Nobody can find a better college than here. My name is Yasuo Fukui. I also have a name in English, Korean and Arabic. Actually, my friends from those countries named my name in those languages. I’m from Chiba, Japan, and after graduating from high school in Japan, I was looking for a college in United States.
The reason why I chose Maryville College is that it is a liberal arts college. I know there are other liberal arts colleges but I like Maryville the best. In my studies, I am focused on developing overall academic skills. In the life style at MC, we are required to be independent and to develop leadership skills. Also, Maryville College has a high ranking of the ‘’best colleges” list.
It’s already pasts 9 months since I came here. During the first 5 months from April to August, I studied English as a second language (ESL) to improve my English ability. The ESL program is composed of student from Saudi Arabia, Asia, Europe and many other places. Thanks to the program I have friends from about 20 countries. The program is held every month so you can join many times during the year. The number of the students in a class is usually less than 10 students. At first, I didn't have confidence in my speaking ability. But, thanks to the ESL program and friends from all over the world my English has improved. The class is divided with students’ English abilities so we can learn with students at our same leve. There is even a class to learn the alphabet for beginners. My first roommate couldn't say anything in English at first. He could say just his name, but now that his English abilities have improved, he can communicate with friends with joy. Thus, even if you are an beginning student, it doesn't matter. Of course I was also this kind of person. I couldn't speak anything except being asked “how are you?” I always answered “I’m fine, thank you and you?” 
It’s a typical response that we all Japanese learn, which is not practical at all and is never used in the USA. Anyway, if you haven’t decided whether to study abroad or not, don’t worry. It is worth it. I was not the exception who was hesitating to plunge into new world, but once I came here, I didn’t need to be anxious. I cannot count the number of good things about Maryville College, There are too many. I can say thanks to everyone at MC. I feel we are connected with people because when I walked in the campus I can see my friends and say “hello” and hug each other. Also, all the students they are really kind and thoughtful. I noticed this even more after I went to New York. After that trip I felt that Maryville is the best place, even better than my hometown.
今月でここに来て９ヶ月目になるが、最初の４−８月の５ヶ月間はESL(English as a second language)クラスで英語を学び、英語力の向上を図った。ESLは１ヶ月単位でやっていて友達の入れ替わりが激しかったが、主にサウジアラビア人が占めていてその他にもアジア諸国、東南アジア、ヨーロッパなど各国から学生たちが集まっている。実際、自分が入った１ヶ月後には２０カ国近くの友達ができた。クラスは少人数制の１０人以下でやっている。クラス分けは学力で分けられており、アルファベットから学べる授業もある。最初のルームメイトは来た当初何も話せなかったみたいだけど、今では意思疎通がとれるまでに成長した。だから’小学生’でも安心して渡米できる。もちろん自分も例外じゃなかった。英会話は何も知らずhow are you? と聞かれてI’m fine thank you.としか返せない程度だった。もし行くか迷っているのだったらもう悩む必要はない。早く来な。自分も渡米するまでめちゃくちゃ悩んで体壊しかけたけど今じゃもっと楽しみに待っていればよかったなと思っている。
MCで良いとこは数知れずだがまず、キャンパスがとても小さいこと。どこに行っても友達に会えて挨拶交わしたりハグするから本当に人と繋がっているのだなって思える。それにみんなスッゴイ優しい。NYに旅行に行ったときでさえMaryvilleが一番だなって思っていたし、今も変わらない。
課外活動はまだそんなに始めてないけど次のセッションからleadership programに参加してリーダーたるものがどう行動すれば良いのかを学びたい。それからボランティア活動にも参加するつもりで来年隣の州まで行ってトルネードの被害が大きかった所へ行くつもりだ。元々ボランティア活動は好きな方というか好きだったのでこれからもっとそういった活動にも熱を注ぎたい。