MLO 5: Cultural Internalization and Language Immersion
Outcomes:
5.1. Students demonstrate that they have actively immersed themselves in authentic Japanese cultural and linguistic environments and have internalized the language and cultural experience, from which they have developed a personal understanding and new perspectives of the community.
Reflective Narrative:
During my study abroad at CSUMB, I was able to immerse myself in English. My life in America was completely different from that in Japan. I could personally experience native English and it helped me to improve my English skills overall. Additionally, I could experience the cultural differences from my own.
At first, it was very hard for me to follow my classes. At that time, I was sure that it would be a good idea to take Japanese courses in the first semester. I could meet many Japanese major students there and I was also able to understand Japanese culture deeply. In the second semester, I took Global Studies courses. These classes were incredibly hard for me because the curriculum offers a lot of reading and homework. As such, I was required to study more than I was used to. I sometimes stayed up late at the library until 4am. Honestly, I did not expect to study hard like that when I was in Japan. Finally, I could pass these classes! This experience gave me confidence and it will encourage me to try new things for the rest of my life.
The biggest pleasure of my study abroad was that I could spent time with my friends. We talked about many things at the cafe in the library and the cafeteria. I belonged to the Japan and Tennis club. In Japan club, we held many events such as Karaoke party and movie party. In Tennis club, we enjoyed playing tennis every Friday. Some of the members started learning Japanese and that made me glad. I also traveled to many places with my friends, such as Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon National Park.
5.1. Students demonstrate that they have actively immersed themselves in authentic Japanese cultural and linguistic environments and have internalized the language and cultural experience, from which they have developed a personal understanding and new perspectives of the community.
Reflective Narrative:
During my study abroad at CSUMB, I was able to immerse myself in English. My life in America was completely different from that in Japan. I could personally experience native English and it helped me to improve my English skills overall. Additionally, I could experience the cultural differences from my own.
At first, it was very hard for me to follow my classes. At that time, I was sure that it would be a good idea to take Japanese courses in the first semester. I could meet many Japanese major students there and I was also able to understand Japanese culture deeply. In the second semester, I took Global Studies courses. These classes were incredibly hard for me because the curriculum offers a lot of reading and homework. As such, I was required to study more than I was used to. I sometimes stayed up late at the library until 4am. Honestly, I did not expect to study hard like that when I was in Japan. Finally, I could pass these classes! This experience gave me confidence and it will encourage me to try new things for the rest of my life.
The biggest pleasure of my study abroad was that I could spent time with my friends. We talked about many things at the cafe in the library and the cafeteria. I belonged to the Japan and Tennis club. In Japan club, we held many events such as Karaoke party and movie party. In Tennis club, we enjoyed playing tennis every Friday. Some of the members started learning Japanese and that made me glad. I also traveled to many places with my friends, such as Yosemite National Park and Grand Canyon National Park.
During long vacations, they took me to their hometown. Their family welcomed me warmly and treated me like one of their family. At first, it seemed it was difficult for their parents to understand my English, so I tried to speak clearly. I have known that they also want to understand my English too. My long vacations in my friends' house was always a great time. It was very hard to say goodbye to them and I cried so hard.
I truly appreciate all the people who I have met throughout my studies abroad at CSUMB. I still keep in touch with them and I want to meet them again in the future.
I truly appreciate all the people who I have met throughout my studies abroad at CSUMB. I still keep in touch with them and I want to meet them again in the future.