A Question from Fumi:

"Actually, I am student at Encare, and Jason's student. I appreciate your very kind-hearted help; someday I want to do something for you. Anyway, I have a question or want to know your opinion. Actually, I think that students at Encare are very motivated because of their desire and teachers such as Mune, Jason and Dylan. However, what do you recommend to do or advise for Japanese students at Encare or in NY, outside of the classroom? Especially me? Thank you so much."

This is such an important question, and one that is of course difficult to answer briefly, but I'll try. My answer may seem a bit general; but then perhaps another student (or Fumi!) might follow-up with a more specific question, and in this way we can create an on-going dialog.

I feel that if your goal in the U.S. is to learn English quickly and effectively, you need to immerse yourself in American culture. This means spending most, if not all of your time, with American people. Living with a host family is one way; having a job is another. I've known certain Japanese students who cut themselves off from the Japanese language and society while they were in New York. They only communicated with Korean and Spanish-speaking friends (using English), and made friends with Americans rather quickly.

To many people, however, these options may be impossible, or else sound too extreme. Doing volunteer work is another, perhaps more accessible way to connect to Americans and American culture. If you don't make or find opportunities to be in English-only environments, you can create them for yourself. Watch DVDs in English, using print-outs of scripts to help you; watch movies in Japanese first (to understand the plot and character development); then watch them again in English. Read, read, read!! Read only materials that interest you; it doesn't matter if it's a cheesy romance novel for teenagers, TV Guide, a book about sports, or a comic strip...or an English teacher's blog :). And read materials that are not so difficult for you--you'll stay more motivated and absorb more grammar and vocabulary that way. Finally, keep a journal in English (oh, yes: and practice your writing by sending your questions to me!)