Make the most of your time at AGU and try to develop an interest in something that requires–or can be enhanced by–the use of English. Even better, make the most of being where you are and explore ways of contributing to the Rugby World Cup in 2019, and Olympics in 2020. Amazing international events right at your doorstep!
by Brant Hardgrave (former teacher in the IE Program — taught for 9 years)
Welcome to the best program in Japan. I know you think everyone else has great English, is super cool, calm and better than you. Do not worry about it. This is just the outside image. Everyone is afraid of not being the best. Just remember that you have managed to get into one of the best universities in Japan and that Japan is a leading nation. Compare yourself to a farming woman from Mali, to a motor mechanic in Yemen, to an unemployed girl in Bolivia. You are one of the luckiest people in the world. Now enjoy your university life.
by Rachael Barat (former teacher in the program now teaching at a university in Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
If you follow the program, listen to the feedback of your professors, and write and rewrite over and over again it is really possible to learn to write English well, especially given the strong background in English that most of the students in the English Department have. I believe that it is indeed possible to learn how to write well using the methods outlined in the IE program.
by Mariko Yokokawa (former Writing instructor in the IE Program)
