Taiwan Memory ⑧ ~ Becoming a Teacher in Taiwan! The Experience as a Japanese TA~

During our study abroad, we had many opportunities to work as teaching assistants (TAs) for Japanese classes.

First, let’s talk about being a TA in the Japanese conversation class. At the beginning of our second year, a teacher who teaches Japanese invited us, saying, “Would you like to be a TA for the Japanese conversation class?”

At first, we helped our classmates practice conversations, talked about the differences between Japanese and Taiwanese culture, and sometimes played Japanese games like shiritori or traditional card games together. Teaching Japanese and Japanese culture across countries was a very strange and valuable experience. More importantly, we had very few friends at that time and were a little nervous. But our classmates welcomed us warmly. Because they were interested in Japanese culture and actively talked to us, we gradually opened up. As a result, we made many friends, and our life in Taiwan became much more fun. Without their kindness and support, we don’t even know what we would have done haha. This TA experience was not only about teaching Japanese but also about making many friends in Taiwan. We are very grateful to the teacher who invited us.

In addition, during the winter break of our second year, we also worked as TAs for a Japanese intensive class. This class was a one-week program for students aiming to pass the JLPT N3 or N2. It was a very short period, but the students had a hard schedule, attending classes all day and doing mock exams every day.

During this time, we realized, “Ah, Japanese learners find these grammar points or expressions difficult.” It was a new discovery and also a great learning experience for us. Even in such a short period, seeing each student steadily improve and grow was really exciting and rewarding.

Because we studied abroad and were in the department for Japanese studies, we were able to have this very meaningful and valuable experience.

We hope to continue enjoying connecting with people through teaching in the future.

Scenes from the Japanese conversation class

 Scenes from the Japanese intensive class