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Universal English Academy
Culture ★Nature ★Communication ★Education ★Adventure
Kona Hawaii's Original English Language School & Homestay Program
Universal English Academy LLC PO Box 391128 Keauhou, Hi 96740 Ph.808-936-2179
★ Kona Hawaii ESL ★ Hawaii Homestay ★ Hawaii Language Schools ★ TEFL Certification
Nana Imai (CNC Program)
These 2 weeks at UEA were amazing!! Learning English is difficult for me but Matt's approach is very unique. Cynthia was very kind and her calm manner helped to ease my tensions. I had heard that Matt had a gift for teaching and now I completely understand it's true. We talked about many things that helped my English but also are related to my daily life.
I also experienced many things I have never experienced before. Although I was sometimes tired everyday was exciting and good for me to do them. If I had come to Hawaii with my friends or family I don't think I could have experienced so much. My host family was soooo kind to me and I heard many interesting stories from them. I really felt I could know the Hawaiian lifestyle. Although this was my first time to travel abroad alone, everyone in Hawaii was friendly and looked so happy to be alive. I was really worried about everything before I came but really had a wonderful experience beyond my imagination. These 2 weeks will always remain in my memory. Thank you very much!!
Masato Saito (CNC Program)
First I appreciate Teacher Matt to teach me very kindly and passionately. Thank you so much for your time. This was my first time to study abroad and my purpose was to improve my English ability and enjoy Hawaii. Now that I have finished this program my feeling is that this program has given me precious experience for my life. I think my ability has improved, and I will keep training. Thank you for everything.
Natsuyo Tohyama (CNC Program)
My experience was fantastic and wonderful. English class always surprised me, and I have never studied this style before. It is a valuable experience for my life. To all of the people who are afraid to speak English I wish they would study at UEA. Thank you so much.
Shiho Arita (CNC Program)
This was my first visit to the Big Island. before I came here I only imaged Hawaii as a beach, and although it is true that there is a beautiful blue sky and blue sea, now I know it is just a part of Hawaii. In my experience at UEA I learned not only English but Hawaiian history, culture, many wonderful sites and a very natural way to live. I learned to be polite, to be kind, on time, to be friendly, and to live with a smile. It is my treasue to meet Matt and Noriko and my host mother and classmates. I love Hawaii! I'll be back!
Masako Okabe (Forever Young)
Kona is a very relaxed and caring place. The scenery is beautiful and everyone is so friendly. I had a lot on my mind when I came here but quickly I traded my scowl for a smile. I truly appreciate everything Matt and Noriko did for me and I have renewed my love of Enlgish and have discovered many new motivations and techniques to keep my skills growing. Thank you so much that was truly a fantastic experience.
Hiroyuki Suzuki (Longstay)
This program is not what I expected...it was so much better. These 2 months were almost like a dream. Outside class Matt is very mellow, friendly but quiet. In class he is passionate and tries his best always to help us improve. I was able to change my thinking about what is English and how to communicate at a deeper level. I feel this program has made me a better person, with more experience and a larger understanding. My host family was kind to me and I could really enjoy the Hawaiian lifestyle. I don't want to go home. Thank you so much for eveything.
Frank Hutchinson (TEFL Certification)
Matt's relaxed approach and wide expertise in many subjects really shines a light on information that can be difficult to understand. At the end of my class I really felt I could step into any classroom and be a great teacher. (Which in fact I am doing now in China!) Thanks Matt!
translated from Japanese:
Satoko Funakubo (CNC Program)
This was my first time on the Big Island of Hawaii, my first homestay, my first time to study English abroad and many other "firsts" . When I left Japan I was very nervous and wondered how everything would turn out. Now at the end of my stay I know I had one of the great experiences of my life. I was really able to discover Hawaii. In such a short time I met so many freindly people, made some new habits for English success and enjoyed time with my host mother. Everyone should discover Hawaii. Thank you.
Yurie Yamada (CNC Program)
These 2 weeks were so much fun and just flew by. Am I the same person I was when I came here? I was so nervous on the first day of my homestay and now I feel like this is my home. I felt afraid to speak English because my ability is poor but now it is really fun to communicate with people. All of the Habits that Matt taught us I will use to up my English level this year!
All of the activities were fun and interesting and I could experience many different faces of Hawaii. I will come back to Hawaii and at that time I want to speak more with Matt and Noriko in English!!
Eriko Fujita (CNC Program)
I can't express my appreciation for everthing Matt and Noriko have done for me. These 2 weeks were fun and interesting, but something more. I know the other students in this school can understand but I don't think it can be explained easily to outsiders. This program is special. Matt's teaching style is the reason. The perspective in which things are presented is unique, the information is sometimes surprising, the questions that are asked are larger than usual, and the answers that we find come in soft breezes, beautiful sunsets and Hawaii Island's magical energy. I have discovered powers I forgot I had. I have found my smile again and it wasn't where I thought it would be.
I have visted Hawaii Island 3 times before and stayed at the hotel and resort. While I enjoyed my stay at that time this trip was so different. Rather than being a visitor I felt like I was a part of a family, I could eat home cooking every day made by my host mother, I could wake to the sound of birds, and each day was filled with new adventures and experiences I could not get through the usual tourist way. This trip made me feel as if Hawaii was my home. The warmth of Hawaii I knew before as only the sun, but now I know it is the people, the culture, the history, the hospitality, the philosophy, the energy. This trip was exactly what I needed and was the best vacation of my life. Aloha!!
Keisuke Takemoto (CNC Program)
First let me say about the lesson, Matt's lesson is always moving. Even though I have been studying English in Japan for many years I have never had a lesson like this and I feel as if I have seen into the heart of the language and have come back with many new skills and ideas that will change my communication forever. I think it is a rare and special experience to meet a "true teacher" who has been blessed with a gift to inspire and uplift his students.
For me sometimes the schedule was hard but I could experience things I have never done before, and pack a lot of experiences into a short time. As I look back I really understand that rhythm of this program , to move our bodies with a happy heart is very important. My image of Hawaii has changed forever.
S. Hamada (ESL Class)
As I have been a piano teacher for many years I have an deep appreciation for a really "in tune" teacher. Although I was just a visitor for a short time in Kona I really was inspired to learn at UEA. All of the worries and walls that I usually experience while learning English seemed to melt away and everything became very clear. I believe it is a true gift and a rare one that Matt shares with his students.
Student Reports / Comments