Problems For Asian Students: Part 7

A: My name is Mimi Yamamoto, and I am from Ishikawa, Japan. I am ESL student and my major is RTM. The reasons why I chose this major are I studied hospitality in high school and I am interested in this major.

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

A: I came to Hawaii when I was in high school. It was my school field trip. That was my first time to come to USA. I felt comfortable even though my English was not that good because there were lots of Japanese. And temperature and environment of Hawaii were perfect. May 14th, 2016 was my time that I went back to America. Here in Concord University, I failed TOEFL test so I am taking ESL class with international students. 

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

A: Of course I do miss Japan. Especially I miss foods, friends and family. I am planning to go back to Japan next May and cannot wait for it!

Q: What made you come here?

A: I danced in my young age. Also I was interested in American Music and American culture as I danced with American music. This made my dream which is become great at English. So I thought I need basic English skill and went to Japanese Foreign Language College last year. This school is specialized for students who want to study abroad. And I came here! 

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

A: West Virginia is really similar with my town that I used to live in Japan. Also Concord University is not that big but I can have a close relationship with professors and my Japanese professor recommended this school. Before I came here, I was confused between Hawaiian school and Concord University. Because my friend lives in Hawaii and she could help me a lot if I went to Hawaii. But finally, I chose Concord University because I wanted to accomplish something by myself.

Q: How do you like it here?

A: People here are really nice and generous. I love the way professors teach us and they are nice. International Club are much more active than I thought. They do a lot of things. I love nature here but I miss my town’s beach. Also I do love the classes. On this summer vacation ESL class, there were only Japanese so I used Japanese many times. But now, there are lot of foreigners like Chinese and Columbian so I could make a lot of friends. It is a great experience for me because I don’t have to use Japanese more than English! 

Q: What are the hard things to stay here? I mean kind of challenges that you face.

A: Speaking English is so hard especially Speaking and Reading. It’s really hard for me to understand slangs and idioms. When I was in Japan, I just learned reading and grammar. It was kind of challenge to face the things that school didn’t teach. What I learned in Japan was slow English. Also, limited transportation is hard to adjust.

Q: Would you introduce me your town, Ishikawa? 

A: My town is very famous with traditional buildings and beach. And it only takes 2 hours by train from Tokyo, so there are lot of tourists and foreigners. But there are only few English information things so I think It’s so bummer.

Q: What is your dream?

A: I want to be a wedding manager for Japanese people who want to marry in USA. There are lot of Japanese people who want to marry in Hawaii and LA. But they cannot speak English Well. So I want to be wedding manager or Japanese-English translator.