Graduate InterviewsThese interviews are with graduates of FFLC who have assumed positions with employers or are furthering their educations at universities.
DANANG PRIABUDI
Current employer: Vintage Japan Co.,LtdMotherland: Indonesia
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
In the past, I was not good at talking with people, so I wanted to improve my communication skills. Then I learned that FFLC doesn't just teach facts; they also provide training and practice in real-world communication, so I decided to enroll at FFLC.
Since graduation, what kinds of experiences and knowledge gained at FFLC are you using, and how?
Since I was enrolled in the International Career Course at FFLC, there were many opportunities to give presentations, and I became much better at speaking logically and concisely. Also, during the Market Research class, a number of industry professionals talked to us about their experiences and ways of thinking, and of course I learned important facts there, but I think it broadened my horizons as well.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
Please don't think that FFLC is only a Japanese school! Besides improving your Japanese, you will also learn about other cultures and languages as you interact with students from around the world. In the International Career Course, you can explore a variety of companies and businesses, so for people who intend to work in Japan, I recommend this course. I believe the instructors' support will meet your expectations.
KAORI SAITO
Current employer: Travelex Japan KKMotherland: Japan
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
I found FFLC on the internet when I was looking for a language school, and the homey atmosphere there clinched my decision. Also, since FFLC has a Japanese school for foreigners, there were many opportunities to communicate with international students, and this kind of environment was attractive to me too.
While studying at FFLC, what did you put special effort into?
I went to FFLC to study English, so every day, I attended my classes and pushed myself to work on assignments. After my classes, I spent afternoons doing homework in the lounge, the PC room, or open classrooms, and I made an effort to talk with international students and sometimes went out with them. I tried hard to pick up practical English and to create opportunities for English conversation.
Since graduation, what kinds of experiences and knowledge gained at FFLC are you using, and how?
When foreigners start conversations with me, at work for example, I don't panic anymore. Although grammar is important, I now realize that even with a few mistakes, it's still possible to communicate. I keep in touch with my classmates and with the foreign students that I met at FFLC, which makes me reflect on the fact that I wouldn't have met them if I hadn't decided to go there.
ANDREAS BJOERNDAHL
Current school: Nishitetsu International Business CollegeMotherland: Sweden
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
I grew up in the countryside, so when I saw how close to nature Fukuoka and FFLC are, I thought, "If I go to school there, I'll definitely enjoy both my studies and my life there," so I decided to attend FFLC.
Since graduation, what kinds of experiences and knowledge gained at FFLC are you using, and how?
At FFLC, we studied Japanese culture and manners in addition to the language, so all of those will be useful during my future life in Japan.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
I have never regretted my decision to attend FFLC. My advice: Learn Japanese from the kind instructors there and follow your dreams.
KOO CHEUK LONG
Current school: Fukuoka UniversityMotherland: China (Hong Kong)
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
When I was still a high school student, I took advantage of a short-term program at FFLC and tried taking some classes there. I was impressed by the bright, cheerful atmosphere, and I found that FFLC provided an international, multicultural environment to study in. While there, my Japanese level improved, and I learned about many other countries too. I thought FFLC would be better than an ordinary Japanese school, so I decided to enroll there.
While studying at FFLC, what did you put special effort into?
To prepare for university applications and entrance exams, I studied hard for the JLPT N1 and EJU. I also put effort into making friends with people from various countries, and into setting aside biases to arrive at a mutual understanding with them.
Since graduation, what kinds of experiences and knowledge gained at FFLC are you using, and how?
Having met people from a variety of countries at FFLC, my outlook on life and the world expanded, and my knowledge of other cultures and how to engage with them increased. I also learned the importance of mutual understanding. I found this to be useful as I approached graduation and looked for employment, and I think it will benefit my career too since my new job is at a travel agency.
NATSUKI SHIWA
Current employer: IACE Travel (New York City)Motherland: Japan
While studying at FFLC, what did you put special effort into?
Maintaining the motivation to speak up in English was challenging. Japanese people tend to be shy, so they usually don't try to speak English in front of other people. Without actually speaking though, one's conversation skills won't improve, so I realized the importance of one's attitude toward speaking in English.
Since graduation, what kinds of experiences and knowledge gained at FFLC are you using, and how?
