English Instructor at Kitasato University, Kyorin University, J.F. Oberlin University

Having worked as a school English teacher in Korea for 5 years, Iwas looking for an opportunity to enhance my teaching methodologies. This led me to find TUJ’s TESOL program. Despite the rareness of Korean students in this program, the support from the Graduate College of Education staff guided me to a smooth transition from Korea to Japan. TUJ significantly contributed to my development as an English teacher, particularly through comprehensive required courses, tailored lectures from elective courses (especially weekend seminars), and diverse classmates. The program provided me with a wide range of courses to improve my overall comprehension of language teaching. In addition to these comprehensive courses, the program also offered elective courses on different topics. With professors from various areas of study, I enjoyed matching the courses to my specific interests and needs. Lastly, it was a great opportunity to learn together with experienced teachers as classmates from various facilities, nationalities, and educational backgrounds. Attending the TESOL program at TUJ was an invaluable decision in my career to facilitate my growth as an educator.

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When I started the TESOL program, I did not know very much about the history of teaching, different styles of teaching, nor how teaching has changed over time. When I reflect on my two years at TUJ, I conclude that the experience has not only made me into a better teacher, but also has prepared me in unpredictable ways for my career. Progressing through courses with incredibly supportive classmates and professors who were role models, I was challenged to discover my own teaching style. That style has played a central role in how I teach and engage students.

Professors in this program provide so much helpful information to their students. They share their knowledge, which developed from their experience, and help put everything into perspective. And while it is not an easy journey, I believe that the hard work and dedication to complete the program was worth it. The TESOL program has opened my eyes to see that grammar, vocabulary, language background, and culture are all important to keep in mind when teaching. And with each course, I witnessed a positive change to my own teaching philosophy. It gives me great pleasure to say with pride that I have completed my Master of Science in Education at TUJ.

Project Assistant Professor, Center for GlobalEducation, The University of Tokyo

Before joining the Master’s Program, I was deliberating whether to make a living through oil painting or take English teaching more seriously. I was reluctant to attend TUJ and wanted to dislike the program and focus on painting! However, from the first ‘Introduction to TESOL’ class I was introduced to not only the pedagogy for improving my teaching skills, but also the research component driving frontline teachers’ pedagogy, which seemed to me like the black box of the field that had previously been hidden. This course and others on the Master’s Program, coupled with the community spirit that existed on campus, opened doors for me in terms of employment and provided contact with some of the most important people in Applied Linguistics.

The experience of the Master’s Program left me hungry for more. I felt privileged to be accepted on the PhD Program when I eventually decided to enroll and was determined to make the most of the opportunity. As anticipated, the coursework was every bit as intensive as its reputation entailed. However, there is a reason that Temple University produces more graduates with publications in prestigious journals than other online courses, and it is no doubt because of this intensity. Although there are countless late nights and lost weekends, the program provides a space for committed teachers to develop their skills further and to influence language teaching internationally as researchers. Importantly, it also builds bonds between cohort members, who inevitably assist each other both professionally and socially.

Project Assistant Professor, Center for GlobalEducation, The University of Tokyo

In the early 2010s, when I started my career as a university instructor, I realized the knowledge and skills I had gained in my MA program served as the foundation to work in this field, but I would need more to pursue my academic interests and become an independent researcher. I was also seeking to increase my employability. For me, who was determined to continue working full-time and participate in an academic community by interacting with other members in person, the PhD program at TUJ was the most desirable option.

The decision to enroll at TUJ was one of the most significant turning points. The program covers various issues related to applied linguistics, especially in the context of teaching English in Japan, and is wellbalanced in focusing on theoretical foundations and practices. The dedicated instructors provided us with cutting-edge topics and willingly shared their research and publication experiences. I soon found myself more confident in presenting at conferences and writing academic journals. The network I developed through the program has become an important asset. TUJ is a great learning community, and I highly recommend the doctoral program for your professional and personal growth.