[Study abroad experience] Mr. Tomoki Yamaya, XNUMXnd year student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Tomoki Yamaya, XNUMXnd year, Faculty of Science and Technology
[Destination] Auckland University of Technology Language Center (New Zealand)
[Study abroad period] August XNUMX, XNUMX to September XNUMX, XNUMX (XNUMX weeks)
[Type of study abroad] Short-term study abroad at a partner university

Please tell us why you chose your study abroad destination

 　I chose Auckland as my study abroad destination because I had a senior who had studied at AUT and heard that Auckland was a nice place and safe.

Was there anything you didn't do well in your preparations before studying abroad?

Auckland was colder than I expected and I wish I had brought more winter clothes.Also, I felt that I should have learned a few more phrases and words that I often use in conversation.

Please tell me what you remember

　The most memorable thing was that the day before my birthday, my host mother asked me what I wanted to eat the next day, and she prepared a large amount of mussels and a cake on my birthday.It's rare that I just celebrated my 20th birthday abroad, but I was very happy that I was able to go out of my way to do so many things.

Have you ever had a hard time?

　Conversations with my host family and friends during the first week.I was able to understand English, but I struggled because I couldn't come up with a conversation.However, I realized that the conversation could be managed with tension.

Do you have any advice for those who are thinking of studying abroad?

　I think there are some people who are worried about whether or not to study abroad, but I thought it would be better to go abroad as much as possible.Even if you can't speak English very well, you will gradually get used to it and be able to speak and listen.So I think you should go.