Alumni Talk “Working at a Company While Teaching at a Japanese Language School”(Monday, October 20)

On October 20, 2025, we hosted an alumni talk at the Mito Campus featuring Ms. Akari Saito, a graduate of the Japanese Language Teacher Training Program. Ms. Saito currently works as a photographer in the bridal industry while also teaching part-time at a Japanese language school.

Ms. Saito also described the realities of teaching at a Japanese language school, including lesson preparation, student support, and the challenges of working with international students—many of whom balance studies with night-time jobs. She candidly discussed the emotional and practical aspects of supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

During the Q&A session, students asked about how she manages both jobs, and how her experience in Japanese education has been useful in her corporate role. Ms. Saito explained how she uses evenings and weekends for lesson planning, and how her teaching skills have helped her communicate with foreign staff at her company.

Student feedback included comments such as:
“It was helpful to hear the real-life experience of someone teaching Japanese as a side job.”
“I now see Japanese teaching as a more accessible career option.”
“I learned a lot about the challenges and rewards of working in education.”

Following the talk, a casual lunch exchange session was held, allowing participants to continue the conversation and reflect on their own career possibilities. Ms. Saito’s experience provided valuable inspiration for students exploring diverse paths in language education and beyond.