It's funny sitting here thinking about what I want out of my time abroad. As a 日本語 student of years more than anybody else in the class. My dream is become a 日本語名人 (Japanese master!!!)
Like everyone else before me, I'll have more experience in Japan than sitting in an American university classroom setting thats a true fact! Besides, unlike others if I may add, this won't be the last time I'm in The Land of the Rising Sun and therefore, upon completion at Ristumenkan Asia Pacific University. I will feel much stronger and better than ever!
Another goal of mine is to get to the point that when I'm speaking it will become second nature!! Therefore, when in Japan the no English rule will be applied! All of this and more is what I hope of achieving!
Plans after study abroad are also in effect: Teaching English in Japan and before that, continue to study my precious Japanese at a language school in Japan around 8-9 months. However during that time I will say, I will have a greater opportunity to network.
Regarding both topics, I will be looking at 英会話 schools for teaching English and then meeting with the language school to lay out my future. So overall, these things looking ahead for my study abroad will definitely be a game changer in not my overall experience as an international student but for my Japanese!
There's the one I like to add if I may: even though studying abroad doesn't guarantee an increase in proficiency, however like anything else, it really is an individualistic choice. A lot of people study abroad not just cultural experience but to just to get the major and be done with it. There ARE people that study abroad for the first time and have a memorable experience, I completely agree. The other side of the coin is that a intensive language course is a completely different ballgame. What I meant earlier in regards to proficiency is when you are giving an opportunity like this to study abroad, you have push your language boundaries there's no other way around.
Wrapping up, by the Fall of 2016 your going to see a different Arik: a more fearless and confident one with a greater amount of proficiency that I can't even think to imagine.
皆さん、その経験が非常に大事である。だが、留学のためによく勉強せねばなりません！だから、一緒に進もう！！俺のブログを読んでありがとございました！ Thanks for reading!
Here are some more tips (off the beaten track sort of ideas) that you can use: http://thestudyabroadblog.com/steps-to-improve-your-language-fluency/ or https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2014/11/think-study-abroad-will-make-you-fluent/
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that makes the biggest difference in proficiency and overall growth is trying to learn the culture as well. Not just the superficial aspects of culture, but the ones you learn about by consciously exploring what makes you uncomfortable (we call this the learning zone). Sometimes that means letting your guard down and letting people you don't know and don't understand everything. Make mistakes and let people correct you.
Also check out this book "Teaching English Abroad" by Susan Griffith (one of the best I have found) It gives great tips, local organizations and explains important red tape issues. http://eslcafe.com is also a great resource for ESL teachers and finding jobs abroad.