
Global Education Center
Voices of Program Participants: Overseas Co-op Program (Overseas Work Experience/Vietnam/1 month)

I,2Fall semester of the second year (2023Years10Month~2024Years1In February 2013, he studied abroad in Da Nang, Vietnam, and researched the current state of Japanese language education in Vietnam, comparing it with other foreign language education, with the theme of "Japanese language education in Vietnam." After returning to Japan, he continued his research on the same theme, and as part of his fieldwork, he spent the summer semester of his third year (2024In August 2018, I participated in a work experience program at the Dong Du Japanese Language School Da Nang branch in Vietnam, where I provided Japanese language instruction to local students.
Local observations

I had assumed that there would be educational equipment comparable to that in Japanese educational institutions, so I had prepared PowerPoint and digital materials in advance, but I was unable to use them at the site. Lessons were conducted using the same blackboards as in Japan, so it felt like I was taking lessons and teaching at a Japanese school.
Also, each person has a different reason for learning Japanese. I thought that most people liked anime, but I was very surprised to find that many were studying to work in Japan. The students in the class ranged in age, but I got the impression that everyone was enjoying the class, regardless of age.
Through my interactions with the local people, I realized how little I knew about Japanese subculture in particular, and that when I become a Japanese language instructor, it's important for me to know more about Japanese culture myself, and to be aware of core cultures that are not so mainstream even in Japan.
On the last day of the work experience, I had the opportunity to teach the Vietnamese teachers about the important points of Japanese pronunciation and natural Japanese expressions. The teachers seemed to find it very difficult, but they were very interested and said, "It's interesting!"
How to spend the weekend
Over the weekend, we visited the Golden Bridge (also known as the Hand of God) together with the teachers from Dongdu Japanese Language School, and were able to spend a fulfilling holiday.
I also went for walks to the beach by myself, went to cafes, went to Japanese restaurants, etc. When I felt lonely, I would video call my friends in Japan to relieve stress!
For those who are considering work experience at Dong Du Japanese Language School
Not only will you be able to teach Japanese, but you will also have the chance to learn about Japanese culture that you may not be familiar with. In particular, many people know about the world of virtual anime, so if you are an anime fan or want to know more about the world of virtual anime, please join us! Also, be sure to try the "durian," known as the king of fruits and known for its unique smell!


AK, 3rd year, Department of English Communication