EF Stories: Kotona from Japan at EF San Francisco

This time, we spoke to Mr. Shida, a university student who decided to study abroad for the first time and lived in San Francisco for 4 weeks. If you are currently thinking about studying abroad, please take a look.

Exposure to American culture broadened my horizons

This was my first time studying abroad, so I was nervous during the immigration procedures at the airport. But what surprised me was how kind and friendly everyone was. I was impressed by how the customs officer spoke to me slowly and carefully in a friendly manner, even though I wasn't used to native English, it instantly relieved my nerves.

At cafes and supermarket cashiers, communication always began with the greeting "Hello! How are you?" I was surprised at first because it was an American culture that does not exist in Japan, but I was impressed by the way people interact with each other and found it very attractive .

Golden Gate Bridge, symbol of San Francisco

Ever since I was in high school, it was my dream to study my university.

Ever since I was in high school, I had a strong desire to study abroad for university. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, I was worried about going overseas alone, and couldn't muster up the courage to initiate the move. Then I heard that a friend from college was going to study abroad with EF during spring break, and I was encouraged and decided to study abroad.

I wanted to choose an environment where I could be exposed to a lot of English, so I chose America as my destination. I also wished I could enjoy both studying and sightseeing, so I ultimately decided to study abroad in San Francisco .

If you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask questions.

Through studying abroad, I learned that the best way to know anything you don't understand is to have the courage to ask the local people. I had little knowledge of the place I went, so I had to use Google Maps to get around. But there were times when my friends and I got lost because the maps didn't work. I was glad that I had the courage to ask the people around me for help, and they were very kind to show me where I was. I was able to have a conversation even with my poor English level. So I believe that having the courage to practice is a shortcut to learning English, and it will also be an opportunity for you to grow confidence.

With the children of host brothers and sisters from my host family.

Many friends are waiting for you at your study abroad destination.

I was afraid of going abroad alone and had been thinking about studying abroad for a long time. However, when I actually went overseas, I found that there were many people who came alone from different countries, and they were all very kind and friendly, so I was able to make friends quickly .

Kotona Shida is on the left with a friend from where she studied abroad.