Carina, 18, from Japan: My Student Success Story at Native English College
Why I Love Studying English
I love speaking to foreigners from many different countries, even if it’s our first time meeting. I never get tired during conversations. Sometimes I feel like I need to improve, but for me, it’s just so exciting to communicate with others in English. This constant exposure motivates me to keep learning and practicing.
My Original Inspiration to Study English
My mum was the main influence on my English journey. From the time I was 10, she switched the Disney Channel from Japanese to English, although I still had Japanese subtitles. This helped me get used to listening to the way English sounds from a young age.
I also have cousins who live in Canada and speak English much better than me. Whenever I visit them or talk to them on the phone, we speak in English. These experiences inspired me to improve my skills and motivated me to study English more seriously.
My Experience at Native English College
I was really surprised when I first attended Native English College. The classes are small and personal, with a close relationship between teachers and students. Everyone knows each other, and asking questions is very easy. Many students were frequently asking, “But Zsana, what about…?”
In Japan, English classes are more formal. You usually have to wait until the end of class to ask a question, which makes it harder to practice actively. At Native English College, the interactive environment made learning enjoyable and more effective.
My Goals for the Future
My goal is to work as a flight attendant. I am currently studying this in Japan, but I came to Adelaide to improve my English during my summer break. Speaking English at a high level will allow me to apply for international airlines.
While being based in Japan and flying on international routes would be ideal, living abroad full-time is my ultimate dream. Studying English in Adelaide is a step toward achieving this goal, giving me confidence and the skills to communicate effectively with people from all over the world.
The Value of IELTS Preparation
Even if you don’t plan to take the IELTS test, the IELTS classes at Native English College are very valuable. The focus on communication skills, especially speaking and writing effectively, can be applied to many areas beyond the test itself. For me, the IELTS preparation helped improve my overall English abilities and boosted my confidence.
Highlights of My Experience So Far
During my first week, I took a Reading and Listening mock test. I wasn’t familiar with the format, and my score was low. While I wasn’t upset, I was determined to improve. Before finishing my course, I took another Reading and Listening test and scored just over 70% in both sections. This progress was a huge achievement for me and showed how much I had grown in a short time.
Studying English in Adelaide has not only improved my language skills but also prepared me for an international career and life abroad. It has been an exciting, challenging, and highly rewarding experience.
