A year in Japan as part of his studies has USC graduate Levi Ormiston of Caboolture excited about returning there in July for a new job.

The 29-year-old last week graduated with an Arts degree, majoring in both Japanese and Journalism, and is looking forward to working as an English teacher for the Japanese Exchange Teaching Programme.

“The program will see me placed in schools anywhere from elementary to high school to work alongside Japanese English teachers,” Levi said.

“My job will be to help teachers in their classes and give students the chance to practise their English skills with a native speaker. I’m pretty thrilled as this is something I’ve wanted to do since before starting my degree.”

Levi left Morayfield State High School in Year 11, then worked in manufacturing, hospitality and retail. Once he heard about USC’s Japanese language program and relaxed campus atmosphere, he was keen to sign up.

“My Japanese teachers were absolutely amazing and helped make my experience something I’ll remember fondly for the rest of my life,” Levi said.

“And on a busy day, it was nice to go outside and take in the rich greenery of the campus.

“Through the USC Japanese program, I was able to complete a year of language studies at Nagoya University of Foreign Studies in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where I learned the value of hands-on experience in language education.”

Levi says his new skills and understanding will help him create an engaging learning experience for his students.

“My language abilities are a great asset and I find, thanks to journalism, I am able to more confidently approach people and build a rapport. My four years at USC taught me so much, and it wasn’t all in the classroom,” he said.

Applications are open to study at USC.