An Interview with Lanie Sensei

1. What inspired you to establish a foreign language school in the Philippines?

Well, actually, Sensei, initially, LVG was intended for Nihongo teachers. Ang original plan ko talaga was to establish a school that would develop competent Japanese language teachers. Kasi, at that time, ang need sa Manila for Japanese teachers was quite high, but many of them had very limited teaching backgrounds. So naisip ko na magkaroon ng structured training program para mas maayos at professional ang pagtuturo nila.

However, when I started, aside from the teachers who enrolled in my programs, marami rin ang nagtatanong kung puwede silang mag-aral ng Japanese language. At first, ako lang ang nagtuturo, pero dahil dumami nang dumami ang enrollees, naisipan kong magdagdag ng teachers. Then, little by little, I also introduced other foreign languages, especially during the pandemic. So, doon talaga nagsimula ang LVG.

2. How did your personal and professional experiences prepare you for this venture, particularly in establishing and sustaining a business?

More than my educational background, my number one motivation is really my love for learning. Personally, mahilig din akong magbasa, and most of the books I read are about personal advancement, curriculum and instruction, and business.

I like applying the theories and ideas I learn from these books, so I guess that became one of the connecting factors that prepared me for this venture.

Also, my professional background in foreign language teaching motivated me to start this business. At that time, hindi pa saturated ang market, so there was less competition.

3. What were the most important steps in turning your vision into a functioning school?

Hard work. Nothing beats this one!

I realized that turning a vision into reality means being willing to experience the ups and downs of running a business. Hindi ka dapat madaling sumuko, especially during those times when everything seems hopeless.

You always have to remind yourself that this business has been entrusted to you, kaya dapat paghusayan mo at galingan. You have to take responsibility for it and give your best.

4. What were your biggest financial, operational, and regulatory challenges?

Naku, napakarami! Especially when I was just starting because I didn't have enough funds for rent, teachers' salaries, and other overhead expenses. But eventually, I learned to explore different ways of raising funds to keep the business running.

In terms of operations, I would say one of my greatest challenges is handling both clients and teachers. Siyempre, magkakaiba tayo ng perspectives, so whenever a problem arises, I need to evaluate the situation carefully before making a decision.

I guess my people skills have really been developed and strengthened because of my experience with LVG.

5. How do you balance educational quality with business sustainability, particularly when it comes to teaching standards and market demand?

Well, malaking tulong sa akin na I am also part of the academe because I get to apply in my business the seminars, life skills, contemporary methods, and approaches that I learn from my academic work. Two birds with one stone talaga!

I also attend various seminars related to foreign language teaching so I can keep myself updated on market demands and the latest trends and developments in language education.

6. What distinguishes your school's teaching approach from those of its competitors?

Very hands-on kami. That's the approach we practice at LVG when dealing with our clients. We are very sensitive to the needs of our students and customers.

As the administrator, I also make it a point to be fair in my decision-making, especially when resolving problems between teachers and clients. I think this is one of the things that sets us apart from other schools.

Even our teachers are proactive and involved in making sure that our students receive the best possible learning experience.

7. What factors drive the demand for foreign language education among Filipinos?

Iba-iba talaga, because students have different objectives and reasons for learning a foreign language.

However, based on what I've observed, most of our enrollees are studying languages for employment purposes. The second most common reason is to qualify for a study visa, while others simply want to learn a foreign language for personal interest or pleasure.

So, the demand really varies depending on the years of operation and the changing needs of our students.

8. How do you ensure that your students' learning translates into practical skills and career opportunities?

We offer ladderized courses. This means that after completing one course or level, students have the option to enroll in the next level so they can continue developing their language proficiency.

We also encourage them to take proficiency examinations so they can include their qualifications in their resumes.

Aside from that, we offer study-to-work programs through our partner agencies. This gives our students an opportunity to pursue employment after successfully passing the required level examinations.

That's how we make sure that their time, effort, and investment in studying at LVG will not go to waste.

9. How has your school made a difference in the lives of its students?

Many of our graduates have already reached the countries they once dreamed of visiting and have found employment there.

Marami na sa kanila ang nakarating at nakapagtrabaho na sa mga bansang matagal na nilang pinapangarap. So, language education has truly served its purpose in their lives. It has become a bridge that connects them to opportunities and helps them achieve their dreams.

10. How are technology and artificial intelligence changing your business?

Well, since we offer online classes, technology has been a tremendous help in delivering our language programs.

Through online learning, we can now reach students even in other countries. They can study foreign languages right in the comfort of their own homes, regardless of where they are.

Technology has made us more comfortable and efficient in delivering our services, and it has allowed us to reach a much wider audience.

11. What are your plans for the school's future?

Our long-term goal is to become the leading language school in the metro. We also want to establish more partnerships with companies and universities so we can reach and serve a wider community.

Fortunately, these goals are gradually becoming a reality, and we are taking steps toward achieving them.

12. What advice would you give to aspiring teacher-entrepreneurs?

First of all, establishing a business is easy, but maintaining it is a completely different story.

You should not only be prepared for challenges but also be willing to learn from every stage and every episode of running a business. More than just being willing to face difficulties, you must learn how to create opportunities out of the many setbacks that will come your way.

Again, having a business is not for the faint-hearted. It takes a lot of perseverance, dedication, and commitment to achieve your goals.