Inspiring Trip to the East Coast

In this studying abroad, we have studied English, American culture and history. As part of our class, we went on a trip to Boston and Washington D.C. for six days and unexpected extra two days. In this trip, I spoke in three languages, including French, Chinese, and of course English. (Actually, I also spoke Japanese, but this time I do not count it.) During my East Coast trip I had three interesting experiences with different languages I know which inspired me to have motivation to study English harder and learn foreign languages in addition to English.



lunch with lovely French couple

At Quincy Market, I had interesting conversation in French, and it was my first time to speak French outside the class. When I ate lunch with my friends, I noticed that a lovely couple sat in front of us. Then I asked where they were from, and they answered they were from Paris. All of us take French class in Japan, so we started to talk in English and French. I could only introduce myself while one of my friends was good at speaking French. However, I was very happy to tell them what I wanted to say and hear that they are going to visit Japan this year. This experience encouraged me to study French more seriously in Japan.

In the Smithsonian Institution, I experienced curious happening with a Chinese woman. When I was walking in front of Museum of Natural History, a Chinese woman, who seemed to belong to strange political organization, talked to me probably because I looked like Chinese. The only one Chinese word I knew at that time was ‘fried rice’, then I said the word to her, but my pronunciation was incorrect, so she did not understand what I wanted to say. After that, one of my friends told me how to say “I want to eat fried rice.” in Chinese and correct pronunciation. Fortunately or unfortunately, I could enjoy the Smithsonian one more day because of two days flight delay caused by heavy snow. Miraculously, when I was walking around the Smithsonian, I met the lady again! This time I could tell her that I wanted to eat fried rice in Chinese, then she seemed to understand. I felt big sense of accomplishment. Since then I want to learn Chinese and go to China to eat delicious fried rice someday.




breathtaking view at Mount Vernon

At Mount Vernon, I had the funniest conversation in English. I talked with one of my close friends, Manami, and Kathy, who was our escort of this trip. While we were waiting to enter in Mount Vernon, we talked about swear words. I was about to laugh out loud to translate our talk into Japanese in my mind. I want to write the detail of our conversation, but I think it was too vulgar to show you. I’m sorry that I cannot share our funny talk with you. Through this trip, I talked with them many times and I learned a lot of useful words and expressions. I will take advantage of this events in the rest of my life.

As I have explained, I talked three languages in all. These experiences inspired me to think about learning other languages besides English after this studying abroad. I think if I get ability to handle multiple languages, I will be able to enjoy overseas trip more deeply and communicate with people around the world, and they sound very interesting for me. I will never forget this precious experiences.