Can volunteers replace professional language teachers in Japan?
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 8-Jun-2026 06:16 ET (8-Jun-2026 10:16 GMT/UTC)
Language education plays a key role in helping foreign residents settle into society. However, Japan heavily relies on volunteers for it. New research conducted at Doshisha University investigates how volunteer-led Japanese classes function within national policies and local realities. Using policy analysis and on-field research, the study reveals that this reliance results in a “semi-professional” teaching environment that not only influences learning outcomes but may also limit the potential of volunteers and foreign residents.
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