Lisa Hodge, mother of Erin Hodge, talks about her daughter’s Japanese Immersion program at Great Falls Elementary in Virginia


I originally enrolled my daughter in Japanese Immersion, not so much for the language experience, but because I felt having a network of the same friends over many years would be beneficial for her. I was right – she has made wonderful friendships. What I didn’t anticipate was how much she would enjoy learning about the language and culture. Because of her positive experience, I enrolled her three brothers in Japanese Immersion as well, and they have all had wonderful experiences.

Having four of my children study Japanese has been a positive experience for the whole family. It has created a global awareness that I think we would have missed without the Immersion experience. My children are much more in tune with issues concerning Asia, and I think it helps all of us better understand how cultures can vary in large degreeswhile their ultimate goals are usually similar. My children have had the opportunity to visit Japan. Visiting the country where you have studied the language is an awesome experience for a child. It helps to give purpose and understanding to the language, and motivates them to continue mastering the language. Having mastery of the language and culture, especially a language as unique as Japanese, helps differentiate students when they are competing against others – for example; for scholarships, or college admission.

Enrolling a child in Japanese Immersion at a young age is a “leap of faith”. It is unique, and can initially be daunting. But the experience is very powerful for a young child. It empowers them to believe in themselves, and gain confidence. They feel if they can learn Japanese, they are capable of learning anything! Studies show, and I have witnessed through my own children, that studying Japanese at a young age helps children in other areas, such as math, strategy games, and artistic abilities. I really believe my children would not possess many of their strengths without the benefit of Japanese language study.

(February 2010)