STUDENT VOICE

More than 1 year.

I’m currently based in Bel-Air, Luxembourg City, where I’m attending an Executive program in Private Equity and Fund Structuring co-organized by PwC and the House of Training. My weekdays are a mix of classes, case studies, and writing up notes; I like to clear my head with a short walk in the morning before diving in. On weekends I explore nearby cities like Metz or Trier, visit museums, and capture observations for future creative work.
Professionally, I work online as a strategic advisor to startups and family offices, preparing briefs and joining remote meetings. In parallel, I’m rebuilding my English website to connect culture and business, and I’m developing concepts for short documentary pieces.

Since I started studying at TCJ, I’ve become much more confident speaking Japanese. At first, I needed time to recall grammar and vocabulary, but through conversations and role-plays with my teachers, I’ve learned to think and speak more naturally.
One of the biggest improvements has been in understanding keigo and emotional nuance: it’s helped me appreciate dialogues in Japanese films and books on a deeper level. Even when writing messages to my Japanese friends now, I feel I can express myself more authentically.
What I value most about TCJ’s lessons is that they don’t just teach grammar: they also explain the cultural meaning behind the language, helping me grasp how Japanese people think and communicate.

The main reason I study Japanese is because I want to build bridges between Japan and Europe, both culturally and professionally. My work already combines culture and business, and I believe that understanding Japanese values and aesthetics more deeply can bring a new dimension to my advisory work.
In the future, I hope to work as an advisor connecting Japanese companies, family offices, and startups with European investors. To do that, I need not only business Japanese but also a strong grasp of cultural nuance and communication style.
On a more personal level, I dream of writing short essays or narrations in Japanese for my documentary projects. Being able to express myself in Japanese would feel like creating a bridge from the heart, a true meeting point between two worlds I love.

Learning Japanese can be challenging at times, but I believe the most important thing is simply to keep going. Even if you skip a day, picking it up again the next makes all the difference.
At TCJ, the teachers are kind and genuinely understand each student’s personality and goals, so you can study at your own pace without pressure.
I also struggled with grammar and listening at first, but step by step, my confidence grew. Now I truly feel that studying Japanese has expanded my world.
So to anyone starting out: don’t rush, take small steps, and enjoy expressing yourself in your own Japanese.