Iqbal Thaheem

In the classroom

Which course are you studying in?

Academic Intensive Japanese Program

What were you doing before you came to Yamasa?

I was living in Dubai in the Arab Emirates with my wife and 3 children. It was a diplomatic posting to the Pakistan consulate there. I was the commercial attache for 3 years.

Did you start as a beginner?

Yes I was an absolute beginner. AIUEO... We started with Hiragana and Katakana which we learnt surprisingly quickly.

Why did you decide to study Japanese? What was the motivation?

I had always liked Japan and had done a lot of travel here. Its a country I've always liked visiting - similarly with the UK. I am hoping to get my next assignment in Japan so to prepare and give myself a better chance I decided to learn as much as I can about the language and culture. I'd like to get the position of commercial attache to the embassy in Tokyo.

How long have you been a diplomat?

Not so long really. I started my career as a medical doctor and then I began teaching at med school - mostly teaching medical sciences, physiology etc. I was an academic for some 6 years. Then I decided to take the "Competive exam for central superior services" - its a kind elite bureaucrat school that anyone who wishes to enter the senior public service in Pakistan had to enter. There were only 120 positions and some 10,000 or so applicants so I was pretty lucky and relieved to get through OK. I then worked in the federal government offices and started working in export promotion. Thats when I first started coming to Japan. For exhibitions and so on. And then I was posted to Dubai - a major regional trading hub for us - to the consulate there. After 3 years I applied for this study leave.

How long have you been at Yamasa?

About 7 months now.

Is this the first time you have lived in Japan?

Yes it is. My longest visit previous to this was back in 1995 - a visit of about 20 days or so. So this is my first long duration stay.

What are you plans after graduation?

I'm going to be heading back to Pakistan when my leave expires. I guess my next assignment will be with the commerce ministry or foreign affairs ministry. And as I said I'm hoping to get a posting to Tokyo.

Where are you living at the moment?

I'm living in the Residence U apartments.

What is your accommodation like?

Its quite comfortable, everything I need is there. Its good having a private shower. Noise can be a problem... when my neighbour starts playing his stereo with the bass turned right up you realize how the walls are thin. Some cable TV would be nice. Also its a little bit far for me to walk.

How do you get to classes?

I come by bike. Getting here is great - I'm here in 5 minutes. But the incline on the way back is a challenge. Its not a hill but the slope is steep enough for me. Takes 5 minutes to get here. 15 minutes for me to get back. I'm not the fittest man in the program thats for sure!

What is the biggest challenge or problem you've faced so far in Japan?

Speaking Japanese everyday. I've found it hard to communicate - especially in the beginning. Also I'm not a great cook and so I find I eat out a little bit too much. This can be a problem as the food is quite different from what I'm used too. Not as spicy.
The main challenge is being alone. My family isn't here so I don't get to see the children. I have 3 kids aged 10, 3 and 1-1/2 so I miss them. My wife is also a medical doctor and she is halfway through the her specialization course in gynaecology at Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in London. It is a difficult course and I would like to be able to support her as well, but I need to maximize the use of this study leave.

Any surprises you would like to share?

I'll never forget the experience of opening a very small door on a street and finding a whole world inside! The conceptual difference between inside and outside. Insider and Outsider etc. I was also surprised at how difficult it could be for Japanese people to open up sometimes.

If a new student was entering your class today and asked for some advice, what would you say?

I would say that you need to make an effort to get over the barriers - both cultural and language. I found it hard at times. But you need to constantly expose yourself to the culture. Its a very different language and the writing system is complicated - so you need to do a lot of study. If the new student was my age then I guess I'd also mention that some of the teachers are very young. Well educated and experienced but young so they have a different outlook on things. Also the Student Services staff are very friendly, very helpful so make use of them and concentrate on your studies.