VISAKHAPATNAM: Japan Information and Study Centre at Andhra University is now the favourite destination of students who are planning to work for Japan-based companies. The centre, which was started in 2015, introduced a six-month Japanese course with the support by Mitsubishi Corporation.
Those who think that Japanese language is tough to learn, when compared to other languages such as French, will know how easy it is once they start learning the language at the centre.
G Kishore, an employee of Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT), learned Japanese language out of passion for Japanese culture. “I like the culture of Japan which is simple. Later, after finding employment opportunities in Japan, I learned the language,” he said.
About 45 to 50 students enrol for the six-month diploma course every year. Getting admission through advertisement by the Foreign Language Centre, they learn the basics of Japanese language. Most of them are employees in engineering, pharmacy or government agencies. Some housewives too are showing interest in the course. The centre now has an e-classroom and Japanese films are screened for easy understanding of the language.
Software engineer Kiran said, “It all depends on how the language is taught. At this centre, we have some techniques like using examples in real life for better understanding. Even during the class hours, we speak in Japanese language.”
Though Andhra University offered Japanese language course in the ’90s, it is more in demand now as there are a number of job opportunities in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia for engineers. The Japan Study Centre is in talks for a student exchange programme with universities in Japan. “We are now focusing on student exchange programmes. After signing an MoU with Toyama University in Japan, we shall send our students for a visit to enable them to know their culture,” head of the centre DVR Murthy said.