Modern Languages

Photo of Michelle Finnegan
Photo of Michelle Finnegan

Michelle Finnegan

1. Why did you decide to become a Japanese minor?

I went to an international high school, of sorts. During my last two years of high school, a Japanese girl lived at my house and I became very interested in Japanese language and culture. Due to the amount of time I spent helping my ESL friends with their assignments, I also knew I wanted to teach English abroad in the future. Therefore, I decided to study Japanese with the initial goal of studying abroad, and eventually living and or working in Japan. 

2. What was your most rewarding experience in your Japanese minor?

My time studying abroad, the classes, my professors, and my independent studies class. I was lucky enough to study abroad in Tokyo for one year at Temple University Japan Campus. It was a great experience which helped better my language skills and cultural understanding. It also helped me to grow as a person. The professors in the Japanese program at Ursinus are amazing, and did anything they could to accommodate my needs and learning. 

3. What are you doing now?

I am currently working in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher for the JET program. I live in Nagano Prefecture and teach at a junior high school and two elementary schools. I am currently studying to talk the Japanese Language Proficiency test, in hopes of finding work in Japan after my time on JET

Major(s)

East Asian Studies

Minor(s)

Japanese