Where I am today – From a student to becoming an English Language Lecturer in Japan

Where I am today – From a student to becoming an English Language Lecturer in Japan

Written by Yuka Jibiki

20 years ago, I was a student having a difficult time to go to school. I was one of the “Futoukou” kid. Futoukou is a Japanese word, which means a student who refuses to go to school. Futoukou is one of the big issues that Japanese schools experience. With the introduction of alternative education systems, school kids these days have more options to continue their education, however there is a non-single reason why kids refuse to go to school. Some kids experience serious emotional trauma because of bullying from schoolmates or toxic relationship with their school teachers. Or, just the idea of going to school gives them severe anxiety for some reasons, which was my own case. First 2-3 years in elementary school, I was too nervous to go to school, but thanks to the support from family, friends and teachers, I soon became able to navigate myself to adjust school life and started going school just like a regular kid. Two decades later, now, I teach English language as a lecturer in International Education Center, Tokai University since Fall 2020.  

Throughout my journey as a student, I have encountered great teachers and educators who practice student-centered educational philosophy. My passions towards international education and student services especially influenced by study abroad experiences.

My first long-term study abroad experience was back in 2013, when I was a first year in college. I participated in the English language and American culture immersion program in Boston, MA USA. There, I struggled again. When I first entered Speaking and Listening class, the teacher told in class that she expected us to work hard and try best. This suddenly intimidated me. All my classmates seemed smart, out-going, and brave enough to keep their best version of themselves while I was reserved, had no confidence to “compete” with them at all. After the first few week of the semester, I visited the teacher during the office hour and shared my anxiety to be the best. Then, she explained me what means to try best. Trying best does not mean a competition, neither achieving somebody’s best, but your own best. This inspiring advice has changed my perspectives a lot and navigated me to face challenges and to jump into new and different opportunities since then. 

In the study abroad program, I had 20 other cohorts and we spent great time abroad with various group activities from volunteering to performing in a musical production. During abroad, we’ve seen each other grown and changed with all the support from teacher, student service professionals and the community. The student-centered experience was something very different from my past experience. It taught me how to be a confident and empathetic leader and individual.

After completion of undergraduate degree, I moved back to Boston to pursue master’s degree in International Higher Education at Lesley University. This time, I had lived and served as a Fellow student at the campus where I did study abroad. There, I met more than 1,000 Japanese female college students who study English and American culture just like myself some years ago. Watching these students gain confidence in the end of the study abroad program is a really powerful and dynamic experience. This experience has taught me the power of international education and strengthen my belief of student-center philosophy.

In this current role of English language lecturer, I enjoy different way of interaction with students from being a student service administrator in Japanese higher education. Having started teaching career in the global pandemic and rapid installation of online teaching/learning is challenging yet exciting with lots of learning opportunities. I would like to keep working for students to develop global understanding and the 21^st century skills on top of English language abilities. I feel honored to be accepted to the ACPA scholarship. I am excited to be part of, and learn more about student success and international education in this wonderful community.

Writer’s Bio:Yuka Jibiki

Yuka currently teaches English at International Education Center at Tokai University, Japan. She started her international education career in Boston, MA. Now, she is relocated to her home country in Japan. She holds a Master’s degree in International Higher Education and Intercultural Relations from Lesley University.