VGC Student Experience – Meet Kaho from Japan
- Name: Kaho Nakamura
- Home Country: Japan
- VGC Courses: Global English, Diploma in Managing Customer Relationships
Meet Kaho, a dedicated educator from Japan who decided to take a bold step towards fulfilling her lifelong dream of speaking English fluently. After leaving her teaching career behind, she enrolled in VGC International College’s Diploma in Managing Customer Relationships program to combine her passion for language learning with business education. Since arriving in Vancouver, Kaho has embraced the challenges and opportunities of studying abroad, finding inspiration in the supportive learning environment and vibrant community at VGC. From improving her English to gaining invaluable business knowledge, her journey has been one of transformation and growth. Read on as she shares how this program has expanded her career horizons and enriched her life in Canada!
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What attracted you to enroll in the Diploma in Managing Customer Relationships program?
I have always dreamed of speaking English fluently. In Japan, I worked as a teacher, but I decided to quit my job and study abroad when I had the chance to move. When thinking about my future career, I found that the Diploma in Managing Customer Relationships program was very attractive. It not only helps me improve my English skills but also gives me more knowledge about business and opens up more career options.
私はずっと英語を流暢に話せるようになりたいという夢を抱いていました。日本では教師として働いていましたが、転勤を機に退職し、留学を決意しました。将来のキャリアを考える中で、この Diploma in Managing Customer Relationships プログラムは、英語力の向上だけでなく、ビジネスの知識を深め、キャリアの選択肢を広げるために非常に魅力的だと感じました。
What were your expectations before you started the program?
Before starting this program, I expected to improve my English skills and learn the basics of marketing. I was particularly interested in gaining practical knowledge and skills that I could use in a business setting.
このプログラムに期待していたのは、英語力を高めることと、マーケティングの基礎を学び、それを実践に活かせる知識とスキルを身につけることでした。特に、ビジネスの現場で役立つ実用的な知識を得ることに興味がありました。
Did you find the program challenging?
At the beginning of the program, it was very challenging to keep up with the classes in English. However, after about one month, I started to get used to the flow of the classes and became more confident. The anxiety I felt at first now feels like a sign of my growth.
授業が始まったばかりの頃は、英語での授業についていくことが非常に大変でした。しかし、1ヶ月が過ぎる頃には次第に授業の流れがつかめ、徐々に自信を持てるようになりました。最初の頃の不安が、今では成長の証として感じられます。
And now that you’re here, were your expectations met or exceeded?
My expectations have been exceeded. The support from the teachers is amazing, and they really care about each student. Because of this, I can ask questions easily during class if I don’t understand something, and the learning environment is very supportive. Also, by learning new things in English, I no longer feel nervous about speaking English.
私の期待は予想以上に超えました。特に、講師のサポートが素晴らしく、生徒一人ひとりに寄り添ってくれます。授業中にわからないことがあっても気軽に質問でき、学びの環境がとても充実しています。また、英語で新しいことを学ぶことで、英語を話すことへの抵抗感がなくなりました。
In what ways has the course enhanced your professional growth and development?
This program has helped me learn not only about marketing but also about leadership, practical business calculations, presentation skills, and effective communication with customers. My background is in education, but by learning the basics of business, I have greatly expanded my career options. I believe the knowledge I have gained will be useful in any industry I choose to work in.
このプログラムでは、マーケティングに加え、リーダーシップ、実務的なビジネス計算、プレゼンテーションスキル、そして顧客とのコミュニケーション方法など、幅広い分野で実践的な知識とスキルを学ぶことができます。元々、私の専門は教育でしたが、ビジネスの基礎的な知識を学ぶことで、将来のキャリアの幅が大きく広がりました。これらの知識は、今後どんな業界に進んでも役立つものだと確信しています。
Can you share specific skills or knowledge that you acquired during the program?
I have always enjoyed interacting with people and was confident in my communication skills. However, through this program, I have learned how my natural actions and thoughts connect with theory, which has deepened my understanding. I learned that everyone has a different personality and communication style, and it is important to adjust my communication to fit the other person’s style. This has helped me build better relationships with others.
私は元々、人と接することが好きで、コミュニケーションには自信がありました。しかし、このプログラムを通して、自分がこれまで自然に行っていた行動や考えが理論と結びつき、理解が深まりました。特に、人はそれぞれ異なるパーソナリティやコミュニケーションスタイルを持っていることを学び、相手に合わせた適切なコミュニケーション方法を取ることの重要性に気づきました。これにより、対人関係がよりスムーズになったと実感しています。
Do you think this Diploma will help you in your future career?
Yes, I am confident that this diploma will be very helpful for my future career. I am especially interested in a career in education, where I can use my English skills. The communication skills and business knowledge I have gained here will be valuable strengths for me. Learning the basics of business will also allow me to bring new approaches and perspectives to the education field.
はい、このディプロマは私の将来のキャリアに大いに役立つと確信しています。特に、英語を活かした教育分野でのキャリアを目指しているため、ここで学んだコミュニケーションスキルやビジネスに関する知識は、私の強みになると感じています。ビジネスの基礎を学ぶことで、教育分野に新たなアプローチや視点を持ち込むことができると期待しています。
Are you looking forward to doing your Co-op in Vancouver?
