I went to Melbourne, Australia for five weeks during the summer of 2011. I leaned many things there and I changed my mind, especially about communication. I thought Japanese people differed in many points from Australians but communication means was the same. I needed to talk more, in any case. It was important for me to tell people my opinion. Therefore I had to become active.

First, when I took classes in university in Australia, I thought they were active and interesting. The education style was different from Japan. Teachers often asked for studentsf opinions so we had to tell our opinion to the teacher. If we didnft talk in class, the teachers counted us as absent. Therefore, we must talk more in class and express our opinion. Unexpectedly, I became accustomed to this type of class. Because my classmates were the same level, I understood the content in class. When I made a mistake, I wasnft embarrassed because the teacher took my opinion and my classmates taught me. I became active in class. So, I met people from different countries and we became friends. Then, I thought it was important for me to talk actively.

Secondly, when I spent time with my host family, I pondered about communication. At first, I waited for them to talk to me because I didnft have confidence about my conversation skill and I was afraid of talking. I was shy and disliked talking to everyone too much. I often didnft leave my room. But, I thought that didnft cut the mustard. I tried to talk to them one by one. Then, my host parents said me, gWe want to know your thinking.h I realized they were indifferent to my conversation skill. They asked about my ideas even if it was a trifling matter. They talked in kind and simple sentences so I understood and they helped me to practice. It is my best memory of Australia.

I learned through these experiences that it was important for me to become active. Being negative is a loss; I regret being shy. I thought the more active I become the more I will enjoy life. I wonft forget being in Australia. It was a valuable time.