Can you tell us how you became a Japanese language teacher?
When I was in junior high school, I thought, "In the future, I will live in a foreign country!". That is when I decided to become a Japanese language teacher. I started studying Japanese because I wanted to have a job in order to live in a foreign country, but now I am enjoying teaching Japanese in Japan while thinking "Maybe I am the first Japanese person they meet!". I am very fulfilled.
Could you please tell me about the contents of your lessons?
I am in charge of a wide range of courses from Beginner to Advanced level. Some students are new to Japanese at the beginner level, so we do a lot of oral exercises. I try to make them more interested in the language by showing them pictures I have taken and performing one-person plays, in addition to illustrations and picture cards, so they can say "I love it! I want to study more!"
In the Advanced level, in addition to the contents of the textbook, we are conscious of classes that allow us to think and exchange opinions with students on a variety of topics ranging from questions around us to current affairs.
Please tell us about the joy and pleasure of teaching Japanese?
It makes me happy to see the excitement in the students' faces when they say, "I get it!". I am also happy when I see them saying with smiles "What we studied in class came out in my part-time job yesterday," or "I watched a Japanese drama without subtitles". Also, I enjoy when an unexpected question comes up and I have to say "I see!". I think the best part of teaching Japanese is that I can have fun with the students.
Please tell us about the Kyoto School's academic guidance and support.
We interview each student one by one to make sure that they are able to pursue the career path they desire. In addition, each homeroom teacher provides detailed guidance on career paths, and the faculty members frequently exchange information with each other about career paths. This allows us to provide students with detailed and new information, and I think it is wonderful that the entire faculty supports the students.
What is the appeal of Kyoto School that other Japanese language schools do not have?
I think it is the multinational nature of the program. In class, opinions are exchanged based on various cultures and backgrounds, which makes both students and me aware of many things, and I think we can learn a lot more than just Japanese. Also, because of its location, Kyoto has many shrines, temples, and natural beauty, so I think another attraction of the Kyoto Campus is that students can enjoy activities and research that are unique to Kyoto.
Finally, a few words for the future students.
Thank you for your interest in Japan! I will do my best to help you deepen your interest not only in Japanese language but also in food, animation, traditional events, etc. I hope we can learn a lot together. I'll be waiting for you at ISI!
