Ryota and Ishin joined MLCโs Intensive English program for about 6 months through their company’s educational program. Both work for a Japanese automotive manufacturer, and occasionally use English in their roles. Having learned about MLC through managers and colleagues who previously attended the program, they were excited for the opportunity to live and study in the US.
Building Confidence and Achieving Language Goals
Studying at MLC played a pivotal role in helping Ryota and Ishin make clear progress in their language goals. Ryota says, โI was not good at English at first, but studying at MLC helped me build confidence in my English skills.โ
Immersed in an English-speaking environment all day, Ishin significantly improved his listening and speaking abilities. โAt first I was not very good at speaking in English, but the whole day I had to use English. My worst ability was listening, so spending time at MLC improved my listening ability,โ he reflects.
Memorable, First-Time Experiences in Ann Arbor
Both inside and beyond the classroom, life in Ann Arbor provided unforgettable memories and enriching experiences. โI really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere at MLC and making friends from all over the world,โ Ryota says.
Both Ryota and Ishin participated in MLCโs kayaking trip on Ann Arborโs Huron River. โIt was my first time. [It was a] valuable experience,โ Ryota recalls. โI was really excited about kayaking too. Iโd never tried it in Japan,โ Ishin says. They quickly learned that kayaking requires physical endurance and a lot of sunscreen!
Ishin also enjoyed making memories with his volunteer Conversation Partner, who introduced him to all the best hamburger restaurants in Ann Arbor. โI was excited. Hopcat is my favorite. I like the flavors [of the fries]. I tried truffle – it was great!โ
They even got extra adventurous on a field trip to the Creature Conservancy, where they pet a snake for the first time. โAt first it was kind of terrible, but it was not dangerous because of the staff,โ Ishin says.
Ryota and Ishin embraced all that MLC and Ann Arbor had to offer during their extended time in the US. They made significant progress in their language goals because they took advantage of every opportunity to practice English and engage with the local culture and experiences.
Ishin captured it best with a new idiom that he just learned in class: โComing to the US – I never imagined that. A lot of times I got โblown awayโ! It was a very precious experience. One day, if I have enough free time, I want to come back here.โ
We hope to see you again in the future, Ryota and Ishin!