What inspired you to join the JaLS team?
One of the things that drew me to JaLS was its aspiration to foster and cultivate an international community within its walls while also facilitating the free exchange of ideas across cultural boundaries by creating opportunities for students to meet, make friends, and network with local Japanese people.
The daily commute
Can you tell us about your position as the Global Marketing and Admissions Coordinator?
In my position I have to major responsibilities: global marketing of JaLS GROUP Japanese language programs to the general population, and study abroad and travel agents worldwide, as well as the handling of applications and admission of students to our school.
Our schools are currently working on improving our online presence (via social media and work on a new website) as well as building new partnerships with agents and other language schools around the world to increase our student base and have more students with us year-round. Though these are my main responsibilities I also get to spend a significant amount of time with students between and after classes as well as on activities as a guide/chaperone.
How does your own experience of living and studying in Japan influence your work?
Before coming to Japan, I had an image of what the country and the people would be like. After coming here, I realized that not everything was as I expected. There was even more that simply did not know. Using what I have learned, I try to provide students with as much information as possible to prepare them for dealing with culture shock, everyday life, and anything that might arise during their time in the country.
What about JaLS makes the organization and its programs easy to market?
I think the uniqueness of JaLS helps in the marketing of the school. We offer short-term intensive language programs, which are great for people who are visiting Japan as tourists and would like to study the language but still have afternoons open to do as they like. We also offer many chances for our students to interact and network with local Japanese people through our activities and in our on-site lounge and café. This makes it possible to become part of a community and build lasting relationships while they are in Japan.
What qualities make up your ideal JaLS participant?
Anybody with a love for any aspect of Japan and its culture is welcome at JaLS. All we ask is that our students be ready and willing to contribute to our community by sharing their experiences and cultures with each other and the Japanese people they meet in activities and in our lounge.
How does JaLS work to make their participants feel comfortable and at home?
JaLS works to offer the most at-home environment possible when students come to Japan to study. We understand the joys and difficulties of being in a foreign country away from friends and family and do everything we can to help each student receive any support they may need while they are here.
Not only do we provide guidance with everyday life needs while students are here, but we also provide aftercare for when students have completed their programs This included advice and other guidance for students who are considering coming back to Japan to study or work.
What challenges have you faced as a foreigner in Japan and how have you overcome them?
Most of the challenges that I have faced in Japan can be attributed to three things: differences in physical appearance, language barriers, and cultural differences. I am not Japanese and that is apparent through my appearance. Because of this, people will automatically treat me differently. I’ve seen this in the form of worrying if I’m okay with certain foods, staring at me as I walk down the street, or even distancing themselves from me in a train car.
I realized that these sorts of actions were not meant to be hurtful or rude, but are a means with coping with something new. I know that I am the first foreigner that many people have seen, so in order to try and build some kind of bridge between us, I’ve put many hours into learning and practicing the language and educating myself about the culture. This has made it possible for me to communicate with people verbally, find common ground, and build lasting relationships.
Do you have any advice for people considering moving to Japan to live or study?
My advice for people considering a life in Japan is to learn the language as best you can. I’ve met many people who come to Japan for work in fields where they don’t need very much language, but they’ve had so many difficulties in their everyday life outside of work.
Learning the language will not only alleviate a bit of this stress, but will also be a big help in meeting people and making friends. If you’re coming to Japan to study, do make Japanese friends and spend as much time with them as possible, but don’t ignore your fellow exchange students as it helps to have people who people from similar backgrounds who are having similar experiences to talk to.
Why is it important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures?
I think it is important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures because there is so much more to the world than our own countries and ways of life. If there is something that you don’t like about where you live or the way things are done there, looking to other countries and culture for insight is a great way to discover ways to solve those problems. Also, work environments in general are becoming more and more global every day. Learning new languages and about other cultures is an excellent way to make yourself marketable in the current world.
What hopes do you have for the future of JaLS programs?
I’d like to see JaLS classrooms full all year-round. Summer is currently our busiest season and classes fill very quickly. However, other seasons are not as popular for travel to Japan. This is a shame because Japan has very distinct seasons that are all very beautiful with unique ways to enjoy them all.
