Learn by Movies: Learn by Music: Learn Japanese: Study Abroad Tips: HostFamily Opinions: Survival Guide: Interview - Mayumi: Interview - Sachiko: Why Japanese?

Could you give us a little introduction about yourself and your experience in the US? What brought you here, how long did you stay? Etc.

I came to America from June 2001 to May 2002 to study English and higher education in the U.S.A. I stayed in Montana for the first seven months and I moved to Indiana in January. I was often asked why I stayed in Montana, this is because I was participating in a program organized by my workplace, I couldn't choose the place where I visited.

Was this your first time in the United States? If not, what other times have you been here?

This was my first time. I visited Canada for one week two years ago.

How were your English skills before you arrived?

I had some chances to speak English with international students during my job. But the Americans I have talked to were only English teachers when I was at school. When I arrived in America, I stayed with my host family. Since they spoke English slowly for me, I understood almost everything. But I didn't understand conversation between Americans.

In your opinion, what are some of the strangest things about America?

There are many strange things about America for me. One of them is that Americans care about the length of grass very much. Grass length is not important to me. I have often seen Americans mow the grass in their yard many times. It seems that Americans mow the grass in their yard to keep it looking good, but they don't seem to care about how dirty their car is.

Another strange thing is American traffic signals. The time for a "walk" signal for pedestrians is too short. If I am ready for the signal to change from "don't walk" to "walk" and walk very fast, I can cross the street before the signal turns to "don't walk". Sometimes I have to run to cross the street.

I think even Americans who have long legs can't cross some streets before the signal changes.

I'm sure that there are things you like about Japan and America. What things do you like most about America, and what things do you like most about Japan?

Americans are very friendly and kind. I think I can't be so kind to strangers from a far away country.

Japanese are punctual. The concert, meeting, party, bus, train, usually everything starts on time. When I called the taxi, he said. "I will be there in fifteen minutes." I waited outside of my dorm, but he didn't show up. When I called him again, he said, "I will be there in a few minutes." I had waited for the taxi for forty minutes.

Do you have any advice for American's who are thinking to go to Japan and stay for a long time?

I think there are many differences between American culture and Japanese culture. Because of this, sometimes I felt uncomfortable and annoyed. However these differences also gave me so much fun during my stay in America. It is impossible for Americans to accept every aspect of Japanese culture and the Japanese way, so I think trying to enjoy life in your own way is important. I believe staying in a foreign country is a very valuable experience for everyone.

Do you have any unanswered questions for Americans that you would like to ask?

No.

Do you consider yourself an 'AmericaNewbie'?

Yes, I am an AmericaNewbie. I spent almost one year in America, but I don't understand every part of American culture and I am not used to everything about the American way. I still hesitate to eat colorful American cakes.

Learn by Movies: Learn by Music: Learn Japanese: Study Abroad Tips: HostFamily Opinions: Survival Guide: Interview - Mayumi: Interview - Sachiko: Why Japanese?