Language Exchange Program Experience

Throughout the Fall semester, 128 students (64 pairs), have been actively engaged in the Language Exchange program at NUCB. We interviewed Sachika Moto, a second-year student from the Faculty of International Studies, and Arsel, a GBBA exchange student from Sweden, to hear about their experiences.

Sachika-san's Experience

Every week, I meet with my partner, Arsel, at the Self-Access Center to focus on improving my English. We talk about weekend events, English assignments, and even work on revising my study-abroad motivation letter. Arsel, who has teaching experience, always provides spot-on advice, for which I am deeply grateful.

This is my third time participating in the program, but it’s the first time I’ve had a partner who understands Japanese to this extent. Thanks to him, I’ve become much more confident in expressing myself smoothly in English. In class, we primarily focus on grammar and reading comprehension, but this program offers abundant opportunities for conversation and discussion. I feel that I am developing practical English skills by encountering the kind of natural English used in real-life conversations, which is incredibly valuable.

Arcel's Experience

At first, I was a bit nervous, but now I’ve built a strong friendship with Sachika. She is very kind and patiently teaches me Japanese. Whenever I come across a challenging word, I make sure to ask her about it. For example, just the other day, I asked about the meaning of the word "enzai" (false accusation). It was a difficult term to explain, so it turned out to be a learning experience for both of us.

We always try to explain concepts using concrete examples rather than relying on dictionaries, which I feel helps improve both our language skills and our ability to communicate ideas. When I first arrived in Japan, I lacked confidence in speaking Japanese, but through conversations like these, I’ve gradually become more comfortable communicating in Japanese. This program has been an invaluable opportunity for Japanese learners, and my language skills have significantly improved.

A Message to Future Participants

The Language Exchange program is an incredible opportunity for both English and Japanese learners to grow together. It not only deepens cross-cultural understanding and fosters a global perspective but also encourages participants to reflect on their own culture from a fresh perspective.

In this diverse environment, where students of various nationalities gather, you have the chance to interact with people who have different cultural backgrounds and values, helping you develop qualities like adaptability and open-mindedness. If you’re hesitant about joining, I encourage you to take that first step—it’s an experience you won’t regret.
The Language Exchange Program is a one-on-one language exchange program in which international students and current students teach each other languages. Participation is free of charge for all students of NUCB regardless of the faculty or year in which they are enrolled.