. Therefore, I should experience to speak more. I need to be opened heart because I am so shy. Maybe lot of Asian students would feel that except the people who used to have been America for a long time. Usually we feel shy because of our English. One of my friends said that she is afraid of being sneered by people about her bad English. So she is trying to develop herself and watch American drama such as ‘Modern Family’ or ‘Bigbang Theory’ for her English. But we are going to get over it do our best!

Q: can you recommend some attractions in Tokyo? 

A: Oh, there are lots of thing in Tokyo. Imperial palace, Tokyo sky tree, Tokyo Disneyland and Disney sea, Ginza, harazuku, Mt. Fuji, Shinjuku! If you want to travel Tokyo, you can google it! There’s a numerous information!