国際交流センター

留学先　　　　：College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University　　　　
学部・学科　　：外国語学部　英語コミュニケーション学科　国際ビジネスコミュニケーション専攻　　　　　
留学期間　　　：2021年8月31日～2022年5月10日　　　　　　　　　　　
氏名・学年　　：N・Dさん（留学時期：3年生後期-4年生前期）　

School：College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University
Period：August 2021 – May 2022

1. Class
　　　　It took me time to get used to the education style at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University (CSB/SJU). While I was already warned that I had to read a lot, share my opinion, and be expected to participate actively, it wasn’t easy to switch in a click and become a new person. I did not know if I could just speak out to say what I am thinking, I did not know how to prepare for class, and I did not know what I had to do. I was just sitting in class and listening to what other students had to say and nodding to pretend that I understood or agreed with what they were saying at first. However, as time went by, I got a hunch about what I had to do and found myself talking in class and having fun discussing with my classmates. I even learned how to read effectively, and was able to prepare for class without suffering as much as I was at the beginning of the program.

2. Dorm Life
　　　　It was my first time living away from my parents. While I was excited to be away from them, I had a really hard time adjusting to doing everything alone, especially in the dorm. I didn’t have a bathroom and a washer in my own room, so I had to share with everyone who was living on the same floor. There was vandalization of the facility and people don’t follow rules. Therefore, things didn’t go the way I wanted to, and I had a hard time getting used to living in a dorm. I hated that I had to walk down the hallway to go to the bathroom or to take a shower, I also hated that I had to go to the lower level to do my laundry, and I hated having neighbors being loud at night on weekdays. Living in the dorm made me realize how I was living an easy life with my parents. I appreciated my parents and the environment I had back home.

3. Weather
　　　　When I first got to Minnesota the weather was so nice. It was sunny and warm, but most of the time it was very cold and snowing. It hurt when my skin was showing, my ears were red, and my eyes teared every time I was outside. Snow was exciting when it just started, but after a while, I got sick of it and couldn’t wait for spring to come. However, spring was not as bright as I thought. The weather was sure nice and warm, but the snow was just starting to melt and it was muddy everywhere. I wish I could have stayed longer to experience and see the spring with green and flowers.

4. Free Time
　　　　When I am not in class or not studying, I hang out with friends. They took me out to the town to experience restaurants/foods that aren’t in Japan, went to parties, did activities on campus, and so much more. Being on campus all the time can sound boring, but there are always activities and events to join in free time.

5. Growth
　　　　After about nine months of being in the States to study, I think I have learned and grown a lot. I used to be very shy and quiet when meeting new people or when I am with people I am not close with, but I now enjoy having conversations in those situations. I also used to hesitate to ask questions and for help from others, but I learned the importance of support. My list of growth can go on, but the biggest compliment I get after coming back to Japan is that I have become brighter, confident, and better at communicating. I am glad that people can see the growth I have made throughout my experience, and that I have made the most of my time at CSB/SJU.

6. Memory
　　　　A picture from our farewell dinner. The Center of Global Education in CSB/SJU held a dinner for us exchange students. We invited a few of our friends and had a great time. They were the people who made my experience extraordinarily, and I am thankful I got to know them. I hope to see them again in the near future 🙂