Kumi, 45, from Japan – Student Success Story at Native English College Adelaide
Why I Love Studying English
Even though speaking and listening are still challenging for me, I genuinely love studying English. My biggest motivation is to communicate confidently with people from all over the world. Grammar has always been one of my strengths, but I used to have a big complex about speaking English outside the classroom. I would freeze up or feel nervous whenever I needed to talk to native speakers. Now, after studying at an English language school in Adelaide, I’m slowly breaking through that barrier.
What Inspired Me to Study English
My English journey began when I was 24. I spent a month travelling in the United States, but I mostly stayed with other Japanese travellers and missed many opportunities to practise with locals. That experience left me with regret and a strong desire to improve.
Over the years, I studied English privately in Japan, took lessons from a foreign friend’s husband, and attended a language school there. After having my daughter, I continued learning online while being a young mum. Deep down, I always dreamed of living abroad and giving my child an international education.
Moving to Adelaide as a Family
Two years ago, my husband, our young daughter, and I moved to Adelaide on a student visa. My husband works as a Neuroscience researcher at Flinders University, and our daughter started primary school here. At first, it was very difficult. When she was six years old, she couldn’t speak any English and felt quite isolated. But after one full year of immersion, she now chats easily with her Australian classmates. Watching her progress has been the biggest inspiration for my own English studies.
What I Love About Adelaide as an International Student
Adelaide is a fantastic city for international students. The people are warm and friendly, and I’ve never experienced any discrimination. The weather is pleasant — mild winters and beautiful sunny days — and the parks, beaches, and nature make it a wonderful place to live and study. Compared to bigger cities, Adelaide feels safe, relaxed, and affordable, which is perfect when you’re studying English in Australia.
How I Use English Every Day in Adelaide
English is now part of my daily routine. I use it when shopping at the supermarket, ordering my favourite coffee (I love takeaway flat whites!), and chatting with friends at local cafés. I often stay and have conversations with baristas and other customers. These small daily interactions are helping me improve my speaking and listening skills in real-life situations.
My Experience Studying at Native English College
I chose Native English College because I wanted a supportive and practical English course in Adelaide. The college offers excellent ELICOS programs, including General English and intensive English courses that focus on real communication.
The teaching style suits me perfectly. Teachers Claire and Dan explain grammar clearly and then create many opportunities for students to practise speaking. The classes have a great mix of students from many different countries, which makes the environment both challenging and exciting. I’ve made friends from Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, and Korea — we all help each other practise English every day.
One of the best things about studying at this English language school in Adelaide is how encouraging the teachers are. They gently push me to speak more, which is exactly what I needed to overcome my fear.
My Goals for the Future
We will soon move to Sydney for my daughter’s education and visa reasons. We want to experience another part of Australia while continuing our journey here. I don’t plan to return to Japan anytime soon. My long-term goal is to speak English fluently enough to communicate confidently with my daughter’s friends’ parents and fully participate in our life in Australia. I hope one day I can speak as naturally as my daughter does!
Highlight of My Australian Study Experience
The highlight so far has definitely been my daughter’s success in school, but closely behind that is my own growth at Native English College. Studying English in Adelaide has been life-changing. It has given me more confidence and opened many doors. I’m very grateful for the supportive learning environment and the caring teachers.
Final Message to Future Students
If you’re thinking about studying English in Adelaide, I highly recommend Native English College. Whether you want to improve your speaking, prepare for further study, or simply build confidence in everyday English, this is a great English language school with a friendly and professional atmosphere.
I hope my story encourages other students who feel nervous about speaking — you can improve with the right support and consistent practice!
