E: What did motivate you to become Japanese language teacher?
T: Previously, I was working using English, but I couldn’t be satisfied much with the job as they were mostly documentation work. Then, I came across with this profession which involves English and communication. (The fact that you can teach in anywhere in the world was also appealing.)

E: You are good at English then. Where did you learn it?
T: I spent 7 year in Canada, going to the high school and the University. I studied Visual Arts and Psychology. I think Psychology is somewhat useful in teaching.

E: Where were you teaching before ECC?
T: I was teaching in the secondary school in Malaysia for 10 months. Malaysia was very different from Japan, especially with religious aspect. In the school where I dispatched, I had to stop the class whenever hearing azan which calls for prayers. Sometimes, when I didn’t notice azan and continued the lesson, the students “Shh”-ed me.

E: What is the difference between the school in Malaysia and ECC?
T: In Malaysia, many of them were shy as their age was younger. It was hard to conduct the class not using any vehicular language, so I used English and my poor Malay. The class contents often included introducing Japanese culture. On the other hand, ECC teaches the manners and social rules that are necessary to adapt into Japanese society. They include being punctual, cleaning the working areas, and keeping the appearance tidy and neat. I am impressed with this kind of education as they are very important in order to live in Japan.

E: You became the class-teacher from this term, right? How is that going?
T: Since the class teacher teaches more days, I feel that it takes less time for the students to open up themselves. The first day of the lessons, students and I are both tensed. When I see those tensed feelings are melting, and seeing more and more smiles each day, I feel very happy. Also, when I see the students communicating with each other using Japanese, I feel relieved to know that they are becoming friends. They are all pleasant and respectable which creates the enjoyable yet diligent atmosphere of the class. I would like to provide my best for them.

E: At last, please give a message for those who are considering studying in Japan.
T: ECC does not only teach Japanese language, but also teaches the social manners and rules for assisting smooth adjustment to Japanese society. The class atmosphere is great as all the students are highly motivated to study. Please say “Hello!” to me when you come to ECC~☆