| COUNTRY |
| India |
| EDUCATION |
| Bachelor in Civil Engineering, Chennai Institute of Technology |
| COMPANY |
| A company specializing in network infrastructure, system integration, and data center setup to support modern communications and urban development. |
| SUMMARY |
| A civil engineering student from southern India started to learn Japanese out of an interest in Japanese culture and anime. He was able to utilize his Japanese speaking skills to the fullest upon joining an exchange program that brought him to the north of Japan, Hokkaido. Strengthening his resolve after this life-changing experience, he travelled to Pune for training with FAST OFFER International and AtoJ Hirameki. After a few months of hard work, he improved his Japanese skills, secured a job offer, and is preparing to begin a new life and career abroad. |
From Japanese Language Student to a Civil Engineer in Japan
I watched a lot of movies in my childhood. One movie in particular stood out to me. It was a Tamil-language movie entitled VIP (Velaiilla Pattadhari). It told the story of an unemployed graduate who was able to reach his goal of becoming a civil engineer against all odds. Watching this, I thought about how cool it would be to become a civil engineer myself.
Over the years, I would be more convinced about this decision. My father works in the construction field as a contractor, so I had always been exposed to the practice. He told me that it would be good to pursue Civil Engineering because it came with a lot of opportunities. He wished that I would enter the business as well.
However, entering college and learning about Japan changed the course of my life. Instead of continuing the business, I have decided to follow my dreams of working in Japan. Determined to transition from Japanese language student to a civil engineer in Japan, I am a thousand kilometers away from my hometown, learning Japanese. I am also four months away from starting a new life in Japan!
The Introductory Japanese Class that Started it all
Like many people, my interest in Japan started with anime. My favorite ones were the shounen/seinen titles – Hajime no Ippo, Vinland Saga, Boku no Hero Academia, Shingeki no Kyojin, Death Note, and the like. I’ve basically watched all major anime except One Piece, which I plan to dive into once I am in Japan. Consuming anime made me get used to hatsuon (発音). Though I also used it to learn new tango (単語), I did not completely rely on it as I knew that anime Japanese was vastly different from real-world Japanese. Still, I started to become interested in learning more.
This newfound interest in the language led me to join extracurricular Japanese classes hosted by my college. They discussed Japanese culture, people, and other similar topics. However, because these classes were very short and were meant to serve only as an introduction to Japan, it was up to me to continue learning the language.
Continuing to Learn through Self Study
At the beginning of my second year I started learning Japanese on my own using all the resources that I could find. Fortunately, sensei guided me as well, helping me identify where to begin. My journey with the Japanese language started there, aided by YouTube and the internet.
YouTube was basically my sensei at that point. There, I watched channels that helped me master the language. For instance, I watched a lot of NihonGoal and JLPT-focused channels that featured past JLPT listening tests. I also tried to use the Hello Talk app, where I could practice not just with native speakers, but also those learning Japanese.
Wishing to Work in Japan
As I learned the language, my algorithm followed. I started to learn other things about Japan aside from its language. Before learning the language I had never considered working in Japan. I did not know what jobs were available in the first place. I went into studying the language with a simple desire to visit. As my knowledge grew, I realized that I wanted to work there as well.
From what I gathered, I felt that my career would level up at a steady pace in Japan. It would be the perfect place to grow professionally. I also learned that Japanese people were supportive of their peers. I watched a lot of videos about how Japanese people worked and managed their time. I saw how kind they were. Learning to assimilate these positive qualities would allow me to also grow personally.
The Exchange Program That Sealed the Deal
In October of last year, I got the opportunity to go to Hokkaido University through the Sakura Science Exchange Program. There, I learned about the technologies they use to cultivate their farm lands. On top of learning about environmental science-related things, we also got to explore a bit as tourists.
It was my first time in Japan, and it felt really good. People were so friendly and kind, the environment was spotless, and the food was delicious!
But what felt the best was that I finally had the chance to start speaking in Japanese. During my period of self-study, I was not able to practice speaking because no one around me spoke Japanese. Among the exchange program participants, I was the only one who could speak Japanese. So, whenever I could, I spoke Japanese with strangers.
My Unforgettable Experience in Japan
The experience that stuck with me the most happened on the road. I was on a bus, and was seated next to an obasan. She and I chatted for almost an hour in straight Japanese. I told her about India, Indian movies, and Indian food. She asked me why I came to Japan. It was such a nice conversation that I forgot to take a photo with her to commemorate the moment. She was so kind, and I felt happy talking with her. Though every moment in Japan was unforgettable to me, this one stood out.
This whole experience strengthened my resolve to find work and settle in Japan. In my mind, there was no second option.
