I almost forgot to post this.....

William Lehman

Statement of Purpose

International Studies: Asia

I am studying International Studies: Asia with a Concentration on Japan; with the intentions of using this degree to return to Japan for a teaching position. The IDS degree was a good fit for me because it allowed be to do a significant amount of observing into the concepts behind Second Language Acquisition, Teaching Methods and Education in Japanese Society, History, and Culture. This is my goal as a learner in the IDS department.

I hope to teach English as a second language in an established public/private school in a full time position or a night/cram school, while I seek further education in the Japanese Language to the point of fluency and possibly seeking a Masters in TEFL or TESL. This allows me to continue to teach English, in a well established position, abroad or to return to the United States to teach Japanese, preferably at an Undergraduate level.

The reason this degree is a good choice for me is because to teach a second language effectively it is very important to teach to nature of the students. A Montessori style of teaching is very similar to my ideal pedagogy but seeing as that would not be an option in a Japanese public school setting I have to try hard to meet on a middle ground. To do this I have to learn as much as I can about the Japanese Culture, Society, and even Identity. Being able to reach students is a large part of transferring the knowledge, but if one can’t connect it is very difficult to pass on the knowledge.

Due to the furthering Globalization of the world it is important for successful young people to be multi-lingual. For the “youth of tomorrow,” to triumph in the economic world around them it is imperative to adapt to their surroundings and that means overcoming language barriers. Right now the most highly successful business language is, arguably, English. Furthering the international market is important to the world economy and success.

The interest in my concentration on Asia/Japan came from my precious experience of living in Japan. While there I fell in love with every aspect of Japan and the people. I have wanted to return to that country, to live, ever since I left. While there I had my first paying job, being an assistant teacher of English in a classroom setting for three to five year olds. Since then I have assisted in teaching most age ranges in official settings. This is what I think my calling is for my future. That is why I wish to continue on this path. However; since there is neither Japanese nor a TESL/TEFL major at Appalachian State, I decided the IDS: Asia with a concentration on Japan and a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. I have been using my free hours to study other languages, learning methods, and technology. I think these are the key to my future and my efficiency as a teacher in the future.