From The United States
Ikebukuro Campus/Intermediate Ⅲ-1
Offer by Mercari, Inc.
Why did you decide to study in Japan?
Growing up I always had an affinity for Japanese culture. Throughout my childhood and up until adulthood, I cultivated my interest in Japan through food, anime, manga, music, and video games. It wasn’t until I came to Japan on holiday for the first time in 2014 that I fell in love with the city of Tokyo and the lifestyle that it offered. Having lived my entire life in the US thus far, my desire to experience living abroad became stronger as time went on. Eventually after doing some research, I decided that I wanted to move to Japan. I felt strongly about being able to communicate in the language of the country I was going to live in, so I knew immediately that I also wanted to start my journey learning Japanese.
Why did you decide to study at ISI?
I decided to study at ISI because out of all the Japanese language schools in Tokyo that I researched, ISI fit the best with what I was looking for. The courses and student services available, intensity level, and location were all ideal for me.
What do you think was the best thing of enrolling in ISI?
I think the best thing about ISI is their staff and teachers. Not only are the teachers great at teaching, they are also caring and helpful.
What are the most memorable moments of your school life?
Since you progress through the Japanese language curriculum with the same group of students, you really get a chance to develop great friendships with both your fellow students and your teachers. My most memorable moments of my school life at ISI were the times I spent bonding with my classmates. We studied for the JLPT after class, went to karaoke, and we also went on a ski trip to the Yamagata prefecture during winter break.
What is the most enjoyable or interesting part of the class?
I really enjoyed the class where we were able to try Japanese calligraphy with a real brush and ink. Surprisingly, a fellow classmate happened to be an experienced calligrapher and he was kind enough to teach everyone how to write their favorite kanji character.
Why did you decide that you wanted to work in Japan?
After studying Japanese at ISI for more than a year, my Japanese communication skills have vastly improved. Living in Japan and having the opportunity to use Japanese on a daily basis has definitely helped with my progression. I decided I wanted to work in Japan so that I could continue to live here and be immersed in the language and culture.
Do you have any reason or motivation for choosing the company you were offered?
Throughout the interview process with the company, I was able to catch a glimpse of what the company culture was like. I could see that it was very open, positive, and supportive. I also got a good impression after speaking with employees currently working there and learning about the team and position. I chose to accept the offer because I believe I could contribute a lot to the team, learn a lot, and also gain valuable experience.
Looking back on your job-hunting activities, what were the hardest and best parts?
For me, job-hunting is a very stressful process. The hardest part for me was getting started.
Was there anything that you worked hard on together with your teachers and classmates to find a job?
My homeroom teacher and the career center teachers worked together with me to prepare my Japanese resume. I worked on several drafts and at each draft, the teachers at ISI helped me correct and refine my sentences to make them more effective. From this exercise, I was able to get a better idea of what companies in Japan look for in a good resume.
What are your goals and dreams for the future?
My goal for the future is to establish myself as a professional in Japan’s growing technology industry and to become fluent in Japanese. I hope that one day I could feel more integrated in Japanese society.
Please give a message to those who are considering to study at ISI.
There’s a proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
It’s never too late to start pursuing your dreams.
