September in US

I have been studying in the United States since August 2024, and a month has passed already. In my September report, I was busy getting used to life abroad, but I have finally gotten used to the rhythm of studying abroad. I have not been able to speak English even in my dreams, but when I am alone or my roommate is not around, I try to speak and think in English as much as possible. The conversations of local people (especially those of the same generation) are very fast, and I still have to ask them to repeat themselves.

Courses and Learning

Foundations in Writing

Class time: Mon, Wed, Fri 9:20-10:15

In this class, the first chapter of the lecture was about writing a narrative essay. I feel that there are many opportunities to have conversations by presenting the writings we have written, receiving advice, and correcting each other's writings. At first, I had to get help from the teacher in charge, but gradually I was able to speak on my own, and I feel happy that I am able to blend in without being treated specially.

Intro to Sociology

Class time: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30-11:25

This was an introductory sociology course, and it felt like we were learning sociological theory in a lecture format. During the lecture, there were times when local students raised their hands to express what they thought. However, it seemed like the same students always spoke. Also, the professor gave me permission to record the lecture if it seemed difficult, so I will review it when I have time.

Race, Science, and Human Variation

Class time: Mon, Wed, Fri 11:40-12:35

In this class, we are learning about races around the world. We start with a discussion of races in North and South America, then touch on the historical background, cultural background, and national character of each country, submit a report, and discuss these with students who are taking the class. Starting from the world race, I was able to learn about the history of not only the United States but also other countries in a cross-sectional manner. I was able to learn more about world history than I had originally planned to take, "The United States to 1877." I also felt that the small class size allowed for lively discussions.

International Students Seminar

This was a lecture seminar for international students in the Faculty of Economics, held in the last week of September. It was an introduction. There were many familiar faces among the international students, so we were able to take the lecture together.

International Economics

Class time: Online

In this class, we are studying international economics. Through Foreign Direct Investment, we are not only learning about international investment, but also the basic concepts and theories of economic history, including Adam Smith and Ricardo. In particular, we are learning about the economic analysis of GDP and policy trends before and after the pandemic in the United States and other countries. In the future, I think that what I am learning here will be very useful in carrying out international financial investments. Previously, the professor explained the lectures based on easy-to-understand economic models, not only about the US-China conflict, but also about war conflicts and the possible impact on the real economy. Basically, the content is difficult, and it is hard to look up each technical term one by one, but thanks to the solid study I did in Japan, I am making full use of my background and prerequisite knowledge and trying not to fall behind in the lectures.

About leisure

I was not able to include this in my September study abroad report. I would like to briefly introduce the Appalachian Fair.

As part of the orientation for international students, I previously participated in the Appalachian Fair. A temporary theme park was held for about a week, and we rode on the playground equipment and enjoyed country music, as Tennessee is famous for its music. Another friend bought a piece of chicken the size of two fists, and was surprised when he heard the price for $20. I reluctantly participated in the scream-inducing attractions, which I am not good at, and was very scared, but it was also a good memory. At the end of the festival, I participated in an outdoor live performance by "Parmalee" and became obsessed with the song "Carolina". I decided to use this opportunity to expand my range of Western music.

↑Outdoor Live

On weekends, I usually finish my homework and enjoy playing games and sports with friends. I have been playing soccer since I was a child, so I joined the soccer club at university and play hand weaving. Recently, I went to nearby North Carolina with my club friends in a carpool to play a practice match. I have never played soccer abroad, and it has been a dream of mine since I was a child, so although it is a small dream, it has come true.

Extracurricular activities

I practiced the "Soran Bushi" dance with Japanese exchange students, local students majoring in Japanese, and local Japanese high school students, and participated in the Asian Festival held in Tennessee on September 8th. Remembering the Soran Bushi that I performed at the sports day when I was in elementary school, I practiced the dance intensively for about two weeks and tried to spread Japanese culture. Although it was a Japanese community, everyone had a diverse background, so it was a lot of fun. I also became friends with local students majoring in Japanese, and we spend our days teaching each other Japanese and learning English from each other.

Then, on September 20th, I participated in an Asian party held by local Chinese students and helped organize the event to experience Asian culture and build a community. In America, there is often China hate, and as a minority group, Asians (although there is no noticeable discrimination at my university), I feel that it is important for us to support each other.

↑Asian Party

At the event, we were able to enjoy traditional food and music from Asian countries (mainly China). There were many Chinese sweets on our table. The sweet and salty taste was addictive. By the way, two Japanese people (me and a senior at university) performed a dance and song to spread Japanese culture. The venue was very lively and it was a lot of fun. In particular, my senior's breakdancing was so amazing that the audience at the venue was stunned. (I heard he was the kind of person who would compete in international dance competitions...)

I will cherish each and every day and continue my study abroad life in a healthy and energetic manner, with safety as my first priority.

I would appreciate your kind support.