1. How are your English lessons at FLS/FLS activities/FLS center staff/FLS homestay family?
When I first started at FLS, I didn’t have many friends so I remember looking forward to FLS activities every week. English lessons at FLS were
fun but it took me a while to get used to a new teaching style in the US. I think it is true that Japanese students tend to perform very well in
grammar and reading but not in speaking and listening. There has been many moments where I wanted to express myself but I couldn’t
although many of my friends from other countries were speaking in fluent English. There was no Japanese staff at FLS Citrus College but I spoke
to Japanese staff at FLS head office on the phone when I had issues. I had issues with the first host family but FLS staff managed to find me a
new family in a timely manner. The replacement family was very nice and I still keep in touch with them.
2. How has learning English in the United States impacted your life as well as the path to college?
It is difficult to say how learning in the US impacted my life (since I am still in the process of it) but I can say that it definitely broadened my
horizon. Also, living in a different country taught me to see Japanese people and culture objectively. This realization changed the way I think
and behave. On the other hand, living in the US has made me realize some of the traits of Japanese culture that we can be proud of including
mannerism.
3. Did FLS or UPP staff assist you on your college application? If so, how?
My transfer to Citrus College from FLS Citrus College was seamless since FLS has an agreement with the college. When I had questions about
college, FLS and UPP staff was always there for me so it was very reassuring. FLS is flexible with dates so I was able to focus on brushing up my
English ability at FLS until right before college started.
4. Would you recommend FLS to your friends? Why?
Since I never studied at other language schools, I can’t compare FLS to other language schools but I recommend FLS International. FLS
International’s English class level is divided in 18 levels so you will be placed into an appropriate level. There are many elective classes offered
at FLS so I am sure that you can find a class that interests you or strengthens your weakness.
5. How is your overall experience of studying in the US so far? How was your college life? How’s your university life?
Through my experience at Citrus College and UCLA, I would say the mindset of challenging to different things and being positive are the most
crucial thing to success. Studying in US does not guarantee that your English will improve. You need to get out of your comfort zone and try
different things such as making new friends, attending club activities and participate in class. I have learned this by observing my American
classmates and friends in college and they motivated me to adjust to a new environment.
6. Was the transfer process from college to university complicated? How did you get assistance?
Most of Community Colleges in California have an agreement with California State Universities or University of California so transferring is
considerably easy. I was able to transfer most of the units I obtained in college to UCLA and a counselor at Citrus College helped me through the
process of applying for a university.
7. What do you think that it is important to succeed in college/university?
English has become a common language in global world. I believe English language ability itself will not promise you to succeed in global world.
On top your language ability, you need to have other skills such as an ability to understand the trend and predict future, and knowing how to
differentiate yourself in a group. In order to succeed in global world, time in college is limited so I do not have time to waste.
8. What are you planning to do after you graduate?
My primary goal of studying abroad is to obtain necessary English skills to become an interpreter. I have played soccer ever since I was a little
kid so I hope to be an interpreter in the field. In order to achieve my goals, I am taking Spanish classes as my third language and I am in the
process of getting a coaching license. I am sure that there will be many obstacles in my life but I will overcome them and make my dream come
true with my motto, always try your best and never give up.