Finding FAST OFFER International and AtoJ Hirameki
Though I made all these efforts, went through all these experiences, and even reached the N4 level on my own, there was always some internal doubt about whether or not I’d actually find work in Japan. I was determined to learn the language, but I was realistic in thinking that there really was no guarantee in getting an actual job there. So, I am extremely grateful that I found FAST OFFER International and Hirameki at the end of my final year in college.
Ever since joining the on-site Japanese classes hosted by Hirameki, my Japanese speaking has improved drastically. In four months, I was able to learn so much, and continue to do so today.
From Tamil Nadu to Pune: FAST OFFER and AtoJ Hirameki Showed me a Path to Japan
After the exchange program, I was introduced to ASIA to JAPAN. A college friend introduced me to them. He told me that he applied for the program and got a job. Interested, I applied myself. A month after, I found Hirameki on LinkedIn. The same friend gave me their profile and referred me to their program for Japanese Placement Training for Civil Engineering students. I applied here as well, and passed. Before I knew it, I was thousands of kilometers away from home, learning Japanese in Pune.
The Hirameki staff has been so accommodating. Instead of conducting the language classes in Marathi or Hindi, they use English so that us Tamil speakers could understand. Everyone, our senseis and classmates, has been so supportive. It’s amazing that I have been able to make so many friends that share the same goal as me. Best of all, is that there are ongoing opportunities for everyone. Here, as long as we put in the effort, we actually have a fighting chance to make it to Japan. Without Hirameki, I don’t think I could have made it at all.
My Online Interview Experience
Last April, I had two interviews. Both were done online.
When I received the job interview request, I felt that it was so sudden, but I was so happy.
I had a nice experience with the first company. The first round of interviews was interactive. In the second round, they asked gentle questions. I answered situational and conditional questions; I did not even deal with technical questions, nor present my project. It was a fun interview where we talked about many interesting things, including my exchange program. The flow was different from the usual interview experience. We laughed and smiled a lot, and I enjoyed.
On the other hand, the second company conducted the interview in high-level Japanese. They talked so fast that I could not understand at times. However, the second round of interviews went well. The shachou was there, and he had a pleasant demeanor all throughout. I thought I had a chance with this company.
The Results of My Online Interviews
After the interviews, I was nervous. I prepared a lot, but I still felt immense pressure mentally. I was with four of my friends when I received the awaited text from my mentor.
One of my friends received the news of their success with the interviews first. Naturally, I was happy for him – but I was afraid. Just then, I received the text from my mentor. It began with a rejection from the second company. I felt that I did better in this interview compared to the first company’s, so my hopes were shattered. I thought I did not get a job at all. Still, I continued reading. It said that the first company, however, was offering me a job. I was in tears. My mentor then called me and congratulated me. I called my parents and told my friends. I was so happy; I felt that I was in heaven. This rollercoaster of emotions was worth it!
Goals before and after arriving in Japan
Before I leave for Japan, I intend to return to Tamil Nadu and spend quality time with my parents. I want to meet with my college friends and the rest of my relatives as well. Because I don’t know when I’ll be coming home again, it’s important that I savor the time I have with those close to me.
In Japan, I look forward to improving my Japanese skills even more. This would help me reach new heights in my career. I want to work in a communicative environment. I also aim to improve my skills in my field through attaining certifications and licenses. I am excited to transition from a Japanese language student to a civil engineer in Japan.
Outside of work, I want to explore the more futuristic cities in Japan. I want to do a lot of shopping, and maybe even get myself an iPhone.
My Tips for Learning Japanese and Acing Interviews
My main advice for learning Japanese is to consume a lot of Japanese content. Whether through entertainment or intentional practice, it is important to stay immersed in the language. Whatever you are watching, watch in Japanese even if you don’t understand it. You can easily google words you don’t understand. Watch anime to get used to how the language sounds, but don’t be too comfortable as it differs from Japanese used in interviews. Use Hello Talk to converse with other Japanese learners or natives, and improve your speaking level. Use Anki for kanji practice, as the frequency will help you remember better. For grammar, listen to podcasts and review lessons.
For interviews, my main tip is to prepare a lot of possible questions, and work on answering all of them. I heard that some people prepare for 20 to 30 questions only. I made sure to prepare even more. Think of all possible questions. Note that further questions can derive from your answers. So, it’s important to anticipate. This exact scenario happened to me, but because I was prepared for it, I was able to answer questions properly.
Looking Forward to Life in Japan
Coming from a warm country, adjusting to the Hokkaido temperature was difficult at first. But, I got used to it a few days in. I enjoyed the weather from then on. Though I wanted to see snow, we left before snowfall began.
Since I will be in Japan pretty soon, I will finally be able to see snow for the first time in my life. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of other firsts there. Finally, I am entering the next phase of my journey from Japanese language student to a civil engineer in Japan. I can’t wait!
