SALC-Self-Access Learning Center

What is SALC?

The acronym ‘SALC’ stands for Self-Access Learning Center. SALC staff members are called Mentors, who are fluent in English and have experience working in a variety of fields, which they use to support students’ learning.
SALC is also a place where students who are interested in languages can gather and exchange information on study methods and study abroad.

What You Can Do at SALC

1  Extensive educational materials

To meet the diverse needs of our students, we have approximately 8,000 materials, including English books for multiple reading at different levels, preparation books and CDs for various language examinations, books for learning languages from the basics, English newspapers, magazines, English versions of Japanese manga, DVDs of movies, and more.
Whether you like to study seriously and diligently or enjoy learning for fun, we are sure you’ll find materials that suit your style. If you are not sure which materials to use, please consult with a mentor.

2  Consultation

‘Consultation’ is an individualized study support service tailored to each student’s needs: one 20-minute appointment per session, you can have an English conversation with a mentor, practice for an English interview test, have your English composition corrected, get pronunciation advice, or whatever you want to do. The mentors will do their best to help you. Of course, we also offer “study counseling” if you are not certain where to start learning English. Let’s work together with mentors to find the learning method that is just right for you. Our consultations are available not only in SALC but also online, so you can receive continuous support even when you are back home or studying abroad

3  Enjoy hands-on practice in the Workshop

SALC offers regular speaking workshops for students of all grades, faculties, and departments, divided into three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. The workshops cover a wide range of topics, from fundamental speaking practice to conversation on familiar topics to debates on matters of current affairs. In the workshops, the focus is on dialogue between students, not with a mentor. Students stimulate and motivate each other to learn! We look forward to seeing you at this workshop, which will be a great opportunity to try your hand at speaking English!

4  Cozy study space and PCs

There is always background music of Western music playing in the SALC. With the environment not being too quiet, you can relax and concentrate on studying by yourself. Why don’t you sit comfortably on the sofa and read English newspapers or magazines in your spare time?
In addition, PCs installed in SALC can be used freely for foreign language study. You can also watch movie DVDs or learn pronunciation online.

 

 

Message

SALC is a facility where students can deepen their knowledge and practice their language skills.
Although AI and automatic translators are remarkably in progress today, wouldn’t it be more fun to make yourself understood in English, and to communicate in your own words without relying on devices?
Whether you are good at languages or having some difficulties, SALC is the place to take your first step into the world!

 

All SALC Mentors

Voices from SALC Users

We ask students who frequently use SALC how they came to use SALC, what kind of study they are doing at SALC, and what they recommend SALC for.

Haruki KANDA: Faculty of International Studies and Regional Development

At first, I started going to SALC to prepare for the writing section of the EIKEN English proficiency test, but later I also used it to prepare for the interview for the second test. Before the test, I went almost every day and practiced a lot. Thanks to that, I was able to pass the EIKEN English proficiency test at the level I had set my sights on.
At first sight, I thought it would be a little difficult to enter SALC, but once I went there, I found it very easy to get used to and I continue to go there to improve my English, which I love. Not only do they help me prepare for the English proficiency test, but they also teach me daily conversation practice and English pronunciation correction. Thanks to this, I have less trouble speaking English than before. I am not a fluent speaker, but I think I have grown by being taught the key points of speaking in English.
I have also changed my awareness of English pronunciation. I am now more aware of diacritics and accents when I read English, and I think I can speak English with intonation better than before.

 

-My message to you all

It is always a good idea to ask for advice on English-related matters at SALC. Mentors will give you accurate advice and help you achieve your goals. Also, there is a good selection of books. There are many interesting books on preparation for EIKEN and TOIEC, as well as Korean and Chinese books. In summary, the most important thing I want to say is that SALC is a good place and you should definitely go there.

Moeka MURATA: Faculty of International Studies and Regional Development

I started using the consultation service for the purpose of practicing my pronunciation before my teaching practice. Reading English was not a big problem for me from the beginning, but when I actually teach, I have to pay more attention to pronunciation, intonation, etc. After practicing at SALC, I am now able to read with more awareness of each phonetic symbol and inflection. I also practiced for the interview for the second test of the EIKEN English proficiency test at SALC.

 

-My message to you all

There are many books on languages, in addition to English such as Korean, Chinese, and Russian. There is also a wide range of test preparation materials. You can get accurate advice from the mentors, so why not visit SALC when you are having trouble learning a language?

Midori SATO: Faculty of Human Life Studies, Department of Child Studies

I started visiting SALC after participating in the basic class of the Speaking Workshop. I have been interested in studying abroad since I was a high school student and wanted to be exposed to English before studying abroad. During my consultations, I used the materials recommended in the workshop to review grammar and practice daily conversation. Originally, I was not confident in English, but now that I am attending SALC, my resistance to English has lessened. I can now balance classes and consultations at my own pace and enjoy learning English.

 

-My message to you all

One of the key points I recommend SALC is the friendly mentors who provide helpful advice and support. They suggest teaching materials and practice methods suited to your level. So, you can continue without any difficulty!

Miku ASAI: Faculty of Human Life Studies, Department of Health and Nutrition

I started visiting SALC when participating in an overseas field training program. During my consultations, I ask for help with English conversation practice and checking the drafts of my English presentations. I started to look up what I could not express well in the conversation practice, so my vocabulary has increased. I also started writing an English diary so that I can smoothly come up with words in conversation. I would like to study abroad in the future, so I keep practicing English conversation at SALC!

 

-My message to you all

It is okay if you do not know exactly how to use SALC. You can decide what and how to proceed in consultation with a mentor. If you are confused about your English study, I recommend you go to SALC first, for a consultation.

 

Kofu HAYAKAWA: Faculty of International Economic Studies

I attended the speaking workshop at SALC as I wanted to improve my speaking skills. The English in the class was full of economic jargon, and I wanted to have a more casual conversation with someone in English. I was very nervous in the first time, but as the sessions went on, I gained confidence in speaking in English. When I couldn’t speak well, the participants helped each other and I learned a lot. When the conversation got going, the workshop time seemed to fly by!

 

-My message to you all

Mentors at SALC listen to me in a friendly and cordial manner even if my English is not good enough. I love the atmosphere at SALC that encourages me to speak English without fear of failure.