Greg Duggan at the OCENET offices
by Dahlia Liwsze, Administrative Assistant
What started out as an “adventure” by teaching in Japan was instrumental to paving the way for a career in education for OCENET’s Greg Duggan.
“My plan was to spend one year abroad and make enough money to pay down some of my student debt. As it turned out, I stayed longer than that,” said the Director of Studies, High School Foundations & Student Success at OCENET.
Duggan moved to Japan in January 1998 shortly after completing his undergraduate studies and lived there for over five and a half years.
Upon first arriving in Japan his first job involved assisting Japanese employees to develop their English conversational skills at different companies. Greg then went on to teach in a variety of educational settings, which included everything from kindergarten to university.
“One of the best things about teaching overseas was that it was fun. I really enjoyed the pace of life in Osaka, working with students of all ages and abilities, and the fantastic cultural and travel opportunities that came my way during that period of my life.”
Duggan’s educational background includes Bachelor degrees in English Literature and Education and a Masters degree in Education. He has been an important member of the OCENET team since April 2010.
In his words, “I think I’m more open-minded and sensitive to how our cultural backgrounds shape our perspectives, priorities, and personalities from having spent the time abroad.”