“Take it easy,” the bus driver briskly said to me, who had overslept until I found myself being at the last bus stop and was completely alone in the cold dark. He drove me home without any signs of reluctance, even though it was not his duty to do so. This memory is just a small part of my precious memories in New Zealand. My friends and I stayed there for two weeks to study English at AUT, enjoyed shopping after school and appreciated Māori cultures on a short trip to Rotorua. (See attached video to see how it looks.)
Every time a sudden happening occurred, the “Kiwis”, the New Zealanders empathetically listened to us to help us overcome difficulties. Such a valuable experience would not have been possible without learning English and my decision to study abroad. That is why I think the most significant benefits of speaking English is that it enables me to interact with English speakers and have wonderful exchanges. I strongly encourage you to feel whether they are kind, humorous, or even angry by communicating directly with them. I guarantee you that talking with many people will enrich your life experience. Even among Japanese students, you can make friends with people who share the passion for studying English.
Needless to say, I am not a native speaker, and none of my friends I had a great time with speak perfect English. The frustration of wishing you could have spoken better at the time should lead to improving your speaking. No one speaks ill of your English. As far as I know, the harder you tried to speak, the more people will lend a hand. Why not talk with English speakers and experience the heartwarming kindness of them? You can do it. “Take it easy.”

Why are you learning English? How would you answer this question?
Some may have clear answers, such as “to watch foreign movies without subtitles,” or “to speak with locals when traveling abroad,” while others may not be able to give satisfactory answers themselves.
The answer to this question is, of course, different depending on the person. We will probably conclude that it is important for each person to find the meaning of learning English, which will greatly help them learn.
In this blog, I would like to introduce the following two TED Talks to anyone who is struggling with the meaning and purpose of learning English.

1. The secrets of learning a new language (Lýdia Machová)

2. 4 reasons to learn a new language (John McWhorter)

These two TED Talks are so well known that you may have already seen them. However, when I saw this video, I suddenly realized that it is okay to learn English because it’s “fun”.
I’m sure that some of you have had at least one experience where learning English was “fun”. I was so happy when I understood what Michelle was saying in my favorite sitcom “Full House,” and I still remember how much enjoyment I got from talking about “One Piece” with people from other countries.
Learning English is “fun”. We should take in the little “fun” that comes from learning English. That is more than enough motivation for us to learn English, and that is probably what will be important when we learn English.

I recommend watching some movies in English. I believe we can learn many words and phrases in the movies. we also can enjoy its story. I introduce my 3 favorites in a ranking format.
No.3 is “The devil wears Prada” (2006). The main character is Andy, an unrefined girl. She starts working in a publisher of famous fashion magazine. She grows up there by her very strict boss. She is an unreasonable woman. However, Andy put up with it and turns sophisticated through her hard job. I was excited about how she grows and becomes a nice woman.
No.2 is “Aladdin”. As you know, this is a famous Disney movie. I would like to recommend you live-action version (2019). First of all, I really like the beautiful songs in this movie. If you like singing, I think it is a good way to improve your English. Especially “A whole new world” is one of the best scenes in my mind. Aladdin and Jasmine take a trip on their magic carpet and sing a song while looking at the beautiful night scenery of Agrabah. In addition, almost all of Disney songs are easy to understand, and they are not too fast. So, I really recommend you this.
Finally, No.1 is “The greatest showman” (2017). I watched it for the first time when I was a high school student and I love it. So, I have watched it many times until now. This is the biography, musical film. I love their songs, actors, actress, and the encouraging story. The main character, P.T.Barnum manages his small circus, and it grows in his town. However, he has to overcome many troubles such as discrimination, prejudice and so on. The characters build trust and become good friends each other. I should stop telling you the story, so not to spoil all the fun. Anyway, you should watch this!
I think these 3 and any other movies will help our learning English. And I hope you will like my favorites!

If your academic supervisor were to ask you to significantly improve your TOEFL score, increase the amount of muscle in your thighs, and defeat an evil dragon trying to conquer the world, all within one semester, you would probably protest that such a request is extremely unfair and irrational, even if offered all your course credits for graduation with the highest grades.

However, there is only one way to possibly complete all these tasks at once comfortably. Play a fitness video game with the language settings set to English!
I have played the fitness video game “Ring Fit Adventure” by Nintendo for both maintaining my health and learning English. You use a ring-shaped controller and go through an RPG-style fantasy adventure by running, stretching, and strength training in your room.
By playing in English, you encounter various expressions from different genres in the game instructions and characters’ dialogues, full of technical terms and slang. They include not just expressions of body parts and movements, but also those of food, clothing, and fantasy things. The biggest advantage is that while enjoying the gameplay you’ll find yourself picking up new vocabulary without even realizing it.
Also important is the fact that the typical style of language learning where you sit in front of a desk for long hours poses health risks. In this respect, the learning-while-exercising method allows you to avoid risking your health, and even promote it in a more entertaining environment.
Furthermore, you can also benefit from the in-game feature to share your progress and compete with friends and family. It is well known that working on things together with others helps you keep yourself motivated.
Incorporating the “joint” approach into your English study routine can be a fun and effective way to build up your body and English skills.