1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • 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

Aug 1, 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 Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Main image for the article titled Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Main image for the article titled What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
Main image for the article titled Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Read more

Check Out These Schools

DePaul University English Language Academy

DePaul University

$1,000—$5,000 Quarter

Bachelor Degree Summer Masters
Contact
Riverside City College

Riverside City College

$10,000 — $15,000 Year

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

Featured Programs

Lycoming College

Typical cost per Year: $25,000—$30,000

Bachelor Degree
Learn More

George Mason University

Typical cost per Semester: $35,000—$40,000

Bachelor Degree Masters
Learn More

City College of San Francisco

Typical cost per Semester: $1,000—$5,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term Summer
Learn More

Related Stories

Jinhee Jeong, from South Korea, is Studying Nursing at Shoreline Community College in Shoreline, Washington

Main image for the article titled Jinhee Jeong, from South Korea, is Studying Nursing at Shoreline Community College in Shoreline, Washington
Inocentia Graciela Warman, from Indonesia, is Studying Psychology at Tacoma Community College (TCC) in Tacoma, Washington

Main image for the article titled Inocentia Graciela Warman, from Indonesia, is Studying Psychology at Tacoma Community College (TCC) in Tacoma, Washington
Clara Degez from France is studying for her Associate in Art Transfer Degree at Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, Washington.

Main image for the article titled Clara Degez from France is studying for her Associate in Art Transfer Degree at Edmonds Community College in Edmonds, Washington.

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 campusSIMS

campusSIMS

campusSIMS helps students get connected with mobile phone service in the US. Get a US phone number while in your home country so you have service that’s ready as soon as you land. Plans start as low as $15/month.

Read more
Partner service logo for Prodigy Finance

Prodigy Finance

Studying abroad is an invaluable step in your professional and personal growth. Prodigy Finance have helped fund over 20,000 master’s students to pursue their dreams at the best schools of the world.

Read more
Partner service logo for Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

MPOWER Financing is the top-rated lender offering international student loans without cosigners, collateral, or credit history for global citizens, PLUS international student scholarships & career coaching! Fully online application, 96% customer...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

I read about many blogs and student experiences on Study in the USA's website that helped me make sure that I wanted to study in the USA.

Nicole Winter Ramos Pereira Brazil

Thanks for studyUSA! Throughout this excellent website I found the right college from thousands of schools in America and I got it eventually! This website helped my college dream being come true and helping me build my future career a lot! Especially the employees over there always email to me to ask my process of applying and so friendly, Thanks so much!

Ting Wang China

Study in the USA's Instagram account encouraged me. I understood that all of this wasn't impossible. I'm so happy to study here and learn more about a different culture.

Marina Avdonina Kazakhstan

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
Ask StudyUSA.com

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

© 2023 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.