Sayo Kato

My First Visit In The U.S

     When I was a high school student in Japan, I dreamed of going to study abroad. I had never been to foreign countries until I entered in the university. I learned about foreign country’s culture, religion, traditional building through only media. So, my longing for going to the foreign countries had been stronger gradually. One day, I decided that I will go to study abroad in the U.S and improve my English skill in order to communicate with foreigners well. I entered university in Japan after I graduate from a high school and studied English a lot to go to study abroad. Finally, my school offered me an opportunity to study abroad and my first experience began. I couldn’t expect my life in the U.S.

     This was the first time to study abroad in my life. I had never spent much time in a foreign country. When I passed the interview for going to study abroad, I was so happy and excited because my dream had come true! I imagined my happy life in the U.S but I couldn’t expect what will happen in my life in the U.S.

     However, as the day to depart was approaching, I didn’t feel happy and excited anymore. I didn’t expect that I feel these negative feelings because this is my dream! So, I was surprised myself. Instead of these feelings, I was getting to feel nervous and sad because I felt I would miss my country and my friends. I had been getting disappointed gradually as the day when I left Japan is approaching.

     In addition to this, I was insecure about my English skill. I didn’t know whether I could understand what Americans say and if I could respond to their question after I went to the U.S. My Japanese friends cheered me up but my worries couldn’t be taken away. Finally, the day I went to the study abroad came. I got on the plane with my complicated feelings. I should have been happy to go to study abroad, but my feeling was unhappy and fearful. However, when I arrived in the United States, these feelings had been changing gradually.

     When I arrived in the United States, I first felt nervous because I was alone. I had to go to the meeting place where it is in JFK airport by myself. However, when I met other exchange students like me and the university’s staff, I relieved. They were so kind and I realized that our feelings which worry about study abroad were same. They also had same feelings with me. So, I decided to do my best in the United States. Although I still couldn’t imagine my life in the U.S, my new life started here.

     At first, there were a lot of things I was confused about American food and culture.  I couldn’t understand what American say because they speak very fast! I couldn’t tell what I wanted to say to American people because I wasn’t used to speaking English and I was not good at listening. It was difficult for me to communicate with them. I felt irritated and regretful, so I also felt alone. I wanted to go back to Japan. However, American people are very kind and I could make many good friends. They always make me happy. We can’t speak each country’s language, so it is hard to tell each opinion through English. However, this experience was so valuable for me. Now that I have been here for several months and I can enjoy my life in the U.S. I have decided that I will spend this life preciously until go back to Japan. My new life in the U.S will be cherished forever.

My sweet Japanese friend!