I decided to study abroad on an exchange program because I wanted to acquire more practical language skills in English and to immerse myself in the free atmosphere of America through participation in college life. The pre-program COIL exchange (COIL-mate Project) gave me the opportunity to contact ASU (Arizona State University) students and to gain a better picture of the students' personalities and school lives.

During my exchange program, I got to know many students from all over the world. One precious moment that I remember is that I went hiking with my friends to 'A' Mountain to watch shooting stars the night before my earlier departure for Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was so breathtaking that I still have a clear picture in my mind. It became even more special because it was my first time to watch them and the last day of my study abroad experience.

The knowledge and first-hand experiences gained through my study abroad allowed me to be successful in the PBL COIL course I took after getting back to Nanzan. The ASU students I knew also participated in the course, so we could reunite with each other on Zoom. I am glad that I had the opportunity to be in the same class with them again and to help them learn Japanese.