Risa Kitaguchi is part of a special ELC program for 50+ aged students. She is from Japan and teaches Japanese for foreign students at a language school in Tokyo. We at ELC were so happy to host the 50+ program students. Risa only stayed two weeks in Boston, but everyone noticed that she was friendly and outgoing.
Risa: I made many friends here. Not only with only the other 50+ students but also with the people in my homestay. The host family was very nice. There were 3 students from South America and one from Turkey and one from South Korea. They were all very lovely girls! And it’s such a nice feeling to be a student again- I feel young!
Risa: The Fall foliage tour was my favorite trip so far. We spent the entire day in New Hampshire viewing beautiful places like ponds, forests, and nice homes. Everything was so colorful. I liked seeing the pumpkin piles outside of stores in the towns we visited. The custom of Halloween isn’t new for me as we know about Halloween in Japan. But our Halloween in Japan is like an imitation of the one in US. But here in Boston, Halloween is original. I can’t stay for the Halloween in the U.S., which is a big pity.
Risa: My grammar teacher was Janet and my conversation teacher was Katherine. I was so lucky. Both are very professional, skillful and very nice. I enjoyed their lessons very much. I like that Janet is so informative and gives lots of useful grammar examples. Katherine’s class is also very informative and she is always well-prepared, organized and interesting.
Risa: I enjoy visiting new places. Traveling is my favorite hobby. I also like cooking various kinds of food from all over the world. I also like hiking, diving, reading and watching movies. Usually comedy is my favorite genre, but I love James Bond movies, too.
Risa: I like the American hamburger very much. Also the lobster roll and the New England clam chowder in Boston are delicious.
“Everything happens for a reason”.
Risa: Please don’t hesitate to speak with staff. They can help. Also I advise not to be shy. Talk to other students and make friends. Enjoy your stay as much as you can.
Risa: I plan to continue studying English. I hope to teach Japanese abroad someday… It would be so nice if I can teach especially in the US! It’s not so easy but I will try to keep improving and focus on listening skills which is my weak point.
