Natsuko Buurstra

Natsuko Buurstra is a Lecturer of Japanese at Rutgers University, specializing in Japanese language education and cultural exchange. She has extensive experience teaching Japanese from elementary to college levels across the U.S. and Japan.

• Education: BA in Japanese Language and Literature from Waseda University (Japan), MA in Secondary and Adult Education from Grand Valley State University (Michigan)

Her research and teaching interests focus on Japanese language pedagogy, East Asian studies, and cultural integration through programs like AP Japanese and international sister-school partnerships. She previously developed Japanese programs at Matamoras High School, Grand Valley State University, and military institutions.

Professional highlights include: founding the Asian Festival community event, establishing a sister-school relationship with Izumigaoka High School (Kanazawa, Japan), and transitioning from corporate middle management in Japan to education. Notably, she incorporates cultural elements like wearing kimonos into classroom teaching.