My English is a mixture of Arabic, French and American English. I am not worried about the accent which is not a problem. It's more about taking the last and final big step. That's good to hear. Yes, the apparent stereotype is that you Japanese tend to be more reserved. To be honest with you then I have only known 1 single Japanese person (I know far more Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai etc. people) so I cannot verify such a stereotype. You are completely right about the social environment in the US. In this way it is very similar to Western Europe. In particular Southern Europe. Where I am now (Denmark and Scandinavia overall) people tend to be social as well but mostly when alcohol is nearby.
Can you tell me what you prefer about Japan compared to the US? I have never been to Japan so I am unfamiliar with the country.
My family is rather mixed and found across the ME, Western Europe and I have relatives in the US as well although they are more distant. I don't have any relatives in Denmark. In Europe most of my closer relatives live in France and the UK.
Yes, I have stumbled across that sentence a few times indeed.
Chemical.
PS: DId I ever tell you that you seem to be a fast writer? I might have a competitor here. Not only do you write fast but long posts as well.
Living in the United States is great, really, because it has allowed me to develop my English, and to take up some sports activities that i never thought about doing before; ergo, basketball, football (touch, not the full on contact, LOL), kayaking, canoeing etc.
Some things that I prefer in Japan: 1) we really place emphasis on food and quality of food, sometimes if i go to a restaurant here in 'US, they don't cook it properly , or the presentation of the food is not up to par. The food is also too oily here, lol. 2) Work ethic. I tend to notice that Americans are the type of people who like to do things only as expected, never to the point where it is considered 'excellent' or 'above the expectation'. I notice this in my students who work with me in research or from my American friends when we go out, or when we set to do tasks. 3) Sense of family and large nuclear family is prevalent in Japan. I don't see it in the United States, and the sense of filial piety (honor and respect for parents, elders) is not as common in the 'states. I personally find it very disrespectful for younger children to shout at their elderes, or even strangers who might happen to be older. This does not happen in Japan.
These are just minor social differences, which is understanding considering that there is a very profound difference between Western and Easter cultures and society. But despite these differences, I do find it comfortable living here. I've done some experimenting while living here, things that i never would have thought about doing back in Japan. lol. For example, i've dated women of different backgrounds; I dated Korean-Americans, African-American, and American Whites. I like the openess of America, lol. The different flavors, so to say.
That's awesome that you have a lot of family in ME and Europe! I bet you are very fluent in Danish language eh? How many languages do you speak? As for Chemical Engineering, that's a good choice ! You will find a lot of opportunities in that field.
Hoping to get to know you more here, buddy.
Regards,
@
Nihonjin1051
Tell me, why don't you visit the Arab Section or the "Arabic Coffee" thread? We Arabs are at good terms with our ancient trading partners the Chinese but that does not mean that we cannot have a close relationship to you the Japanese.
Anyway I might ask you this already. Why do Japanese and Chinese people hate each other so much despite being cousins and so close people culturally, genetically, in terms of look etc.? Let me reprahse my question. Was the hostility as big before WW2 between you or is it a more post-WW2 phenomenon?
Thanks.
I'll have to visit that section, brother. I'm still learning to explore more the many threads on PDF. But thank you for the invitation, will definitely partake in discourse there.
I didnt see the pix 
