Ms. Seguchi, a Former Student Volunteer Interpreter, Now Working as a Japanese Language Teacher in Hanoi, Vietnam

Ms. Seguchi, a Former Student Volunteer Interpreter, Now Working as a Japanese Language Teacher in Hanoi, Vietnam
(February 4, 2020)

(Ms. Seguchi is fifth from the right in the photo)

– What inspired me to become a Japanese language teacher –
Since my student days, I had always been interested in overseas cultures and English. Through activities such as volunteer interpreting, I developed a strong desire to work in a field where I could interact with people from different countries.

After graduating from university in Japan, I worked at a university, a manufacturing company, and a foreign-affiliated company. Later, during my working holiday in New Zealand, I met someone working as a Japanese language teacher. That encounter made me realize that this could be the kind of career I had envisioned since my student days.

I was especially drawn to the idea of being able to work freely not only in Japan but also abroad, and to continue this career long-term. After returning to Japan, I immediately enrolled in a Japanese language teacher training course.

– The rewards of being a Japanese language teacher –
The most rewarding aspect is being able to witness my students’ growth up close. From a human resource development perspective, I work with students who are serious about working in Japan, guiding them from having zero knowledge of Japanese to being able to live and function in Japan. Watching their progress gradually fills me with deep emotion.

At first, I was overwhelmed by the energy of the young students. However, I soon realized that many of them have great potential, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to teach them every day.

Although I am still a relatively new teacher, each day feels so fulfilling that it’s as if I have been here for two years already. Every day brings new learning and discoveries.

– My future goals –
I don’t know how long I will stay here, but now that I have begun to truly appreciate the joy of teaching students on-site, I would like to continue working abroad for a while.

Living outside Japan has made me realize that in Japan, where almost everything is readily available, I tended to expect too much from others, which made life more difficult. Teaching in a foreign country is by no means easy.

While it is important to live with pride as a Japanese person, I believe it is equally essential to be flexible and adaptable. Through working as a Japanese language teacher, my perspective on life has also changed.

At first, my lessons did not go well at all. I was overly focused on how to conduct the class from my own perspective, which made me rigid. I came to understand that if I do not relax and enjoy myself, the lessons will not leave a lasting impression on my students.

A teacher must think about how to encourage students to communicate. Going forward, I want to focus on creating relaxed, student-centered classes and truly enjoy the teaching process.

Profile: Ms. Yuriko Seguchi
After graduating from the Faculty of International Studies at Meiji Gakuin University, she worked as a university staff member, at a manufacturing company, and at a foreign-affiliated company. She then went to New Zealand on a working holiday visa. After returning to Japan and completing a Japanese language teacher training course, she is currently teaching Japanese at a university in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Although she was rather quiet during her student years, Ms. Seguchi has broken out of her shell and is now actively working independently in Vietnam. In just three months, she has already adapted well to the local environment, which is reassuring to see. Being a Japanese language teacher is a highly attractive profession that allows for personal growth, and I hope she continues to dedicate herself fully to this path.

Student Volunteer Interpreter Guide Activities (which Ms. Seguchi participated in during her student years)
https://gc-volunteer-guide.jimdosite.com/