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I've been in north America for a year, mostly in Canada ,to study English. I especially focused on speaking and I was looking for chances to speak English without paying much money. I learned from my experience that there are many Canadians, who teach English to foreigners as a volunteer. I was kind of shocked at that, because we know English lessons in Japan are so expensive, actually I also got free lessons from my Canadian friend. She had taken a "Japanese course" in her university at the time. We met twice a week and helped each other, but I don't think the lessons I gave her were very helpful. On the other hand, I could get a lot of things from her, not only English but a lot of fun in Canada. It had nothing to do with making money. I believe that is the biggest reason I could find great friends there.
I think some Japanese people really want to study English ,and I believe English speakers in Japan can get along with them and enjoy your life in Japan with a bunch of friends. I hope everybody can make great friends in Japan.