M.A. in Japanese from The University of Massachusetts Amherst
B.A. in International Relations from DePaul University
Nine years teaching and translating experience
My name is Jeffrey Salazar and I have been teaching Japanese since 2015. I have successfully taught dozens of students of all ages. Being a native English speaker fluent in Japanese enables me to anticipate the needs of an English-speaking student, intuitively recognizing their particular misunderstandings better than most native Japanese speakers. In my opinion, a teacher fluent in English is essential for beginner and intermediate students of Japanese. See this video for more information on this concept.
I obtained a B.A. in International Relation from DePaul University in 2014 and an M.A. in Japanese from University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2021, where my thesis research was focused on Japanese city pop, vaporwave, and nostalgia. You can read it here.
During my final year of undergrad, I lived with a Japanese family in Chiba, Japan while attending Kanda University of International Studies. During this time I was employed at Tomioka Hachiman Shinto Shrine where I learned about Shinto, calligraphy, and the Japanese work environment. After graduating, I spent one year living in Harajuku, Tokyo attending Kai Japanese Language School where I furthered my language skills and studied translation with a private tutor.
I first began assisting language students in 2013 while I lived in Japan. I found the challenging nature of tutoring exciting and since moving back to the states, I have made teaching Japanese my full-time career. I have translated over 30,000 words as a freelance translator and as part of my thesis research. Before becoming a full-time teacher, I also worked part-time at a Japanese ramen shop in Atlanta.
My fascination with Japan goes far beyond language-learning. I have spent a great deal of time studying Japanese film and religion in an academic setting. I also have deep interests in Japanese architecture, cuisine, and music, and often incorporate these and other elements of Japanese culture into my students' lessons. Past lessons have included origami, calligraphy, and cooking instruction. I look forward to getting to know you and assisting you in your journey of language acquisition.
Testimonials:
"He took the time to get to know us, and designed his curriculum and lessons around our particular needs as a family...Jeffrey is an outstanding, competent, caring, professional instructor whom we cannot recommend highly enough." -Manuel S.
"Jeff Salazar has been my language teacher for several months. I am now traveling in Japan and realize how much I have learned from him in terms of language skills as well as culture. It has been the perfect preparation! Jeff's style of teaching is friendly, efficient and useful. As someone who studies other languages, I know an excellent teacher and he is one." - Lucinda P.
"Jeff has been tutoring my son in Japanese for several months. My son enjoys the lessons very much and is making very good progress." - Lanta B.
"I have been with Jeff for the past few months now and it has been great. I enjoy how he explains and teaches the language in a way that isn't dry. There are many supplements to the textbook that help me understand the language and the culture such as videos, articles, tv shows, and even games. I highly recommend him as a Japanese teacher." -Rachit K.