This month, we're showing off a member of our SAF Japan office: Saiko Hirano.
Saiko is our Lead University Relations & Student Counseling Manager, instrumental in guiding students through every step of their study abroad journey. From recommending the perfect program within one-on-one counseling to adjusting program offerings to meet university requirements—her work is centered around supporting our Japanese students in a big way.
Her own global experiences include an internship in Australia and a memorable solo adventure in Shanghai, both of which ignited her passion for empowering students.
Dive in to discover what else inspires Saiko's dedication, and get a glimpse of her life inside and outside her work.
Explain your role at SAF and how you interact with students and/or how are you a part of a student’s journey in studying abroad.
At SAF, I assist students before they apply to SAF programs. I provide one-on-one counseling to understand each student’s goals and suggest universities and programs that best suit their needs. I take the lead in adapting how our team provides program information to better suit the characteristics and needs of Japanese students.
Additionally, I work closely with Japanese universities to support students’ study abroad experiences. This includes organizing SAF information sessions and adjusting our program offerings to meet each university’s specific needs.
What inspired you to work in the study abroad industry?
Before joining SAF, I spent time in Australia on a working holiday and did an internship at an English language school in Sydney.
While working there, I had the opportunity to closely observe how international students grew not only in their language skills but also in confidence and independence during their study abroad experience.
That experience inspired me and showed me how powerful and meaningful studying abroad can be. It made me want to support students on their own journeys, and that's what led me to join SAF.
What’s your favorite hobby or activity outside of work?
Lately, I’ve been really into watching baseball. I became interested in it after Japan team won the WBC in 2023. Sometimes I go to night games after work. Now, many Japanese players are doing well in MLB. One of my goals is to watch Shohei Ohtani play in the U.S. someday.
What’s the most memorable trip you’ve ever taken?
The most memorable trip I’ve ever taken was my first solo trip to Shanghai.
I was enjoying the beautiful night view so much that I missed the last train back to my hotel. I had to take a taxi, but when I looked for one, I was surrounded by unlicensed drivers who asked for very high prices.
I didn’t speak Chinese and they didn’t understand English, so I didn’t know what to do.
Then, a local person who spoke English helped me. They found a taxi with a fair price and even came with me to the hotel to make sure I got back safely. I was really touched by their kindness.
What has been the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how much students have grown after they return from studying abroad.
At our annual Alumni Party, where many returnees gather, I met those I spoke with counseling sessions before their departure. When I see how confident they’ve become, it really makes me feel that studying abroad was a great experience for them. I also find myself looking forward to their future with excitement.
I also feel rewarded during the counseling sessions. When students tell me, “I feel even more motivated to study abroad after talking with you,” it makes me truly happy and proud to support them. I hope to continue finding this kind of fulfillment in my work moving forward.
What’s your favorite thing about working in the Japan office?
Since we usually work remotely, we don’t often get the chance to see each other in person at the Japan Office. That’s why, whenever we have a chance to gather, we always enjoy spending time together—often over a meal.
Not long ago, we rented a space with a kitchen, and Brett cooked his special curry for everyone. Other team members also brought homemade dishes, and we had a great time playing board games together.
Being able to build good relationships outside of work is one of my favorite things about working in the Japan Office.
What’s a common question or concern students have, and how do you address it?
One common question students often ask is, “Can I change my host family if it doesn’t work out?”
Many Japanese students tend to avoid expressing dissatisfaction and try to endure uncomfortable situations. As a result, some reach their limit and suddenly request to change their host family.
To prevent this, I advise students during one-on-one counseling sessions about the importance of expressing their feelings clearly. I tell them that open communication with their host family can often lead to positive changes, so it’s better to speak up rather than keep their concerns to themselves.
If you could study abroad, where would you go and why?
At SAF, I introduce many study abroad programs, but the one that interests me most is “Italian Food Culture and Sustainability in Rome” offered by IES Roma Center.
One reason is that I used to study Italian and have always been interested in Italy. It’s also a popular short-term program among Japanese students, and when I see the photos and videos the students share, I start thinking, “I wish I could take time off work and join too!”
The program includes visits to local farms to learn about fresh vegetables and even a visit to a café inside a prison that supports people returning to society. It’s full of unique and meaningful experiences, and I would really love to try it myself.
What’s one thing you always keep on your desk or in your workspace?
I always keep a houseplant near my desk and enjoy watching it grow a little each day as I work!
What does the 25th anniversary of this organization mean to you?
I have worked at SAF for 9 years and have been through many things, including COVID. It was a hard time when we couldn’t send students abroad.
But with support from IES and the collective effort of the SAF team, we got through those challenges together. I also feel that SAF has become a stronger and more trusted organization than before.
Because of all these experiences, the 25th anniversary feels especially meaningful to me.
How have you seen the organization grow or change over the years?
One change I’ve really noticed is that we now have more chances to communicate with the Korea and China teams. It’s very interesting to learn how they promote programs in their countries, and I’ve learned a lot from them.
I was also happy to meet Suyeon from Korea and Kate from HQ in person when they came to Japan. I even visited the Korea office myself during a trip and had a great time meeting the team.
I hope we can keep building these cross-office connections in the future.
