NCC volume9---September

North Central College Fall term 2006 started from September 11, and now I am in third week so it is getting busier and busier with lots of homework. I am taking three classes this term; Interpersonal Communication, Chinese, and Human Geography.


First, Interpersonal Communication, this class combines lecture, discussion, reading, exercises, group activities, exams, and a term project: record an actual conversation and analyze using specific communication concepts and theories. Even though it is third week, I am sure this class helped me to advance my communication competence by developing increased sensitivity in interpreting and participating in interpersonal interaction.


Second, Chinese, there are two reasons I thought I want to start studying Chinese. One is because here in the United States many people can speak more than two languages so I felt like I want to study more languages to communicate the people from different countries. The other reason is because last year I met an exchange student from Taiwan and we became really good friends, so I became really interested in Taiwan and Chinese culture. This is still a 100 level class so we learn simple sentences and how to ask questions, but I want to keep studying in Iwate as well.


Third, Human Geography, this class exposes me to a new and exciting way of viewing the world which we live in and help me to better prepare for the world stage. Last week we joined the activity called “invisible children”: Some college students from San Diego made this organization for the children who are sacrificed for the dispute in Sudan. We watched the movie they made and listened to the story about their experiences. Actually I was really surprised that college students started this organization and they are really helping the children by selling DVDs, giving them the opportunities to work in Sudan, and giving educational opportunities. I did not even know where Sudan is. I am really ashamed of my ignorance about the world. I am sure this class will help me to understand the world more.


I continue to be a member of International Club, Japan Club, Focus, and Voice of Praise (Gospel Choir) this fall term. However, this year is a little bit different, because I became an officer of International Club. So this year I plan the activities with other officers for the new exchange, international, and North Central College students considering educational aspects for better understanding of the cultures of other countries. This fall term we are planning to go to the state of Wisconsin for the retreat, have a Halloween Party, and have Buddy System and English Table for new international students. It is really fun to give my ideas and discuss for the better decisions and run this big club with reliable other officers. I am really proud of being a publicity officer of this club with amazing friends.

NCC volume8---August

My study abroad program is from January 3 to November 23. As you know to go to American college from January is very unusual. I chose this period just because I really wanted to go study abroad as soon as possible after my teaching practice. However, I think it was very good choice for me to come to North Central College from winter term. There are a couple reasons.

First, the main reason is that I can spend summer in the United States. During the school term, it is hard to spend time with friends, do extra activities, and go to Chicago or other places because we are always busy for the classes. However, during summer vacation I could do lot of things I could not do during school term. Of course, the weather is very good for traveling and outside is very beautiful with many flowers and green. It is the best time to stay around Chicago.

Second, I can spend more time in the United States. Usually other exchange students from Japan stay at North Central College for 9 months. However, in my case I can stay here almost 11 months, which is very good for me because I can spend as much time as possible in the United States

Third, I could work hard to catch up to other exchange students. When I first met other exchange students, they could speak English much better than me, so I worked hard to catch up with them. Also, they gave me lots of advice from their experiences of fall term, which helped me a lot.

However, of course, there are a lot of disadvantages to coming to North Central from winter. Here are some examples.

First, I came here on January 2 right before the day school starts so I did not have time to do orientations. Other exchange students told me that they had an orientation week before school starts and they did campus tour, library orientation, etc. It was very hard for me not to have an orientation week.

Second, I have to move my dorm twice, which is very hard. Usually exchange students live in the same dorm called Kimmel but my first dorm was different from other students, which was very good to have American friends but sometimes it was very hard. Also, I had to move to another dorm for summer and I have to move to next dorm for fall term. So I had to look for new roommate by myself. In North Central College, students can choose their next dorms and rooms, but to get better room we need a lot of credits. Fortunately, one of my friend suggested to stay with her next year so I could find my roommate, but it was hard for us to get good room because I had only 9 credit which is less than freshman. I will go back to Japan after fall term so my future roommate will have new roommate randomly from winter term so I feel sorry about this.

Third, it was hard to register classes. In North Central College, students register their classes in May for their next whole year. So when I registered my classes, some classes were already closed. Fortunately, I could get in the classes I wanted to take but I was always on waitlist and it made me so nervous.

For me the advantages of summer outweigh the disadvantages, but it depends on our goal of study abroad program and our schedule of college. I hope my opinion can help future exchange students from Iwate.