Welcome to the world of global education! 12 March 2018
The experience of Pauli Huotari, teaching intern at Aoba-Japan International School
Mr. Pauli Huotari is doing a six week practicum with us in order to complete his teaching training course from UCC, Denmark. After little more than 1 month, he had the opportunity to do some teaching by himself in both English and Visual Arts. In addition to the practical international experience gained, Mr. Huotari seems to be enjoying the cultural contrasts, as he has always been fascinated by the Japanese traditions. Read more about him!
What would your autobiography be called?
If life gives you lemon, sell them for profit!
Where are you from and how long have you been living in Tokyo?
I’m from Denmark, and I have been living in Japan for little more than 1 month.
What brought you to Tokyo?
For many years, I have been very fascinated by the Japanese culture. So different from the Danish, and full of contrast. It’s very interesting.
What is your first impression from Japan?
Very quiet somewhere, and a lot of noise in the supermarket
What are you studying?
I study to become a teacher, because I like teaching.
What are your roles here at A-JIS?
I’m an intern here, so I observe 6th and 7th grade. I have also done some teaching myself in those grades in both English and Visual Art.
How is your experience in A-JIS going so far?
It’s been very good. People have been very nice and helpful, and the canteen food is good!
Would you recommend the practicum experience to someone?
Yes absolutely. This is a nice place for people to get their practicum. You can learn a lot from the structure and from the gifted teachers as well.
What do you like most about your profession?
I like when the students are really motivated to learn and do stuff. To get there is not always easy, but when it happens, it’s good!
What do you enjoy the most about life?
Speaking with people from different cultures. Explore, travel and eat good food!
What do you do for fun?
I take pictures and do karate – OSU!
What’s the most unusual place you have visited?
In Costa Rica there was a guy living in an abandoned church. That was a different kind of living, I thought…
Is there something interesting about yourself you would like to share?
Not about me, but my motto or mantra in life is: find something that makes you happy. Before you get to the pursuit of that, you have to ask yourself “am I happy?”. Think about it for a couple of years and ask the same question again!
