Interview
Francisco Rodríguez from Spain studies English at the New England School of English (NESE) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he enjoys learning about American culture and participating in many different extracurricular activities.
Why did you decide to study in the USA?
I had always wanted to know the country and learn about its culture. I believed that learning English in a U.S. university was the best option for me.
Why did you choose the New England School of English (NESE)?
I chose NESE because of its reputation (prestige) at my university. Many of my friends and old students from my university have studied English at NESE with incredible results.
What do you like best?
First, the family atmosphere that you enjoy at NESE, next, the quality of the teachers and the activities they organize for us to learn English.
What do you miss most?
My friends and family, and the food.
What was your biggest surprise?
The flexibility and how responsible the students are. I believe they have a high level of professionalism and are work oriented.
How have you handled:
... language differences?
In the beginning it was okay, but soon I acquired the skills necessary to deal with the language without difficulties.
... finances?
The difference in the currency is favorable for Europeans, but the cost of living in Boston is very high.
... adjusting to a different educational system?
The adaptation process is little by little but it is fast because the U.S. education system is very flexible.
What are your activities?
I participated in ski trips on weekends and went sightseeing in the surrounding areas. I also took part in history and social clubs arranged by NESE every week.
How easy or difficult was making friends?
It was easy, but it’s difficult to make long-lasting friendships.
How has your English improved?
In a year, my English improved so much that I was able to go on to the academic degree program at the university without problems.
How relevant is your U.S. education to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?
My goals are to improve my English even more, complete my master’s program at the university, and be able to get some professional experience in the USA so I can be better prepared when I return to Spain.
What is your advice to other students who are considering a U.S. education?
My advice to them is to invest their time and resources to go to the USA to study, improve their level of English, and to explore academic and professional opportunities. The USA is a great country where you can enjoy yourself, learn more and expand your views about people and life. And where, above all, you can practice your English a lot so you can become almost bilingual when you return to your country. The USA is amazing!
