How do you feel when you try to do something for the first time? I’m always excited to try something new, but I am also a bit nervous. I joined the ELP from January to April, 2024. In fact, I have never stayed in a foreign country for over one week before, let alone a study abroad experience, before coming to Philadelphia. I was passionate about playing sports until I graduated from a university in Japan. This was literally the first time in the United States for me, and everything was a fresh experience. I never imagined that I would get to study in an Ivy League university even though I always wanted to study abroad. Then, thankfully, my company sent me to the ELP as a trainee. I felt like the dream came true!
"Not only was I able to make connections in the classroom, but I was also provided with an abundant amount of connections to get involved in university communities."
The purposes of this training were to improve not only my English skills but also the sense of international communication throughout the experiences here in Philly. Back then, I had some difficulties with fluency to communicate in English, so I needed more opportunities to speak a lot. The ELP was the best place for me to reach these achievements. Of course the classes were well organized, teachers handled the classes effectively, and all of the staff always supported me to improve my English skills. When I was struggling with other assignments from my company, such as when I needed to interview someone, they introduced me to some experts in their great network. Furthermore, they have a diverse environment with a variety of students coming from different backgrounds. This great environment helped me to make a lot of friends all over the world. Not only was I able to make connections in the classroom, but I was also provided with an abundant amount of connections to get involved in university communities. What I was impressed with most was that I got to sit in on a Wharton school class one time. I was able to experience taking a class in English and soak up the Wharton atmosphere.
The ELP has provided me with valuable opportunities to learn about the US. The most impressive one was the day trip to Washington DC in February! During the trip, I visited the National Mall, the Congress Library, and the White House. I also found cherry blossom trees in the National Park. Apparently, the trees were gifts that the Japanese government had sent to the US government. I enjoyed the hotdog in a famous hotdog shop as well that many US presidents have loved. The ELP also gave us volunteer opportunities. I participated in the volunteer position in MANNA, a food distribution organization. My other favorite experience was when I joined Penn club lacrosse and baseball team. I was seeking communities to interact with Penn undergraduates and graduate students throughout sports. Playing for Penn in Ivy league sports matches was a fantastic experience. I really want to thank everyone who interacted with me for their warm welcome because I have never imagined experiencing such a great moment before coming to Philly.
Before I close this story, let me share my favorite points in Philly. First, Philadelphia Museum of Art is the best even though it is hard to define the best one. This is famous for the location in the movie “Rocky”. I loved to see the sunset in the evening with the Rocky theme song “the eye of the tiger” which someone was playing there. Second, I was excited to visit the sports stadium area in south Philly. I enjoyed watching Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers games with enthusiastic Philly fans! It was an unforgettable moment that I got to high five with fans next to me! Third, I often enjoyed Philly cheesesteaks for my lunches. I am writing this story in Japan now; I have connected to an owner of a Philly cheesesteaks restaurant located in Tokyo Japan. Philly culture connects us to each other!
Four months was a little bit short to understand Philly, but everything I experienced was amazing! I felt like it was literally “the city of brotherly love”. Thank you to everyone for supporting me! I look forward to seeing you again in the future!
