国際交流センター

【留学先】  スインバン工科大学
【学　部】  経営学部
【期　間】  2024年8月24日～12月15日　　　　　　　　　　　
【氏　名】  S・Kさん（留学時：4年生）

During my time in Australia, I had the chance to participate in some unforgettable events that not only helped me improve my English but also allowed me to deeply immerse myself in Australian culture. Every event I attended was an opportunity to experience something new, and I am grateful for each moment. One of the highlights of my experience was visiting the zoo, which I had been looking forward to for a long time. It was an exciting adventure, as I had the opportunity to see animals that are not found in Japan. I was particularly fascinated by the unique Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. The zoo provided a great setting for practicing English, as I had many chances to interact with other visitors, ask questions, and learn about the animals we saw from the staff. I even had the chance to participate in a guided tour, where I could practice understanding more detailed information in English. I was amazed by the diversity of wildlife, and I was surprised to learn how much I didn’t know about Australian animals and ecosystems. It truly made me appreciate the natural beauty of this country even more.

Another exciting experience was exploring the city’s markets, which became one of my favorite activities. The markets were full of unique products, handcrafted goods, and delicious foods, and it was a fantastic way to experience local culture. I spent hours walking around, sampling the food, chatting with the vendors, and exploring the vibrant stalls. The market was bustling with life, and there was so much to see and learn. I loved trying different types of food that I had never tasted before, from exotic fruits to freshly made pastries. Each stall had something special, and the diversity of people I met gave me a better understanding of Australia’s multicultural society. It was also a wonderful opportunity to practice my English in a relaxed environment, where I could have casual conversations with people from different backgrounds. I enjoyed chatting with travelers, local residents, and fellow students, which helped me become more comfortable speaking English. The atmosphere was vibrant and lively, and I truly felt like I was part of the community as I explored the market.

Later in the program, I discovered the app “Meet Up,” which became a great tool for meeting people directly and practicing English in real-world situations. Through this app, I made friends from Vietnam, China, Korea, and Australia. We decided to go to Chadstone, one of the largest shopping centers in Australia, to spend the day together. The size of the shopping center was impressive, and it was a fantastic place to shop, eat, and relax. We explored the shops, tried local snacks, and shared our thoughts on fashion and trends. It was a great experience, and I had an amazing time shopping and hanging out with my new friends. This trip to Chadstone allowed me to engage in real-life conversations in English, and I felt more confident in speaking with people from different cultures. I found myself exchanging ideas and learning new expressions that I wouldn’t have learned in a classroom. We also discussed our experiences of living in Australia, and it was interesting to hear about their perspectives on the country. It felt like a true international gathering, and I left the day with a deeper appreciation for the friendships I had made.

The friends I made through Meet Up and other social activities made my time in Australia even more meaningful. I realized that stepping out of my comfort zone and meeting new people from diverse backgrounds has been an essential part of improving my English. Through these interactions, I gained not only better language skills but also a better understanding of how to communicate with people from different cultures. I am grateful for the opportunity to practice English in so many different settings—whether it was in the zoo, the markets, or chatting with friends—and for the chance to learn about the lives, traditions, and values of others. These experiences have allowed me to grow personally and academically, and I believe they will stay with me for a long time.

These experiences—visiting the zoo, exploring the markets, and spending time with new friends—have been a crucial part of my journey in Australia. Each one of these events has taught me valuable lessons in language learning and cultural understanding. I am looking forward to participating in more events in the future, continuing to improve my English, and making more memories with the wonderful people I meet along the way. Although I have returned to Japan, I plan to continue improving my English, making new friends, and creating wonderful memories by applying the experiences I gained in Australia. My time in Australia has become a valuable asset that will greatly impact my life moving forward.