Hina with her parents

It was no coincidence that Hina, one of our Japanese students, chose to study English at ELC Bristol. Her connection to our school runs deep—26 years ago, her parents, Go and Nobue, first met at ELC Bristol. Just one year after returning to Japan, they got married. Their love story, rooted in language learning, continues through their daughter. This is an ELC love story like no other!

Go’s Journey: Learning English for Career Growth

Hina’s father, Go, worked for a computer company that employed Filipino staff, but he struggled to communicate with them in English.

Recognising that improving his English skills would boost his career, he decided to study abroad. However, it wasn’t an easy decision—his parents were against the idea, believing he should stay in Japan and focus on his job. Despite their concerns, Go remained determined. He knew that the fastest way to improve was to immerse himself in an English-speaking environment, where he would use the language daily.

Nobue’s Dream: Mastering English for a Global Career

Hina’s mother, Nobue, had a different motivation. She aspired to become a tour guide, leading Japanese tourists on international trips. To achieve her goal, she needed to be fluent in English. Her dedication was unwavering, and as Go would later find out, she was incredibly disciplined in her approach to language learning!

Why Did They Choose ELC Bristol?

Nobue sought advice from the British Council in Japan, and they recommended ELC Bristol. She was drawn to the idea of studying in a smaller, safer city compared to London. She also liked that ELC Bristol welcomed students from a wide range of nationalities, avoiding large groups from the same country—ensuring a truly international experience.

For Go, the decision was even easier—his sister, Takako, had also studied at ELC Bristol, making it a family tradition!

Was It Love at First Sight?

Go and Nobue arrived at ELC Bristol on the same day, and soon became friends who worked hard together with the same goal of improving their English. However, the first time they spoke, Go used Japanese and Nobue, determined to immerse herself in English, refused to reply! She had decided before arriving in the UK that she would only speak English, even outside the classroom. This moment gave Go and Nobue even more motivation to improve their English.

Eventually, their love blossomed. After completing their studies at ELC, they traveled across Europe together before returning to Japan, where they later got married.

Hina’s Turn: Continuing the ELC Legacy

With parents who valued English education, it’s no surprise that Hina started learning the language at a young age. She took online lessons with a native speaker from the age of eight and later attended an English Conversation School between the ages of 10 and 13. However, as high school became more demanding, she had to put her English studies on hold for a while.

Now, Hina is about to enter her third year of a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy. Last year, she realized the importance of English in her field—many key scientific journals are published in English. To advance her studies and career, she knew she needed to improve her language skills, and just like her parents, she chose to study on a General English course at ELC Bristol.

Hina’s Passions and Future Aspirations

Beyond her academic ambitions, Hina loves outdoor activities such as camping, cycling, and running. She also plays the saxophone and was an active member of her school’s brass band.

Looking ahead, Hina dreams of mastering AI research techniques and hopes to one day discover a new medicine that could change lives.

Thank You, Hina, for Sharing Your ELC Love Story!

From one generation to the next, the ELC experience has shaped not only English skills but also lifelong relationships and incredible futures. We are honoured to be part of this beautiful ELC love story, and we can’t wait to see where Hina’s journey takes her next!