1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Noriko Okumura from Japan: Studies English and is a MBA Student at DePaul University

Noriko Okumura from Japan: Studies English and is a MBA Student at DePaul University

August 1st, 2019

Interview:

Noriko Okumura, from Japan, studying in Chicago. Noriko is an MBA student at the DePaul University specializing in International Business. She studied in DePaul’s English Language Academy (ELA).

Why did you decide to enter a U.S summer intensive English program?

I wanted to attend an MBA program, and my conversation and general English skills were not initially up to the standard required.

How did you choose your program?

I wanted to join the MBA program at DePaul University, and it seemed reasonable to me to start in my English program (the ELA) at the same university. Also several of my friends had told me that the ELA was a good program.

What did you like best?

The ELA has four courses at every level (Writing, Reading, Grammar, and Spoken English) and I knew that I would end up with a balance of these four skills. I liked the fact that I was forced to extend my reading skills.

What did you miss most?

Food, especially fresh seafood like sashimi. We have sushi and sashimi in Chicago, but it just isn’t as good as it is in Japan.

What was your biggest surprise?

U.S. society seems more open to me, and I feel more comfortable here.

...your biggest disappointment?

I have experienced some frustration with the timing of education on the quarter system. It is more difficult to get a longer-term perspective on your learning, and in most classes you usually can’t finish the textbook.

How did you handle: ...Language differences?

To help follow up, I have taped a lot of classes. I have also tried to partner with smart students, and to really concentrate on what my professors say in class.

...Finances?

My parents supported me at first..

...Adjusting to a different educational system?

Making friends in class, seeing my teachers during their office hours so that I can ask for help.

How did your English improve?

A lot. I really saw my skills—listening, speaking, reading, writing—come together. In reading especially I learned a lot of critical reading skills, which I am finding useful in business school.

I also learned how to make effective presentations, and improved my pronunciation. What were your activities?

Watching movies, participating in the international student organization, Japanese student organization, doing volunteer work.

How easy or difficult is making friends?

It was easy at the English Language Academy, where the classroom is more of a community. The students in my business classes are all busy business people, so it is more difficult.

How relevant was your U.S. summer English program to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

I want to work for a Japanese company, probably in the U.S.A., for 20 years, and then I’d like to become a process-oriented psychological counselor. I believe my study at the English Language Academy helped me with comprehensive English skills, to become more confident, and more able to see the whole language learning process.

What is your advice to other students?

Speak more, speak with native speakers of English. Read books in English to enrich your vocabulary. Study in an English-speaking country like the U.S.A. so that you can learn how English is really used. Watching TV and listening to the radio are good for improving your listening skills, and to help you understand cultural differences.

Follow us:
Written by

Study in the USA ®

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET AN EDUCATION & TRAINING DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET AN EDUCATION & TRAINING DEGREE IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?
HOW DO I GET A LAW DEGREE IN THE USA?
Main image for the article titled READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW VIETNAMESE MAGAZINE
READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW VIETNAMESE MAGAZINE
Main image for the article titled READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW PORTUGUESE MAGAZINE
READ STUDY IN THE USA'S NEW PORTUGUESE MAGAZINE

来看看这些学校

DePaul University English Language Academy

DePaul University

$1,000—$5,000 Quarter

Summer Masters English Programs
Contact
College of Southern Nevada

College of Southern Nevada

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs English Programs Certificate/Short Term
Contact

Related Stories

Study in the USA Application Process

Main image for the article titled Study in the USA Application Process

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Find an Advisor

Find an Advisor

Study in the USA’s advisors can work with you to navigate the requirements to study abroad in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. We help you find the right school and apply.

Read more
Partner service logo for Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Find the perfect student housing with Unilodgers

Choose an entire apartment, a studio, a shared room, or a private room, with 24x7 assistance from Personal Student Advisors. Book Now!

Read more
Partner service logo for Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive. Make sure you have a good insurance plan.

Healthcare in the U.S. can be expensive. Make sure you have a good...

Study-USA HealthCare™ offers medical coverage to international students for as low as $1.12 USD per day. Get your free quote and enroll today!

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Thank youfor helping me find an excellent English program. And to be able to continue with my doctorate.

Brenda Murillo Us Citizen

Study in the USA gave me notices on what programs are available all throughout the country.

Jeewon Lee South Korea

StudyUSA has helped me to find west LA college. StudyUSA was very helpful to me when I was in my country trying to find a school in the USA. Without StudyUSA I wouldn't have found my school.

Aminata Bah France

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2022 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.