KLI students build proficiency in English, work on Kadena

Photo By Senior Airman Corey Pettis | Yui Arakaki, 18th Force Support Squadron intern, hands an informational packet to a customer Aug. 24, 2016, at Kadena Air Base, Japan. KLI interns have the opportunity to build ties between Kadena and the community while practicing their English skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Corey M. Pettis)  

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.25.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Corey Pettis 

18th Wing

The phones are ringing off the hook, customers are coming up to the desk asking questions and other duties are piling up. Imagine doing all of this in a language you don’t fully know yet.

For more than 19 years, the Kadena Language Institute has provided local Okinawans with the opportunity to refine their English skills by practicing with native speakers.

Twelve KLI students interned on Kadena where they embedded with different units to gain valuable experience by communicating daily with English speakers.

Most of these positions are in the 18th Force Support Squadron, places like the Risner gym, Arts and Crafts and the Outdoor Recreation Center. These types of places provide the interns with the opportunity to interact with customers as well as their co-workers to gain a better conversational grasp of the language in their quest to be fluent in English.

“After I graduate from KLI, I want to work on Kadena Air Base,” said Yui Arakaki, 18th FSS intern. “I want to start off working at the fast food restaurants and then work my way up to higher positions.”

The interns perform many tasks depending on their specific job.

“I mostly answer phones and talk to customers who have questions,” said Yuka Shiroma, 18th FSS intern. “I also go around and check the equipment and on the people there.”

These interactions help them use knowledge they gained and put it to good use.

“I believe my English is getting better, especially my listening abilities,” said Hideya Koja, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron intern. “The Japanese workers here also help me by speaking English to me and helping me with translating words.”

KLI is a two-year school, offered to high school graduates who want to become proficient in English.

In their second year of school, students have the opportunity to intern on Kadena for four weeks to immerse themselves in an entirely English speaking culture where they will practice listening and speaking.

After the internship, students will go to California for a month to further their development their language skills.

“All of the staff members have really helped me improve my English,” said Haruka Fukuchi, 18th FSS intern. “It has been hard but I have learned a lot from them.”

• Date Taken: 08.25.2016
• Date Posted: 08.25.2016 02:46
• Story ID: 208097
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP