Lions' daughter teaching English in Japan speaks to club

Gillian Lightfoot speaks to Lions about her experiences in Japan.

Want to see Japan? Want to help others learn how to speak English?

Gillian Lightfoot wanted to do both of those things and now she is in Yacniyo City, Japan.

Lightfoot is a graduate from Kilgore High School and a graduate of Austin College with a degree in International Economics and Finance and the daughter of Robert and Kim Lightfoot.

Gillian said she has just finished eight months of teaching in Japan and has signed up for one more year. "I get to work with seventh, eighth and ninth graders," said Gillian.

The program is sponsored by Sister Cities International. Tyler's sister city is Yacniyo City. "My job is to work with a Japanese-speaking teacher and help students with their confidence, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation," said Gillian.

Japanese schools are quite difference from schools in the United States, said Gillian. "All of the students wear the same outfits, right down to the shoes," said Gillian. "It is very formal and proper etiquette must be observed at all times."

(left to right) Teacher and Students of the Month receive honors at Lions Club. Meloney Ferguson, English teacher, Ayrton Chapman and Ryan Griffin.

Gillian said when a Japanese student finished junior high they must pass an exam to go on to high school. "If a student does not pass, that student must either go on to private school, which costs a lot, or go into the workforce," said Gillian.

In junior high school the students stay with the same class the entire three years and teachers rotate from class to class, said Gillian. "Students in these classes form a strong bond with their classmates," said Gillian.

Besides academics, students are required to take some type of club activity, this can be baseball, tennis, arts or music said Gillian.

"I have learned a lot about Japan and its customs, such as no talking on cell phones on trains, that is rude, as is tipping someone in a restaurant or cab," she said.

Gillian said she is learning to speak Japanese. "I take one class a week and I also have several Japanese friends," said Gillian.

One thing that wouldn't go over too well in the United States is that despite their position in the workplace, women are required to make tea at lunch for the men and to clean up afterwards.

She said traveling is a pleasant benefit of living in Japan. "I live just 45 minutes from Tokyo and I have taken a trip to Bangkok, Thailand," said Gillian. "The people are friendly, but sometimes you seem out of place because people are always staring at me."

"I live in an apartment complex with other Americans and two teachers from Canada. said Gillian. "I thought I would have trouble with the food, but its not bad at all. I eat mostly Japanese food."

Gillian said she doesn't know what the future will hold for her and Japan. She hopes to learn Japanese very well while there and may become a full time teacher when she gets back to the States.