Unlock Your Future: The Power of English and the Calling of the Shizudai Project
Greetings to all future global citizens!
Suddenly, it hits you: This is one of the best experiences I’ve had in Japan—and I’m going to tell you why this is the ver start of something incredible for you. Like me, many of you are young university students with a similar soundtrack to your dreams—one full of adventure, connection, and a world bustling with opportunities. Communicating in English is often front and center in those dreams.
It’s exactly why the Shizudai Project created a dedicated space for connection and fluency: the English Lounge. Nestled comfortably in the International Exchange Lounge, on the 7th floor, we aim to build a warm and welcoming environment where students feel empowered to practice their English skills and connect with others from diverse backgrounds.
I’ve been teaching English since 2023, and I truly believe this space can be a stepping stone to unlock a world of possibilities.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. Maybe you are shy about speaking; some just aren’t interested in pursuing languages beyond what’s familiar. I get it. Taking that first step to express yourself in a new language can be intimidating. Let me be honest, even as a language teacher I know firsthand what it’s like.
I’m Brazilian, and my native tongue is Portuguese. Learning Japanese has been an extraordinary but challenging journey for me!
There have been times when I’ve felt uncomfortable, shy, and unsure of myself. The frustration of wanting to express myself smoothly stemming from feeling lost, and there are moments when I just wanted to give up. “But I strongly believe in myself, and most importantly, I want to encourage you to have the courage to persist.
Learning a new language—like Japanese for me; it opens doors. Not just to communicate in depth and make meaningful connections, but to understand a different culture and see the world differently. Just imagine the doors a language like English could open for you!
Think about this: Maybe it isn’t essential for a life here in Japan, as many are only fluent in Japanese and lead wonderful lives without another language being a necessity. Of course, when I arrived in Japan, I thought my English skills would be enough for a fantastic experience, but I quickly realized that there’s a beauty in being able to understand and connect with as many people as possible. Plus, that job I landed – wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t (at the time, thought my English was already great!).
Think further down the road. What about your future career?
You’re preparing for a future overflowing with opportunities, some perhaps undefined right now. What if that dream job takes you overseas? What if the chance to collaborate with international teams presents itself? “You can do it!” You are capable of achieving just about anything you set your mind to. Trust your kernels of determination and know you can reach your goals – and believe in yourself.
Well, I can honestly say, I was once seated exactly where you are now!
I’ll admit, I never envisioned myself living in Japan, but a window of opportunity opened up; of course, I seized it!
While I believe the ability to speak English fluently opens up many doors worldwide, there are who don’t know what their future holds.
There’s a particular feeling I can relate to: The humbling, yet exhilarating realization that you are part of something big – a global community. It’s here at the Shizudai project.
It’s strikingly similar to the dynamism and welcoming environment of the English Lounge. As I teach, I learn, too. It’s an exchange;
Every day is a chance to reach out, to really understand another perspective. There’s nothing quite like learning something new beside one another.
I encourage you to join me and our community of passionate learners and users of the English language. You’ve started to equip yourself with a skill that will stay with you forever, and who knows what surprises await! Don’t delay. Be open to this kind of experience.
The best is, of course, me and other students, waiting for a by chance to engage in a conversation. That could be you – firmly contributing to the tapestry of ideas and life stories. Dive in; you never know what amazing things are waiting to be discovered on the other side of those initial “hello”s!
How does the Shizudai Project’s English Lounge address the anxieties students may have about speaking English?
## Unlocking Your Potential: A Conversation with Patricia Pinheiro
Today, we’re talking to Patricia Pinheiro, an English teacher with the Shizudai Project at Shizuoka University. Patricia, welcome!
**Patricia:** Thank you for having me!
**Interviewer:** Patricia, you’re deeply involved with the Shizudai Project, especially the new English Lounge. Can you tell us a bit about it and its purpose?
**Patricia:** Absolutely! The English Lounge is a dedicated space within the International Exchange Lounge on the 7th floor. It’s designed to be a welcoming and comfortable environment where students can practice their English skills and build connections with people from diverse backgrounds. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shizuoka_University)]
**Interviewer:** You mentioned “doors” being opened through language learning. What do you mean by that?
**Patricia:** I think learning a language like English, especially in a globalized world, can truly expand your horizons. It allows you to connect with a wider range of people, understand different cultures, and access new opportunities for education and career advancement. I know from personal experience how challenging yet rewarding learning a new language can be. As a Brazilian, learning Japanese was a big undertaking, but it’s opened up a whole new world for me.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that some students might be hesitant or feel intimidated about speaking English. What advice do you have for them?
**Patricia:** I completely understand! Taking that first step to speak another language can be daunting, even for a language teacher. I think the key is to remember that making mistakes is part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to practice and have fun with it. The English Lounge is a judgment-free zone where everyone is encouraged to improve at their own pace.
**Interviewer:** what would you say to students who might not see English as essential for their lives in Japan?
**Patricia:** While you can certainly live a good life in Japan knowing mostly Japanese, I believe learning English opens doors to amazing possibilities. It allows you to connect with a wider global community, pursue international career options, and truly immerse yourself in the world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights, Patricia. We wish you and the Shizudai Project all the best in fostering global fluency among students at Shizuoka University.
**Patricia:** Thank you!