I feel that the essay-writing class was helpful because, after going overseas, there was no one to teach me how to write essays or e-mail. Also, at the end of each term, we had to give a presentation in our speaking class, and the feedback that I received was quite useful for making actual presentations. At work, I have to speak in front of people as well as sum up main points and convey them to others, so I'm still benefitting from the presentation class.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
If you feel that you want to go overseas, even a little bit, then the time to act is now. The things you experience there will be useful someday, I believe. When you confront some problem in the future, your experiences can provide the seed for a solution. Also, before you go off to college or study overseas, I recommend thinking about why you want to leave home to further your studies. If you choose a goal and act on it, I think you'll have a more fulfilling student life.
NGUYEN BAO TRUNG
Current employer: Tenpoint Co.,LtdMotherland: Vietnam
Why did you decide to study in Japan?
Since I was a child, I saw many things about Japan on TV, and I thought it must be a fantastic country. I became fond of Japan, decided to study here, and then I was able to learn even more about Japanese culture and customs.
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
An older friend recommended FFLC to me. FFLC offered subjects and programs that interested me, and promised plentiful opportunities and support for finding employment, including help with resume writing and interview preparation, so I decided to enroll there.
Since graduation, what kinds of experiences and knowledge gained at FFLC are you using, and how?
I learned PC skills and business Japanese in the International Business Course at FFLC. I'm now working at a Japanese company, so Japanese is important of course, but I think PC skills are especially important. At work, I use a PC to enter and manage data, and to create summaries. The PC skills that I learned at FFLC are really useful.
SUNAR BINOD
Current employer: Fukuoka Japanese Language SchoolMotherland: Nepal
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
While attending a Japanese school, I gathered information about various other schools in preparation for continuing my studies. I found FFLC and noticed the International Career Course (previously called the "International Professional Business Course"). Since I had an interest in business, and I wanted to learn practical skills related to business, I decided to enroll at FFLC.
Since graduation, what kinds of experiences and knowledge gained at FFLC are you using, and how?
The main one is communication skills, and this includes business Japanese, of course. However, other things that I learned at FFLC, like Japan's unique etiquette, business manners and the "Ho-Ren-So" philosophy, are also indispensable at the Japanese school where I work now. Also, being able to use a PC and software in Japanese is extremely helpful.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
I recommend that you carefully check the descriptions of courses/programs that interest you at FFLC. If you think about the "new you" that you want to become in 2 years, and then decide which course to enroll in, I'm confident that you will be successful. The instructors possess varied experiences and knowledge, and the foreign students come from all over the world, so I highly recommend interacting with them during your time at FFLC. For students who want to master high-level, practical business skills, I recommend the International Career Course.
SHRESTHA LIGAL BINITA
Current employer: au Shop, Ijiri StoreMotherland: Nepal
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
I strongly wished to work in Japan, so I was looking for a vocational school that would strongly support my job search. From instructors at my Japanese school, and from the internet, I learned that FFLC students receive many opportunities, so I took an interest in FFLC. Students in the International Business Course there, besides learning Japanese, also learn PC skills and English. I thought this course would help me communicate with different kinds of people in the workplace of the future, so I enrolled.
Since graduation, what kinds of experiences and knowledge gained at FFLC are you using, and how?
I'm currently working in a hospitality role, so the formal Japanese that I learned in my business manners class has been really useful. Also, if I couldn't read kanji, I wouldn't be able to type anything when I use a PC at work, but with all the kanji that I learned at FFLC, I can do my work smoothly. Finally, the English that I practiced at FFLC is helpful for communicating with the many foreigners customers that I serve at work.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
First of all, you had better think about what you want to do. If your goal is clear, then naturally you will be motivated and have more fun in your studies. If you have a concern or problem, it's best to talk with an instructor. The faculty at FFLC are always happy to talk with students.
The harder you study, the brighter your future will be, and the more fun you will have.
TAKUMA IWANAGA
Current school: EMBA-ISUGA (France)Motherland: Japan
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
The main reason was that I wanted to continue my education overseas. When I graduated from high school, my English was terrible though. Then I heard about FFLC. I heard that they offered a specialization in English and that they even facilitated transfers to overseas universities, so I thought it would be the perfect school for me. Another attractive point was the opportunity to interact with many international students.
While studying at FFLC, what did you put special effort into?
I worked especially hard for the speech class. With guidance from the instructor, a native English speaker, I greatly improved my English speaking skills, and competing in the Speech Contest boosted my motivation. In addition, I found class material on economics and psychology to be interesting, so I read books on those topics and searched for related information on the internet.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
Looking back on it now, I think my decision to attend FFLC was a turning point in my life. I was able to meet wonderful instructors, practice using English, and transfer to ISUGA. I feel wholeheartedly that I benefited from attending FFLC. There is a proverb that says, "A person who knows two languages is as valuable as two people." FFLC is a great school. I recommend it.
