Yuki Minami

Tell us a little bit about what you’ve been doing since graduation!

After graduation, I went to Japan as a Fulbright researcher and did one year of research. Then, I entered the graduate school in Kyushu and got my Master. During my Master’s, I became a public speaker in Japan where I worked with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and Fukuoka. After obtaining my degree, I moved to New York and worked as an International Student Advisor then moved to New Zealand for my Ph.D.

What made you decide to start learning Japanese? And what motivated you to keep going with it? 

As a Japanese heritage learner, my biggest motivation was the people who were around me who spoke the language. I wanted to connect with them and understand, so I decided to take some language course at UTK.

What are some of the ways that studying Japanese at UT has helped you in your post-graduate career?

Studying Japanese at UT gave me a chance to enter Kyushu University, where I got my Master’s degree. It also helped when I was looking for scholarships in Japan given that I had more options to look into when compared with those who didn’t speak the language, as I was looking into both English and Japanese scholarships in Japan.

To what extent do you use your knowledge of Japanese language and culture in your life and work today? 

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D in East Asian Studies focusing on Japan and Korea in New Zealand. due to this reason, I constantly meet with scholars from Japan and collaborate with them while speaking the language and understanding the culture.

Tell us about a particularly memorable moment or experience you had while learning Japanese.

I think the most memorable moment was the year I made a Japanese club with Mahagi sensei. It was a challenging process since we had to build the club from scratch. However, after the club was built, we could participate in so many events such as the Asian festival and multicultural event at UTK where students in the club were
afforded the opportunity to connect with Exchange and International students from Japan.

Did you ever study abroad? If so, can you tell us a little bit about that experience and how it shaped you?

Yes. Studying at Waseda University in 2017 was a pivotal experience for me, especially since I was part of the first group from UTK to attend. It was an incredible opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and fully immerse myself in both the language and culture, particularly through my stay with a host family. This study
abroad experience not only enriched my personal growth but also proved instrumental in bolstering my Fulbright application. As a result, I had the privilege of becoming a public speaker in Japan and collaborating with the U.S. Embassy. The experience at Waseda University fundamentally transformed me into a person I never envisioned becoming. It helped me to build connections with individuals from all corners of the globe and explore various career pathways. The exposure to different perspectives and cultures broadened my horizons and empowered me to
pursue opportunities beyond what I had previously imagined possible.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking about majoring or minoring in a language but aren’t sure how it will fit into their future plans? 

I would encourage you to pursue it. Learning a new language is always beneficial, regardless of your future plans. It expands your communication abilities, offering you more choices when interacting in diverse settings. Moreover, it provides opportunities to connect with people from various cultures around the globe, enriching your experiences. Importantly, being multilingual sets you apart in the job market. International companies value candidates who possess language skills and cultural understanding, enhancing your prospects for employment.

What would you tell someone who’s considering taking a language about why they should do it? And what advice would you give them on how to approach language learning?

Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities, allowing you to choose where you want to live and work. That is why I always advocate for language learning—it enables you to connect and collaborate with people you might never have imagined working with. Immersing yourself in the culture by meeting native speakers and participating in study abroad programs or international internships is the most effective way to learn a language. However, mastering a new language requires starting with the basics and gradually challenging yourself. I recommend beginning with a basic course and then pushing yourself by traveling to a country where the language is
spoken to test your skills. Remember, speaking a new language requires courage, but as you become more proficient, you’ll gain confidence and create unforgettable memories with amazing people you meet along the way.