Laurus Alumni: Discovering English Opened the Door to the World

As Laurus celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, we are delighted to share the story of Kent, a graduate of our Nishimagome Preschool, whose early experiences at Laurus helped shape his academic journey and future aspirations.

For Kent, Laurus was where he first encountered English in a meaningful way.

"Laurus was the first place where I was truly exposed to English. It was there that I discovered the joy of learning the language and developed an interest in the wider world."

That early exposure inspired him to pursue opportunities beyond Japan. During secondary school, he spent three and a half years studying in New Zealand before going on to read International Liberal Arts at university.

His passion for languages continued to grow.

"Learning English gave me the confidence to take on new challenges. At university, I studied French as a third language and achieved Level 2 of the French Language Proficiency Test. Looking back, my time at Laurus provided the foundation for my study abroad experience, my university studies, and my willingness to learn new languages."

Today, Kent is a postgraduate student specialising in Data Science and hopes to apply his expertise within the healthcare sector in the future.

"My curiosity and willingness to try new things stem, in many ways, from my experiences at Laurus. As part of my research, I regularly read academic papers in English and engage with information from around the world. Growing up in an environment where English felt natural and accessible continues to benefit my studies today."

When asked what message he would like to share with current and future Laurus students, Kent offered this advice:

"Don't make improving your English your only goal. Enjoy the many experiences Laurus has to offer, stay curious, and take an interest in a wide variety of things. English will develop naturally along the way. Treasure the experiences and friendships you make at Laurus, and never be afraid to challenge yourself."

Kent's journey demonstrates that learning English can be much more than acquiring a language. It can spark curiosity, encourage lifelong learning, and open doors to opportunities across the globe. His story is a wonderful example of how a Laurus education continues to inspire students long after they leave the classroom.