I Just Wanted to Watch Football ― How I Ended Up Learning English

Hi everyone, and thank you for visiting my blog!

My name is Amika, and I’m currently working with the High School Study Abroad programs, preparing for the upcoming summer programs. (I previously worked with the College team.) 

A little bit about myself

Whether we’ve met before or not, I’d love to share a little bit about myself.

My dad speaks Italian, and he named me Amika after Amica, which means “friend” in Italian. He hoped I would grow up surrounded by wonderful friends—and thankfully, his wish came true. I’ve been surrounded by amazing friends. I hope you’ll remember my name as amicable Amika—because I always try to be just that!

Speaking of amazing friends, my very best friends are definitely my two sisters—one older and one younger. (I’m the sandwich child!) The three of us have been living together in a tiny, shabby little house near Nijo Castle for over 15 years.

Why did I learn English?

Back when I was a student, I had no interest in learning English or going abroad at all. To be honest, English was one of the subjects I disliked the most. I used to think there was no point in studying English because I would never go abroad. I just couldn’t find a reason to care about it.

So, what changed my mind?

When I was 18, I suddenly became obsessed with an English football club and decided to travel to Manchester, England, and stay for a month. It was my first time going abroad—and I was alone!! As you can imagine, my English was extremely limited at that time. I could only say a few basic words like “Hello,” “Thank you,” “Sorry,” and “I want to go to a football match.” (← This was actually the most useful phrase for me!)

So, how did I manage to survive for a month?

It was all thanks to the amazing host family I stayed with. Lizi and Dave are two of the funniest, kindest—and definitely the craziest—people I’ve ever met. I think I should live more like them, a little more hippie, a little more maverick.

They were so patient and always tried to guess what I was saying with great humor, like they were solving a quiz. (Actually, they really love watching quiz shows.) Because of them, despite my poor English, we shared so many laughs, and they treated me like part of their real family. I felt at home and had a wonderful month in England.

When I returned to Japan, I finally opened an English textbook—willingly, for the first time in my life, because I really wanted to communicate better and connect more deeply with the people I had met there.

Five years later, I went back to England and spent five months in London. (Of course, I traveled to Manchester for football matches almost every weekend.) I attended a language school and made friends from many different countries. I also stayed with a lovely host mother—actually, a grandmother—named Iris.

Iris was super talkative, funny, and just a lovely person. Almost every night, we spent time together watching films, playing board games, or just chatting. She helped me improve my listening skills because she spoke at 2x speed!

I cried like a baby when I had to say goodbye and return home.

I kept studying English because I didn’t want to lose the tool that helped me connect with the people I love.

I originally traveled to England just because I wanted to watch football matches—but unexpectedly, I met wonderful people there, and it changed my life. My world and the way I think widened so much.

I’m so glad I discovered just how important and meaningful it is to step outside my comfort zone and connect with people from completely different backgrounds—even though we don’t speak the same language.

Because of the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had, I am who I am today. I’m really grateful that I got into football.

I’ve kept in touch with Lizi and Dave for over 15 years. I visit them every time I go to England—and last year, they finally came to Japan to see me! They stayed at my shabby house for a month, and I got to show them around my city at last. It made me so happy to host them, because they’ve always done so much for me whenever I visit them.

Sadly, Iris passed away in 2018, just a week before I was supposed to visit her from Japan. I was heartbroken not to see her again, but I was able to attend her funeral and say goodbye and thank you. I want to grow old like her—with kindness, humor, and an open heart… and maybe speaking just as fast.

I love Paddington!

My favorite films are Paddington 1 and 2. I’ve watched them over 100 times—literally!!

I love Paddington because he reminds me of my time in England. He moved to London alone, knowing no one and having no one to rely on. He struggled to be accepted because he was different. (As you know, he’s a bear.)

But through his sincerity, kindness, and politeness, he changed the people around him—and made them happier than before.

I know how hard it is to adjust to a place that’s completely different from where you’re from. Sometimes, people judge you by how you look or where you’re from. Not everyone is kind to strangers, especially if you don’t look like them. But if you’re sincere and thoughtful to everyone—and keep looking for the good in people like Paddington does—I truly believe you can find amazing people and make anywhere feel like home.

Why do I like working at CIEE?

I’ve tried different jobs—sales admin in London, PR at a theme park, and some other (slightly boring) admin roles—but most of my career has been in education.

My mom was a teacher, and I used to want to be just like her because I was such a mom’s girl. But soon I realized I’m a terrible public speaker, so obviously it wasn’t the best idea to become a teacher... Then I went for Plan B.

I decided to work as admin staff at educational institutions instead. I’ve worked at a culinary school and a university—and I really enjoyed it! After supporting Japanese students going abroad to study at university, I joined CIEE to support international students coming to Japan to study abroad. It felt like a natural next step.

So far, I’ve really enjoyed my job here. I’ve met so many lovely students! I love watching them try new things and hearing all about their adventures. 

Recently, I said goodbye to the students at the end of the spring term. It was sad to see them go, but I truly hope they brought home unforgettable memories. I also hope their experiences here will broaden their world and be meaningful for their future.

^{Hi everyone—how have you been since then? Please come visit Japan and CIEE again someday!}

Thank you so much for taking your precious time to read my blog. I hope to see you here in Kyoto someday!