Koichiro Uto joined the ELC for a special program during SS26. Upon his return home, his story was featured on the Kyushu Sangyo University website due to his participation in Challenge Month with a short-term study abroad in the US. You can read his story in Japanese at
https://en.www.kyusan-u.ac.jp/news/ksu_0319
We provide a paraphrased translation below.
Michigan State University attracts many students from all over the world, and he participated in this program because he wanted to deepen his understanding of different cultures as well as improve his English skills by interacting with students who have diverse values in such an environment. In the program, he engaged in language learning through discussions and group work. In class, there were many opportunities for him to actively express his opinions, which he found difficult at first, but gradually he became more confident in communicating in English. In addition, there was an opportunity for him to interact with local students who are learning Japanese through JELE (Japanese English Language Exchange) twice a week, which was a valuable chance to discuss each other’s languages and cultures. Through various exchange activities, such as watching university sports, he was able to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and he feels that his perspective broadened greatly, as he learned not only the importance of taking initiative and respecting different cultures, but also the value of proactive engagement. In the future, he would like to use the international perspective and communication skills he gained from this experience to continue growing while collaborating with people from various countries and cultures.
Congratulations on this honor, Koichiro! You are missed at MSU.