Yes, I am really looking forward to it. The Co-op program allows me to learn about a field I am interested in, in English, while gaining real work experience in Canada. This is a very valuable opportunity for me, and I feel that it will help me expand my career and open up more possibilities.
はい、とても楽しみにしています。Co-opプログラムでは、自分が興味を持っている分野を英語で学びながら、カナダで実際に働く経験を積むことができます。これは私にとって非常に貴重な機会であり、キャリアの幅が広がり、より多くの可能性が開けると感じています。
About VGC
How would you rate the support you got from your teachers and staff?
The teachers at VGC really care about each student. They always answer questions carefully and take the time to explain things. If for any reason you don’t get along with a teacher, you can talk to staff, and they will respond quickly and kindly. The staff always put students’ needs first and create a good learning environment, which makes them very reliable and supportive.
VGCの先生は、どの方も生徒一人ひとりを大切に思っており、質問には必ず丁寧に答えてくださいます。万が一、先生と合わない場合でも、担当スタッフの方に相談すると、迅速かつ親切に対応してくれます。生徒のニーズを最優先に考え、学習しやすい環境を整えてくれるVGCスタッフの方は、私にとってとても頼もしい存在です。
Are you happy with the classmates you have? Have you been able to create networks or connections through this program?
I am very happy with the friends I have met at VGC. After school, we spend time together at cafes or in the library, and I also participate in VGC’s activities. I have a fulfilling time every day. Through this program, I have been able to strengthen my bond with friends and experience the cultures of different countries, which makes it very enjoyable.
VGCで出会った友達は皆とても素敵な人たちです。放課後にはカフェや図書館で過ごしたり、VGCのアクティビティに参加したりして、毎日充実した時間を送っています。このプログラムを通じて、友達との絆が深まり、さまざまな国の文化に触れることができるので、とても楽しいです。
How would you rate the facilities and location of VGC?
I am very satisfied with both the facilities and location of VGC. The cleaning staff carefully clean the classrooms and restrooms every day, so the environment is always clean and comfortable. The location is also very convenient. VGC is within walking distance of the nearest station, and there are many great cafes and restaurants just a short walk away.
VGCの施設とロケーションにはとても満足しています。清掃員の方々が毎日丁寧に教室やトイレを掃除してくださるので、常に清潔で快適な環境が保たれています。また、立地も非常に便利で、最寄り駅から徒歩圏内にあり、少し歩けば素敵なカフェやレストランがたくさんあります。
VANCOUVER
What made you want to study here in Vancouver?
I have always wanted to learn American English, and when I compared the U.S. and Canada, I felt that Canada would be a safer and more affordable place to live. Also, Vancouver is a small city where nature and city life blend together well, which was especially appealing to me since I grew up in the countryside. The people in Vancouver are very kind and friendly. It is their warmth and friendliness that make my life in Canada so enjoyable.
私はアメリカ英語を習得したいという強い思いがあり、アメリカとカナダを比較した際、カナダの方が治安や物価の面で安心して生活できると感じました。また、バンクーバーは自然と都会がうまく融合したコンパクトな街で、田舎で育った私には特に魅力的に思えました。バンクーバーの人々はとても優しく、フレンドリーです。その親しみやすさこそが、私がカナダライフを楽しめている最大の理由となっています。
Is there a memorable moment or activity that you’d like to share?
One of the most memorable experiences at VGC was dressing up with my friends and joining the Halloween party. It was a great opportunity to meet students from other schools and expand my community. VGC offers many activities such as sightseeing, crafting, and food, and I enjoy every one of them without getting bored. Through these new experiences, I can connect deeply with many friends.
VGCのアクティビティで友達と仮装をして、ハロウィンパーティーに参加したことがとても印象に残っています。他の学校の学生たちとも交流でき、コミュニティの輪が広がる素晴らしい機会でした。VGCでは観光やものづくり、飲食など、さまざまなアクティビティが用意されており、どれも楽しめて飽きることがありません。新しい体験を通じて、たくさんの友達と深く繋がることができます。
Would you recommend VGC to other students who want to study business / English in Vancouver?
Yes, I would definitely recommend VGC. It is a great language school that really supports students who want to improve their English skills. The teachers are very kind, and the rules, like the English Policy, are strictly followed. There are also many activities to help you expand your community and make new friends while learning. If you have any concerns, the Japanese staff are always there to help you, which makes me feel very comfortable. I am really happy to be learning at VGC, and I am sure it was the right choice.
はい、ぜひおすすめします。VGCは、英語力を身につけたいという学生の希望をしっかりとサポートしてくれる語学学校です。先生方はとても親切で、English Policyなどのルールもしっかりと守られています。また、コミュニティを広げるためのアクティビティも充実しており、学びながら新しい友達を作ることができます。もし悩みがあれば、親身になって相談に乗ってくださる日本人スタッフの方もいて、とても安心です。VGCで学べることを本当に嬉しく思い、ここを選んで良かったと感じています。
