Name：Jessica Ramos

Course：Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Country：United States of America

１．What brought you to Shinshu University?

What brought me to Shinshu University was the opportunity to learn about Japan's education system and experience it firsthand. My professor introduced our class to this program and explained how different elementary education is in Japan compared to the United States. They encouraged us to take advantage of this unique opportunity to observe and learn from Japanese schools.

As a future elementary school teacher, I wanted to broaden my understanding of different teaching methods, classroom environments, and educational practices. I hope to gain new ideas and inspiration that I can incorporate into my own classroom in the future. I believe that learning from another country's education system will help me grow as an educator and become a more effective teacher for my future students.

２．How did you prepare for studying in Japan (Nagano)?

To prepare for studying in Japan, I made sure to keep an open mind and be ready to learn as much as possible. I attended any zoom meetings to get ready and learn what the schedule would look like, and what we would be doing. I also made sure to ask questions and turn in any required documents on time. I wanted to fully immerse myself in a different culture and education system. I also prepared by learning about Japanese customs and understanding that some things would be different from what I was used to. My goal was to absorb everything I could from this experience and make the most of every opportunity to learn.

３．How was your life at Shinshu University?

My life at Shinshu University was very interesting and enjoyable. One thing that stood out to me was the cafeteria. Unlike Sacramento State, which mainly has fast-food restaurants, Shinshu University has a cafeteria where students can eat together, and it created a welcoming atmosphere.

The classes were also very engaging because we had the opportunity to interact with Japanese students, learn about each other's cultures, and discuss different perspectives on education. Everyone at Shinshu University was kind, welcoming, and made us feel comfortable from the moment we entered their classrooms.

One of my favorite classes was English Interaction with Novice Learners. During this class, the Shinshu University students gave presentations about different field trip options, and we were able to choose which one we wanted to attend. We decided on the trip to Togakushi, where we spent the day exploring the area, learning about its history and culture, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. It was a fun and memorable experience because we were able to spend time with the professors and our Shinshu University friends while

learning outside of the classroom.

Another of my favorite experiences was making Japanese friends and learning about their university life. It was fascinating to see how their university and education system differ from ours. Overall, my time at Shinshu University was a meaningful experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally.

４．What did you do in your free time?

During my free time, I focused on completing my assignments, including preparing presentations and getting ready for my teaching practicum. I also enjoyed spending time with our Japanese friends. We explored the city together, tried different restaurants, and went to karaoke. One of the most meaningful parts of my free time was learning from our Japanese friends. Since the four of us from Sacramento State are bilingual and speak Spanish, we shared our language and culture with our Japanese friends. In return, they taught us some Japanese. It was interesting to discover similarities between the Spanish and Japanese languages and to learn more about each other's cultures. Overall, my free time allowed me to build friendships, experience Japanese culture, and create memories that I will always cherish.

５．How do you want to make the most of your experience at Shinshu University in the future?

In the future, I want to apply everything I learned from my experience at Shinshu University to my own teaching. This experience taught me that education systems are different around the world. Because of this, I want to remain open-minded and continue learning from different educational approaches.

One of the biggest lessons I learned came from observing Japanese elementary schools. I noticed that students are encouraged to be more independent and take responsibility for themselves. I would like to incorporate that independence into my future classroom by giving my students more opportunities to take responsibility and develop confidence. I also want to use some of the teaching strategies I observed, such as using more visuals and simple, easy-to-understand English to support students whose first language is not English. Overall, my experience at Shinshu University has inspired me to become a more thoughtful, open-minded, and effective teacher.

６．Message to the prospective students

If you are considering studying at Shinshu University, I highly encourage you to take this opportunity. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to learn about a different education system, immerse yourself in Japanese culture, and build meaningful friendships with students from Japan. My advice is to keep an open mind, step outside your comfort zone, and take advantage of every opportunity to learn. Talk to Japanese students, participate in activities, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You will gain valuable experiences, create unforgettable memories and grow both personally and professionally.