What inspired you to join the team at Kyoto JaLS?
I used to work as a university instructor and in that position I read a lot of student essays. Among those essays, I always found the Japanese written by international students to be a little strange. Through proofreading and editing their essay, I personally discovered how deep and beautiful the Japanese language can be. That is what led me to think that I would like to learn more about the particulars of and teach the Japanese language.
I also found that Kyoto JaLS is the only place that not only teaches Japanese language, but puts a lot of time and energy into providing cultural experiences for its students. I wanted to be able to meet and talk with many students while teaching Japanese and felt that Kyoto JaLS was the perfect place to do just that.
Tourists wearing kimonos in Japan
How do you support students inside and outside of the classroom?
During class, I take care to use vocabulary that is at the level of the students and cater the way I speak to the needs of each student in the class. I also make sure that I am not doing all the talking, but make as many opportunities for the students to speak as possible. My goal is to always keep classes fun. “Teach class with a smile, with energy, and in a way that is easily understandable.” That is my motto.e
Outside of class, I like to communicate with students during breaks and make an active effort to participate in activities with them. I also like to find opportunities and places for students to make Japanese friends.
For students to have the most positive and memorable experience possible, they should have the following: a good environment, teachers they can respect, and friends. A lot can be accomplished with a good teacher, but there are also many things that cannot. Even if it’s only one person, I strongly hope that our students are able to make friends during their time here. A friend is the best asset anybody can have. Even after returning to your home country, you will be able to continue learning Japanese forever.
Learning Japanese at Kyoto JaLS
What do you think students struggle with the most when learning a new language?
That would definitely be the frustration they feel when they do not understand what is being said to them or when they are unable to say what they want to. However, those times in particular are chances for growth. I really want for students to not run away from these opportunities, take a chance, and ask questions. We are all ready and willing to help you!
What is your favorite part of being a language teacher?
That would have to be having the chance to meet so many wonderful students. Not only does this make me very happy, but also provides a sense of richness and fulfillment in my life. After they graduate, we exchange letters or meet again somewhere. I always feel very thankful for all of my students. I also have a lot of respect for students with a deep interest in Japanese, do not run away from the tough questions, and put their all into studying. It makes me very happy to be able to study Japanese with these students that I respect very much. It also makes me very happy to see friendships form between these students and Japanese people.
What do you love sharing about Japan and Japanese culture with students?
I love providing chances for my students to experience Kyoto first-hand. I want them to have tangible experiences that they can “feel through their skin.” Kyoto used to be the capital Japan, so it has historic shrines, temples, gardens, and the imperial palace. It is a wonderful town full of culture. That being said, among all of these historic buildings, you can also find anime shops, gyms, shops selling cute clothes, and a lot of other things. There is a great mixture of the historic and the modern, and it is a really fun town! If you’re coming to Japan, don’t miss out on experiencing everything from traditional to popular culture.
I would also like for everyone to experience Japanese hospitality. Japanese people are kind and polite. There are also many people who care about cleanliness. Please take the opportunity to speak with as many different kinds of people as possible.
Why is it important for students to travel and learn new languages?
I have traveled abroad many times up until now and I truly believe that being able to interact with locals is important. Everyone should definitely visit the main attractions and see all the sights, but if you are able spend some time with the locals and speak to them in their language, it makes of opportunities to have the experience of a lifetime and add another page to your life’s book. “Language” can become wings that set you free.
