My journey began with a simple motivation: to communicate effectively with my future colleagues and clients in Japan. I enrolled at VLLC in a Certificate II in Applied Language (Japanese), where I began my Japanese language journey. After mastering some basic language I was then introduced to the writing systems—hiragana, katakana, and kanji— which felt a little overwhelming. However, I was determined to push through.
To enhance my learning, I immersed myself in Japanese culture. I watched Japanese films, listened to music, and even started following horse racing events in Japan. This not only improved my language skills but also deepened my understanding of the cultural nuances that are vital in the equine industry. I learned about the significance of respect and tradition in Japanese society, which is especially important in the world of horse racing.
As I progressed, I began to practice speaking with my VLLC tutors and any other Japanese speaker I could find. These conversations were invaluable, allowing me to gain confidence and fluency. Because VLLC courses are based on individual requirements I was able to tailor my tutorials to focus on veterinary terminology, ensuring that I could discuss medical issues and treatments specific to horses in Japanese.
Today, as I prepare to embark on my career in Japan’s horse racing industry, I am grateful for the effort I put into learning the language at VLLC. It has not only equipped me with the skills to communicate effectively but has also opened doors to new opportunities and friendships. I am excited to contribute my veterinary knowledge while embracing the rich culture of Japan.
Learning Japanese has been a transformative experience that complements my veterinary degree. It has allowed me to bridge the gap between my passion for animal care and my aspiration to work in a dynamic and culturally rich environment. I encourage anyone considering a similar path to embrace the challenge of learning a new language at VLLC. It can lead to incredible opportunities and personal growth.
Photo by Violeta Pencheva on Unsplash