About Martin Kordas, Class of '23

As a teacher in Japan, I am a public employee and interact with many people every day. As part of my welcome to the town I was introduced to the mayor and we spoke about America and Japan, as well as my role as a cultural ambassador to my students and the local community. I was entrusted with giving a quality education to my elementary school students and having a positive impact on the town. I teach grades 1-6 and strive to make English a subject they enjoy and look forward to. I also volunteer at an “Ekaiwa” where I teach and practice English with adults from the community. 

I love my job and seeing my students grow is a rewarding experience. I have explored my town, befriended many locals, and had many opportunities for cultural exchange. We learn from each other in the breakroom, on the street, in the classroom, and at the local restaurants too. 

My degree in Asian & Asian American Studies has been immensely helpful in understanding the customs, norms, and nuances in behavior of Japanese people and as such has facilitated my integration into the local community. My knowledge of Japan and Japanese has been incredibly helpful in teaching my students cultural differences. Furthermore, my prefecture has many World Heritage Sites and some of them have even been mentioned in texts I’ve studied while a student at Stony Brook. This all makes for a much more meaningful experience, and with so many places in Japan to explore and other countries just a short flight away I look forward to the many ways in which my degree can contribute to my growth and success as a global citizen.