The year of experience in Mutalan koulu is my precious moment in my life. I was amazed
how teachers and pupils are interested in international projects. The Erasmus program was
eye opening project among Europe. I am working on connecting Japanese schools to other
countries and I learned how important to have English speaking conversation between pupils
and also teachers. Especially having exchanging project with similar age group is attractive
that they have opportunity to have real friends in the other countries. It was nice that pupils
got interested in doing exchanging project with Japan as well and I appreciate teachers to
have this opportunities. English education has just started as a subject in Japanese
elementary school and we are struggling how to make learning effective. To set the goals to
speak out is one of the most important motivation for pupils. I was curious about how the
other teachers who teaches English as a second language teach the subject. What metarial
they use, what methods they use and so on. In her lessons, she used different methods in
most of lessons to teach new words and grammar. Observing pupils, I could see children’s
English skills are improving a lot. I remember many pupils who thought English is hard and
hesitated speaking English started to use English to me. They have learned how to use
English to non-Finnish speaker and I liked to see them using brains searching the words.
This process take time but very important moment for learning. I really impressed how
Mutala pupils tried to speak English. The oportunities to speak with teachers from other
countries all over the world was great learning for me too. I am going back to English
teaching field in Japan. There are teaching cultural differences, however there are so many
things that I can use in Japan.

As a Japanese cultural ambassador, Mutala school’s Japanese club was bit short of time
but I could share so many topics of Japan. I was looking forward to do lessons related to
their subject more.

Pupils in Mutala are so adorable that I had to ask teachers to extend my stay. I appreciate
let me stay for long period, I wish I could have exchange about our educational conversation
more. I miss lovely pupils. Best wishes to Mutala. Kiitos paljon!