Niki Sugiyama

Niki Sugiyama was born and raised in Yokohama, a large city on Tokyo

Bay that was considered Japan’s first port town for western countries.

“Because of this, we have had the impact of American culture,” she said. “There is a huge American base, too. The soldiers and their families and local people live together and create kind of an ‘Amenese’ culture. I was familiar with Burger Kings (this chain was located only inside of the base when I was a kid, even though we had a ton of MacDonald’s shops!), watching ‘Ninja tortoise’ and NBA games. … I have watched NBA games since I was 11 years old, so I can say that I have been an NBA fan for 13 years.”

She dreamed of attending a live NBA game and got her chance last semester. “We went to Milwaukee to watch the Bucks vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers,” she said. “It is still hard for me to explain how I felt when I saw super stars that stood in front of me. They were the people who existed only in the TV world for me until that time.”

Niki’s motivation to learn English was connected to her deep interest of American culture in general, she said. “I started to like learning it because I dreamed of talking with Michael Jordan some day!” she said. “The cultural interest can be such a strong motivation for language learners.”

She sees that in her own students here at Carthage. “They always ask me what is going on in my country,” she said. “In such a moment, I feel so happy and I am proud of them. I really hope all of my students can have an experience that I could have in Japan.”

Meet the TLEs

Julien Berteraut
"Coming here was a way for me to learn about the American culture, improve my listening and speaking skills, and be in an environment where I could learn from others."

Audrey Dehdouh
"I am currently teaching French at Carthage and studying to complete a Master's in General Education."

Nozomi Fukazawa
"I'm really enjoying meeting people who have a different background from mine, and having precious experiences with them here."

Carolin Hellwig
"My experiences in Kenosha are so far wonderful: working with amazing people, living with international friends, and the life as a teacher as well as student is incredible."

Martina Hunkler
"I am very happy to be here and I would not want to miss this experience for sack of gold or a plate of German Spätzle!"

Claudia Rodriguez
"Living with people of six different countries has enriched my perspective about the world."

Miguel Rojo
TLE Miguel Rojo came to the United States immediately after finishing school, eager to learn more about American life.

Sergio Salazar
"I became a teacher four years ago and found the reward I never thought to find in a job. Indeed teaching is both my profession and my hobby."

Miguel Ángel Santos
Miguel said he's grateful to be doing what he enjoys most: combining traveling, languages, culture sharing, and teaching.

Niki Sugiyama
Niki was motivated to learn English by American culture. "I dreamed of talking with Michael Jordan some day!" she said.

Ruth Solarte
"My wish is that when the students leave the classroom, they feel that they have acquired more than the Spanish basics.”

Shuhong Zhao
Shuhong Zhao, from Beijing, China, is in the United States for the first time and is teaching Chinese 101.