We interview Khögjilt Otgongerel and Dagvatseren Shürentsetseg, who are from Mongolia and live in Ibaraki prefecture.
Khögjilt Otgongerel ・Country of origin : Mongolia ・Year of arrival in Japan : 2020 ・Status of residence : Technical Intern Trainee ・Japanese skill : N3 Dagvatseren Shürentsetseg ・Country of origin : Mongolia ・Year of arrival in Japan : 2020 ・Status of residence : Technical Intern Trainee ・Japanese skill : N4
Interview
Why did you come to Japan? What made you decide to come to Japan?
I came to Japan to learn Japanese culture and tradition.
After hearing from my cousin, I decided to come to Japan to learn Japanese culture.
What sparked your interest in becoming a care worker?
As a care worker you always interact with people. There is so much to learn from doing so.
I like to take care of the elders.
What makes you feel rewarded and happy about doing care work?
I have a deep respect for Care workers. Because care work gives a chance to understand people.
I like to listening to the life stories of the elders and spending quality times.
What are the good points about the nursing care facility you are currently working in?
The place where I work supports the aspects of others, and have professional workers and clean environment.
If I don’t understand, my co-workers teaches me.
What are the good points about the region you are currently living in?
Moriya is comfortable, safe and clean place. There is a park, so it’s nice to take a walk after work.
Moriya is a quiet and comfortable environment.
What are the most impressive memories and episodes of your life in Japan?
At the ARMS center, I’ve met people from many countries, with different cultures. I’ve got acquainted with new cultures in a new environment.
I really enjoy visiting Japan’s monuments.
What makes you happy about working as a care worker?
The people who greet and smiles at me politely every day.
Exercise time is a lot of fun.
What was your first experience working as a care worker?
The most important thing is teamwork.
I learned to work according to instructions.
Did you find any nursing care work to be difficult?
I think the hardest thing is not being able to understand others.
It is difficult to lift and transfer people.
Have you ever been praised by a user of the nursing care facility? What kind of words did they use to praise you?
I have been praised by users for my politeness.
I like the word “Thank you”.
After working as a care worker, has the image of nursing care service changed?
Almost none.
I become to understand other people.
After working as a care worker is there anything from that experience which you find useful to your life?
I’ve learned that empathy and flexibility are the most important things.
I become more serious.
What are your goals and dreams for the future?
My current goal is to reach the N1 level of Japanese and speak fluently.
I intend to apply what I have learned from Japan to Mongolia.
What is your message to those who are thinking of being a care worker in Japan?
I want you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and do the job sincerely.
Because it requires to communicate with Japanese people every day, your Japanese will improve. So I suggest you to do care work.
How did you study Japanese and care work?
Before coming to Japan, I’ve studied Japanese for 6 months in Mongolia.
I’ve studied Japanese for 6 months in Mongolia.
How long have you been studying Japanese since you came to Japan?
The organization taught me Japanese for 1 year.
The organization taught me Japanese for 1 year.
What do you think is difficult to study Japanese?
The most difficult thing of Japanese is homonyms.
Japanese kanji.
What are some ideas and tips for improving Japanese language skills quickly?
To translate a small amount of text everyday.
It is better to do things one step at a time.
What was difficult about studying for the care work?
The most difficult part is transferring facility users.
It was difficult to remember the name of all the tools.
Was there any difficulty getting information about nursing care jobs once you learned about the jobs but before arriving in Japan? How did you resolve this problem?
There is nothing to worry about if you stick to the instruction.
When I first arrived in Japan, it was a little difficult for me to work because of my poor care work experience and Japanese language skill. I’ve improved my language capability by studying step by step every day.
What do you do on your days off?
Although it is difficult to visit somewhere far away because of COVID-19, I go shopping in my neighborhood as much as possible.
I try to relax as much as possible. Also, I try to spend time on self-development.
What is your favorite Japanese food?
I like sashimi.
I like yaki-niku and tempra.
What do you feel is very different between your country and Japan?
People are different in terms of longevity.
The climate is very different from Mongolia. Japan is warm and Mongolia is cold.
Where is your favorite scenic spot in Ibaraki?
I think the most beautiful place in Ibaraki is Okukuji.
I love Oarai aquarium (Aqua World Oarai). I saw the ocean for the first time.
What advice would you give to people in your own country who are thinking about coming to Japan?
Before coming to Japan, I would encourage you to learn the culture and Japanese language well.
Achieve your goals. Study well. Make your dreams come true.
Contents: