Insights into Language Learning at RGF Professional Recruitment Japan

Today, we have Kyoko Katy Tomisawa with us, a valued member of our Language Community at RGF Professional Recruitment Japan . With "Kaizen" (continuous improvement) being one of our core values, we are deeply committed to nurturing the professional growth of our team. The Language Community, a recent addition, is fervently committed to elevating the language proficiency of our members. Kyoko has been actively involved in language learning and teaching, and she has some interesting insights to share about her journey and our language initiatives.

1. Could you tell us about your journey in English teaching?

My journey started back in junior high when I moved to England at the age of 15. Upon returning at 22, I worked at a Japanese company for a year before getting married and focusing on being a mom. Interestingly, a friend asked if I could teach English to her kids, leading me to start a small English group near my home.

The big turning point came when my town, Chiba, became an Olympic venue, sparking the local government to offer English lessons to citizens. This opportunity led me to pursue professional language teaching, culminating in my CELTA certification for teaching English to foreigners. Unexpectedly, my path crossed with RGF, where I now have the chance to utilize my teaching certificate. It's a reminder that seemingly unrelated experiences can connect in unexpected ways, offering valuable insights and opportunities for personal and career growth.

2. What is the purpose of the Language Community?

The Language Community within our organization is designed to foster a multilingual environment, particularly focusing on English and Japanese. Given the influx of new members in recent years, some individuals may not be fluent in English or may only speak one language. As an agency with a global reach, maintaining strong language skills is crucial. The Language Community initiative encourages our RGF members to actively use their second language, promoting proficiency and facilitating effective communication across teams and regions.

3. Could you share some details about the structure and format of the Language Community sessions?

We’ve recently introduced Language Day as part of our fun activities. Prior to the event, I distributed easy worksheets for everyone to prepare. On Language Day itself, we conducted an online session where we learned and practiced new language skills, focusing on this month's theme of self-introduction. We inputted vocabulary, phrases, and engaged in simple conversations. One of the highlights was a role-playing activity, which made the learning more interactive and practical, mimicking real-life scenarios. It was rewarding to see how using the language in face-to-face interactions brought the learning to life and made it more engaging for everyone involved.

4. What resources or support will be available to participants who want to learn or improve their language skills?

As part of our language community efforts, we'll be developing and providing worksheets and online self-study tools for flexible use. I'm also considering launching an internal website to store all these materials on our intranet, making them easily accessible for everyone. During the last Language Café, we held a Whiteboard session to discuss various methods and resources for language improvement, including apps, websites, and books. This was a great opportunity for everyone to share their insights and knowledge. Additionally, these sessions serve as a platform for catching up if anyone missed out on the Language Café discussions.

5. What advice can you offer on setting realistic goals and maintaining consistent practice for language learning, and how does the Language Community support this process?

Attending a language school once a week for a 90-minute session would total around 50 to 60 hours of learning within a year. However, expecting to become proficient like a professional after just two days in another country isn't realistic. Achieving proficiency in a new language requires continuous effort. Even dedicating just a few minutes daily, like five minutes, can significantly accelerate your progress. It ultimately depends on your dedication, motivation, and consistent practice. We're here to support your motivation and provide resources, but your progress depends on your goals—both short-term and long-term. Setting realistic goals and practicing daily are key factors in language improvement.

6. How does your organization ensure that language learning remains enjoyable and effective, and why is this approach important for long-term success?

The most effective way to learn a language is through fun and enjoyment. When you’re having fun, dopamine is released in your brain, helping you remember information better and stay mentally active. It’s important not to force yourself or set overwhelming long-term goals; instead, focus on taking small steps regularly. Whether it’s day by day, week by week, or month by month, progress should be measured by improvement from the previous period. The key is to enjoy the process. That’s why we aim to provide enjoyable and fun events to make your language learning experience engaging and rewarding.

Thank you, Kyoko, for sharing your inspiring journey and valuable insights into our Language Community at RGF Professional Recruitment Japan . Your dedication and passion for language learning are truly motivating.

For those interested in being part of a dynamic, multilingual work environment, we are currently hiring! Join us and take advantage of our engaging language initiatives and supportive community.

Feel free to reach out for more information about our career opportunities!