The wonderful experience in Joensuu  

 

I have a dream. I would like to be an English teacher. In Japan, many people cannot speak English. We have to learn it from 4th grade in elementary school, but few people can speak it. I think this is really strange and to change this situation, I decided to go abroad and see how students learn it. Through reading many thesis and books, I understood that Finland’s English learning system is quite good. Then, I choose this country and luckily I can visit Mutla Koulu. 

All of the things I saw and experienced in this school were quite good. Two projects with 2nd and 5th graders were really memorable. These projects gave me the realization that it is really enjoyable to see the growth of pupils and make something with pupils. It was the first time for me to do projects as a teacher because in Japan, there was no time to produce something.In the process of planning projects, I felt like getting the reason why this country’s people can speak English fluently. I would like to reflect on this experience in my teaching life. 

  During my stay in Joensuu, many things changed. Firstly, the topic. When I arrived there, many people discussed COVID-19. I really appreciated Mutala Koulu because they accepted me in this tough situation. When I left there, the topic was about war. I have seen many broadcasts about the war and have been feeling that devastating is not allowed even if there is any reason. Secondly, the weather changed. When I arrived there, It was nearly autumn. I could get sun light longer than in Japan and thought that it was comfortable. However, it became winter soon and darkness came. It was my first time spending a long night and it was really tough. Finally, my feelings changed. When I arrived there, I did not have ideas to become a teacher after graduating university. It is because, in Japan, teachers are not respected, the salary is not fair compared with how much they work. Then, I just thought that it was for my curiosity to visit Mutalan Koulu. Through studying with pupils in Mutalan Koulu, however, I found happiness and enjoyment to support the growth of children. Moreover, I noticed that there are no other works to involve pupils except teachers. 

Totally, experiences in Joensuu, in Mutala Koulu gave me a lot of insights. I have already missed there and if possible I would like to go back soon. I am really lucky because I can experience learning English with pupils as a teacher in foreign country. Thank you so much to everyone in Mutalan Koulu, and see you again.