Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

macchi · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 10

Hi!!!!! I'm Japanese girl.
I'm going to study abroad to America for three weeks this summer vacation.
I'm majar in English Communication department Very Happy

But, I can't speak English very well.
What shoud I do before study abroad??????
Please advice me Wink

Garnet · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Halifax, Canada

I own an ESL school in Canada and many students ask me the same question. I believe it is impossible to answer all questions because everyone is different. Some useful things to know are as follows;

In North American homestays most students can do their laundry once each week (average) and therefore you will need enough clothes for a week. I know some Japanese students did not bring much because they are used to washing their clothes often and this caused a problem with some.

Also - My students always rush around to find a dictionary in their own language, you may want to bring one from home, or better yet an electronic dictionary.

- Be prepared for change. You will be living a new lifestyle and also the family you will live with is usually prepared to make adjustments to accomodate you. If you don't understand a particular custom or the reason for something just ask politely why it is so. American households (Canadian too) vary a lot from one another, there are few "cultural" consistencies from house to house. An example of this; in some houses you can wear your shoes, in others you absolutely can't. I know in Japan and Korea, etc, you absolutely can't in any household.

-Meals - Be prepared for a lot of variety. You may eat Mexican food one night, barbecued steak the next and soup an other, unlike in many other countries eg Korea - each meal has rice and kimchi and shared side dishes, etc.

- Each different family will have a different way of doing things and yours will let you know how they function. I am sure you will love it and have a great learning experience.

Garnet Brooks
www.CLLC.ca The Canadian Language Learning Centre Ltd.
_________________
Study in Canada www.CLLC.ca Canadian Language Learning Centre Ltd. Canada's best language school www.CLLC.ca

macchi · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 10

Tank you for mail.
I do my best Embarassed

Thank you.

macchi · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 10

Tank you for mail.
I do my best Embarassed

Thank you.