Erina Nishimoto, Fall 2022
Why did you choose AES, Lewis & Clark for your study abroad experience?
I chose Lewis and Clark because I heard people in Oregon are tolerant of people who belong to LGBTQ+. I thought that I could see a different world from Japan because people in Japan also come to understand gender diversity, but only young people have been changing flexibly recently.
How will you use your English in the future?
After I went to Lewis & Clark College, I had a dream to be a college student in an English speaking country. I’m not sure if I can realize it or not, but the dream motivates me to study English after I come back to Japan.
How would you describe the AES classes?
Teachers encouraged students who wanted to study English because my teacher, David, asked me to give him extra assignments when I told him that the textbook was easy for me. Also, teachers welcome any questions that are vocabulary, American culture, life, love, you name it.
What did you enjoy about your classes? Can you provide an example?
I enjoyed a pronunciation class because I wondered how my English sounds natural for a long time. We had skits in that class and my classmates became embarrassed, but I liked it. Also, I enjoyed an intermediate core class because I liked discussion and I could find what was lacking in my English skill. David especially taught us the basic grammar deeply.
Do you have advice for new AES students about how to make the most of your time for improving your English?
I advise new AES students to try new things without hesitation. I had never joined sports clubs in Japan, but at Lewis & Clark, I tried rugby and boxing, and surfing on a visit to California. All of these were new to me, so it was a challenge, especially with some language barriers. Also I think it’s good to attend class with a positive attitude. For example raise hands many times, ask questions etc. I advise students not to hesitate to make mistakes.
What activities did you participate in outside of class?
I went to Oregon Coast beach with students who applied for College Outdoors. The beach was so splendid and beautiful. It was one of the memorable scenes. Also, I applied for Community Friends, and I explored Portland with my host mother and her daughter. We went hiking at Council Crest Park. 
Do you have a fun or good memory from your time here that you can share with future students?
I had lunch and dinner with about ten friends almost every day, and those weren’t special days but I miss them the most. You can get along with friends regardless of genders. Also, I liked to watch sports games at the stadium and gym in college. I watched American football, basketball, and volleyball games. I also watched the NBA at the Moda center in Portland. I didn’t expect that I would be able to watch it in the US. I screamed to cheer on the Blazers team because I wanted to fit in the mood. I expected that I would get homesick, but I actually didn’t because I enjoyed spending time with friends so much.
Do you have any other advice for new AES students on how to meet other students and people in Portland?
You should apply for Community Friends.