Laurel McDonald

Laurel chose to study Japanese at high school on advice by her parents that studying Japanese as a second language could be “useful in the future.” Laurel has certainly proven this to be true.

Laurel visiting one of the local kindergartens

After studying Japanese in the classroom, Laurel decided to further her Japanese language skills by being immersed in both the language and the culture through an exchange programme. Here, she spent 10 months in Kanagawa ken as a second year high school student, an experience that stimulated her interest in Japan and its people.

Following high school, Laurel continued her studies of Japanese at tertiary level, completing a degree in International Studies at International Pacific College. During this time, Laurel was awarded a scholarship to travel and work in Japan for three weeks, where she gained valuable experience in many areas of the Japanese work force.

Since 2006, Laurel has been living and working in Japan as part of the JET Programme. She is currently working at the Shimanto Board of Education in Kochi ken as a Coordinator of International Relations (CIR). As a CIR, Laurel carries out a range of different duties from conducting English conversation classes, organising and planning International Exchange and Understanding events, running an International club and cooking classes to visiting kindergartens, schools, retirement homes and institutions for disabled citizens. These duties have led Laurel not only to improve her Japanese language skills extensively, but she has also become a strong part of the community.

Laurel’s life in Japan continues to fascinate and challenge her. There are many things that she loves about Japan, including the food, various festivals, history, language and the people. She also enjoys the beauty of Japan through the many distinctive changes in the four seasons that Japan exhibits through sakura and the changing autumn leaves, as well as Japan’s variation in landscape from Hokkaido to Okinawa. These are all qualities in a country very different from New Zealand which add to its appeal for Laurel.

Laurel feels that at this point in her life, she is where she is supposed to be, not only for her own advantage but also to promote international relations in Japan. She strongly believes that having foreigners in Japanese schools and communities is a fantastic way to promote international understanding and awareness. This is especially true in the more isolated areas of Japan, where contact with people other than Japanese can be very rare. She hopes to continue to promote positive international relations in Japan and build on her already rich experiences in Japan.

Profiled by Kendra Taurua