Risa Yamada from Japan, who studied at British Council Singapore ten years ago when she was 16, visited and shared with us her fond memories and also collated shots for her wedding memorial.
We would like to thank Risa for remembering British Council Singapore and wish her a blissful marriage.
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Do you remember which year you studied at the British Council?
According to my certificates which were dated from 2003 to 2004, I studied for about two and a half years.
Can you recount one interesting experience you had while studying with us?
I liked the student events and parties such as the Halloween Party, Christmas Party and so on.
Why did you choose to study with the British Council?
The British Council Singapore is a reputable brand and my parents were less worried because Singapore is a safe place to stay in, and also all the teachers are native speakers.
We are delighted that you will be featuring the British Council in your wedding memorial video. Why do you want to include it?
I was here when I was just 16 years old. It was big turning point of my life and the biggest challenge was coming overseas to study abroad without parents.
What things did you find challenging about using the English language?
Leaving my parents and coming here at age 16 made my situation and everything complicated. Even then, I felt nervous to speak in my mother language (Japanese) with strangers in Singapore.
How did the British Council help you with these?
Before I studied here, I understood the English language this way like thinking in Japanese first then translated in English but after I have studied here, I could understand English without translation.
I thought in English and I could explain what I wanted to say in English. This direct method shocked me that it was totally a different way to teach as compared to how the Japanese teacher taught English in Japan.
Have we played a part in you meeting your husband?
I met my husband after I was back in Japan.
