Hibiki, 21, from Japan: My Student Success Story in Adelaide
About Me
I first started speaking English on Hello Talk two years ago. I was interested in English because I watched a lot of American movies and thought they were really cool! Marvel movies like Spiderman and Avengers impressed me and motivated me to improve my English skills.
Motivation to Learn English
Tom Holland, who played Spiderman, has a British accent, and I thought it was the coolest accent. Technically, it’s the original version, which made me even more motivated to learn.
At the time, I didn’t have any international friends and lacked confidence to speak English. Now, I feel much better and am trying to make more friends from around the world. Speaking English is also important for jobs in Japan, since many Japanese people don’t speak English fluently. Learning English allows me to understand other cultures and expand my opportunities.
Making Friends Through English
I have a couple of friends in Japan, but most of my friends here in Adelaide are from different countries.
I met an Australian friend at an event called JCC, held at Uni SA. It’s a language exchange for Japanese and English speakers living in Adelaide. He’s learning Japanese at university, and it was a great way to make friends and practice English.
Before coming to Adelaide, I even met an American guy in Japan. We spoke in English and have remained friends. Experiences like these made learning English enjoyable and rewarding.
Life in Adelaide
The vibe in Adelaide is similar to my hometown, Hiroshima. There’s a busy CBD, quiet suburbs, and countryside, which reminds me of home. I haven’t faced any major difficulties here. Whenever I had a problem, I could just ask someone for help, and people were very friendly and supportive.
Goals and Future Plans
Right now, my main goal is to achieve a high score on the TOEIC, a widely recognized English test for business in Japan. I’m currently taking a break from university for a year to focus on improving my English.
In the future, I’d like to work for an international company in Japan where I can use English. While I plan to live in Japan, I am open to new opportunities and experiences that might take me abroad.
How Studying English in Adelaide Changed My Life
Studying English in Adelaide has greatly improved my confidence. I’ve made many friends from different countries, which has helped me develop my communication skills. I am much better at speaking English now, and even interacting with Japanese people back home has become easier.
I’ve always been shy, but living and studying in Adelaide made it easier to connect with people and build friendships. Overall, this experience has been fantastic, helping me grow both academically and socially.
