Pre-reading questions:
- Would you be interested in working abroad? Please explain your answer.
- What are the challenges of working away from your family/home country?
Around 600 young Vietnamese students are studying Japanese language and culture, bracing themselves to become technical interns in Japan. Most of the students hail from rural areas of Vietnam. The majority of foreign workers in Japan are Vietnamese since Vietnam promotes export of labor while providing employment to its citizens.
Despite the multiple benefits of this project, many foreign trainees suddenly disappear upon dispatch. Some companies committed labor violations such as non-payment of wages so trainees end up fleeing. Other interns have difficulty in maintaining their lifestyle while staying in Japan so they usually return home. Interns say that studying while working is not enough to cover payables.
Vocabulary:
brace – prepare oneself
intern – a student gaining practical work experience
hail – be a native of
dispatch – send away towards a specific goal
payable – unpaid fees
Comprehension Questions:
- How many Vietnamese students study Japanese?
- Why do Vietnamese students study Japanese language and culture?
- How did Vietnam contribute to Japan’s labor force?
- Why did some foreign trainees flee?
- What made some interns return home?
Express Your Opinion:
- Do you think the project between Vietnam and Japan is beneficial? Please explain your answer.
- Do you think maintaining lifestyle overseas require hard work? Please explain your answer.
- What do you think about foreign workers in your country? Please explain your answer.
- What do you think about natives of your country working abroad? Please explain your answer.
- What do you think are the benefits of studying a different language and culture? Please explain your answer.