AZUSA's Tutor Interview

Azusa Tutor Interview

Q.Hi Azusa, how are you! Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Can you introduce yourself first?: A. Hi, thanks for having me. I was born and raised in Osaka. Watching many Korean tv dramas, I took interest in the language and started studying Korean. I had been learning Korean from many tutors and friends, which I'm very grateful for. So at some point I felt inspired to help others who are studying languages - and I decided to become a Japanese tutor!
Q. So you were born and raised in Osaka. Can you tell us about Osaka and what you sightseeing spots would recommend to languagse students?: A. That's hard, there are so many things to do! (laughs) There are plenty of places to spend your time. As for foor, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki are quite famous Osaka specialities, but I personally love Negiyaki. If you come to visit Osaka, you have to try Negiyaki.
Q.You are a TOPIK level 6 tutor! Can you share with us what you found difficult when you started learning Korean as a foreign language, what you feel good about speaking, and which tips were effective in helping you reach your level?: A. At first I felt like it was quite easy, as there are some aspects similar to Japanese. But the more advanced my level became, the more difficult the vocabulary, pronounciation and understanding spoken Korean became. I'm the type of person who likes to build up, so I first studied a lot of vocabulary and grammar. Then I practiced conversations with a Korean teacher in online lessons. There, I could practice using the vocabulary and grammar I had learnt, and if I made any mistakes they would correct me. I think the best way to learn is to put what you have learned into practice. Now I can talk to my Korean friends in Korean, so I am very happy that I studied hard.
Q.What do you do when you're not teaching at Cafetalk? What are your hobbies and interests?: A. I love eating, sports, watching TV (especially tv series), and learning languages. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy watching Japanese and foreign tv series, and learning English & Korean. On weekends, I usually play softball. In the past have participated in a national tournament before!
Q.A lot of students wonder what the vibe is like during classes. How would you describe your lessons?: A. In my lessons, I just want to focus on my students' output. It's definitely welcome to make mistakes! The more you make mistakes, the easier it is to learn. I try to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere so that you can talk without feeling nervous.
Q. Do you give your students homework?: A. In my Beginner grammar lessons and JLPT classes, homework may be given to students who wish to do so. Basically, homework is a review of what we did during the lesson. I would like my students to memorise everything they have learnt in the lesson.
Q.Can you tell me more about your own textbooks or commercial textbooks that you can support?: A. For my "Beginner Grammar lesson" I use "Minna no Nihongo I & II" and for my JLPT class I use the "TRY! JLPT" Series. You don't need to have the textbooks to do the lessons, but I would recommend buying them. In the beginner's grammar class, I also use vocabulary sheets and worksheets, which I send my students before or after class.
Q. At last, do you have a message for your future students?: A. In my studies of Korean and English, I have learned how difficult it is to learn a foreign language. At the same time, I can't forget the excitement I felt when I could speak and talk with people from that country. If you are going to study a foreign language, we want you to have fun, but make good progress. The pace of learning is different for each student, so we will adapt to your pace. Let's have fun learning Japanese. We look forward to seeing you soon!