Part of Coto World’s overarching mission is to support language learners throughout their journey in Japan, no matter where they start. In 2023, this vision expanded through the launch of Coto School Finder, a study abroad service that helps people apply for language schools across Japan, not just at Coto Academy.
Momoko Oura of Coto School Finder’s Operations Division has a background as varied as the students she supports. From her roots in Japanese retail to her time living in Canada and Brazil, Momoko brings genuine empathy and a knack for problem-solving to every interaction.
Read on to hear Momoko’s journey and what she has learned about the freedom to innovate and the rewards that come with helping others take their next big step.
Hello, Momoko-san! Please introduce yourself!
I studied abroad in Canada for one year and then stayed for an additional year on a Working Holiday visa. After returning to Japan, I also spent three months in Brazil, where I was exposed to a variety of cultures and perspectives.
I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself and immersing myself in different cultures, and I feel that these international experiences continue to influence and benefit my work today.
What does a Coordinator at Coto School Finder do?
As a Coordinator at Coto School Finder, my role is to help students who want to study Japanese in Japan long-term find the school that best matches their goals and needs.
I carefully listen to each student’s objectives, , a good match between the parties and minimize and asever-changing environment shaped by seasons and trends, and I found it rewarding to provide personalized recommendations tailored towhether that’s pursuing higher education, finding employment, or building a life in Japan—and work together with them to identify the most suitable language school. I also collaborate closely with schools to ensure there is a good match between both parties and to minimize any potential misunderstandings or mismatches.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My daily schedule generally looks like this:
9:00–10:00
Respond to inquiries, check and reply to emails, review communications from students and schools
10:00–12:00
Student consultations and counseling sessions, application document reviews
12:00–13:00
Lunch break
13:00–14:00
Internal meetings and discussions with partner schools
14:00–18:00
Student consultations, document reviews, communication with schools, and planning or preparing events
My work centers around supporting students, while also coordinating with schools and organizing events. Because I help guide students through important life decisions, I make it a priority to give each person the time and attention they deserve.
Could you tell us a little about your background?
Before joining Coto, I worked as a retail associate in the fashion industry while I was a student.
I enjoyed the constantly changing environment driven by seasons and trends, and I found it rewarding to provide personalized recommendations based on each customer’s needs.
At university, I majored in Sociology, where I studied a wide range of topics related to society and human behavior. Through those studies, I discovered how much satisfaction I get from helping people and improving their experiences.
I also had experience teaching Japanese, which strengthened my desire to interact with people from different countries and share Japanese culture. These experiences inspired me to support international students coming to Japan, ultimately leading me to my current role in student consulting.
What is Coto School Finder’s overarching goal?movesits valuing ofstudied abroad or lived
I believe our primary goal is to serve as a bridge to our students’ futures.
At first glance, we may seem like a typical study-abroad agency that introduces students to language schools. However, at Coto School Finder, we take the time to understand each student’s long-term goals—what they want to do after graduating—and help them find the best path to achieve those goals.
Another unique aspect of our team is its international diversity. Many of our staff members have lived abroad or have extensive cross-cultural experience. Because of this, we do much more than simply recommend schools; we also help students navigate cultural differences and integrate smoothly into Japanese communities.
What made you decide to join Coto?
One of the biggest reasons was the atmosphere. Both the staff and students genuinely enjoy learning and working, and I felt that Coto encourages employees to challenge themselves and pursue new opportunities.
The School Finder business also resonated with me because of my own study abroad experiences and my background in teaching Japanese.
I wanted to support people who are taking an important new step in their lives, while also using the knowledge and perspective I have as a Japanese person. That’s what led me to this field and to supporting students in making educational decisions.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I feel the greatest sense of fulfillment when students are able to enroll in a school that aligns with their goals and move forward confidently toward their future.
Being involved in such an important decision in a student’s life and helping support that process is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
Although submitting application documents may seem straightforward, the process can be quite complex due to varying school requirements and changes in immigration regulations. In these situations, I focus on making information as clear and understandable as possible while also addressing students’ deeper concerns and anxieties.
One particularly memorable experience was when a student personally visited me and brought sweets from their home country as a token of appreciation. Seeing their smile in person reminded me why I love this work and made me truly grateful for the opportunity to support students.
What is Coto’s company culture like?
I feel that Coto truly embodies the philosophy of “Enjoy working, Enjoy life.”
One of the company’s greatest strengths is that it values each individual’s unique talents and personality, while providing opportunities for everyone to make the most of their strengths.
Because of this supportive environment, I’ve developed greater confidence and ownership in my work, which directly contributes to the quality of support I provide to students.
When people feel safe to take on challenges, they’re naturally motivated to deliver better service. I believe that’s what enables us to provide truly personalized support to every student.
How has the Coto School Finder service evolved over time?
I believe Coto School Finder has evolved beyond simply providing study-abroad support and now focuses much more on helping students shape their future.
Today, we play a role that is closer to that of a life advisor, helping students think not only about language study but also about their future education and career opportunities.
A major change has been our increased emphasis on understanding what students genuinely want to achieve and helping them make the best choices to reach those goals.
Because many of our staff members have personal experience studying abroad or living overseas, we can provide practical, real-world guidance based on firsthand experience.
What kind of person are you?
People often describe me as cheerful and approachable.
I enjoy meeting and interacting with new people, and I tend to adapt quickly to new environments.
What are your hobbies?
One of my hobbies is staying active. While I’m not particularly skilled at ball sports, I participated in cheerleading throughout both high school and university.
I also enjoy gel nail art and look forward to changing my nail designs every month to match my mood and interests.
Traveling abroad is another passion of mine. I love trying new things and experiencing different cultures and perspectives. In the future, I’d like to visit countries I’ve never been to before and continue expanding my understanding of the world.
Finally, do you have a message for people considering studying abroad or future team members?
If you’re unsure about which school is right for you, we’d love to hear your story.
Whether it’s your concerns, uncertainties, excitement, or dreams about studying abroad, please feel free to share them with us. Based on your individual situation and goals, we’ll work together to create the study plan that suits you best.
For those considering joining Coto, it’s a workplace that values initiative and believes in each employee’s potential and strengths. If you enjoy working with people and are eager to take on new challenges, I think you’ll find it to be a highly rewarding environment.
Ready to join us?
At Coto World, we’re always looking for people who believe in the power of language to change lives. If you’re excited about creating meaningful experiences for Japanese learners worldwide, explore our open roles or reach out. We’d love to hear from you.
