~Student experiences after completing their study abroad program~
[Study Abroad Destination] Thompson Rivers University (Canada)
[Study Abroad Period] May to December 2018 (8 months)
Q. What were your reasons for wanting to study abroad?
When I was in junior high school, I was bad at English and wondered why I had to study it. At that time, I thought that English wasn't necessary for working in Japan. Even after entering high school, my aversion to English didn't change, and English classes were a painful experience for me.
Despite my background, after entering university, I had the opportunity to hear a professor talk about studying abroad. The professor explained that studying abroad could broaden one's horizons, and since I wanted to do something different during my time at university, I decided to study abroad.
Q. What is it like at your study abroad destination?
Thompson Rivers University is located in a small town called Kamloops. While not a major city, Kamloops is a perfectly livable size. It has a cinema, a shopping mall, and even a Japanese restaurant. The main mode of transportation is the bus, but I think it's a great place to study and relax.
Q. What left the biggest impression on you?
One of the most memorable experiences was being taken on various activities by my friend's host family. Thanks to them, who owned a boat, I was able to try wakeboarding for the first time in my life. They also took me hiking and canoeing together, allowing me to experience things I couldn't do in Japan. I also have fond memories of the trip to Ottawa and Niagara Falls that I took just before returning home. Furthermore, participating in volunteer activities and supporting new students was a valuable opportunity for me.
