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Connecting with Students Worldwide and Learning English in the Classroom? It's Possible with HelloWorld!
It’s not just a stereotype, Japanese students struggle to speak English. An article published by the Mainichi reports that, in the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index, Japan ranks 92nd out of 117 countries and 16th out of 23 Asian nations.
Why do Japanese students find it so challenging to speak English, and what can be done to help them improve?
One solution comes from HelloWorld, a Japanese startup dedicated to helping students learn English and connect with peers worldwide. Founded in 2020, HelloWorld has since partnered with over 500 schools in 40 countries, including 140 schools in Taiwan, reaching more than 160,000 students. Through a blend of innovative technology, cultural experiences, and international connections, HelloWorld makes learning English more interactive and impactful.
How Japan’s School System Makes It Hard for Students to Learn English
So, why do so many Japanese students struggle with speaking English? According to Hikari Nonaka, the co-founder of HelloWorld, Japan’s English education system focuses too much on exams and not enough on real-life language use. Even with programs like the Assistant English Teacher (AET) system, which brings foreign teachers into classrooms, students often don’t engage with the language outside of class.
“In class, English is often seen as just a tool to pass exams,” Hikari Nonaka explains. “We want to change that by helping students see English as a way to explore the world and learn about different cultures.”
To solve this, HelloWorld offers two key services:
The first service is a Speaking Application that helps students practice English using textbook-based content. They can choose between American or British accents and adjust the playback speed. The app also provides feedback on pronunciation and lets students see which words they mispronounced. For more advanced users, the app offers real-time conversations with AI, making learning fun and interactive.
The second one is a program called World Classroom that connects students with peers from all over the world. Students can join live discussions or upload videos and leave comments for others. This allows for real, meaningful interactions with students from different countries. While time zone differences can make real-time interactions tricky, the platform ensures there are still many opportunities for global communication.
Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines are the top three countries participating in World Classroom. HelloWorld also helps schools set up international projects, making it easy to connect students worldwide.
But HelloWorld doesn’t just teach the language ; it also offers cultural experiences, like through its Machinaka Homestay program, which provides students with international exposure without leaving their home countryThis program allows Japanese students to stay with foreign residents in their local cities for a weekend, giving them a taste of life abroad without leaving Japan.
Hikari Nonaka remembers a touching moment: "A 70-year-old grandmother joined the program along with younger students. She had a great time, showing that it’s never too late to experience cultural exchange."
Hikari Nonaka’s passion for cultural exchange comes from his own experiences. As a high school student in the U.S., he struggled with English at first but made lasting friendships through hard work and determination. Later, after traveling around the world, he realized how important it is to connect with people from different cultures. "I believe that knowing people from other countries is the key to world peace, and diversity sparks innovation," he says. "That’s why I want HelloWorld to be a platform that brings people together."
HelloWorld Expands in Taiwan: Partnering with 140+ Schools to Achieve Bilingual Goals by 2030
HelloWorld’s influence isn’t limited to Japan. In Taiwan, the company has partnered with over 140 schools, helping the country move toward its goal of becoming bilingual by 2030. The company matches students based on their age (for example, 7th graders are paired with students who are 2 years older or younger) to ensure effective communication.
HelloWorld’s global reach now extends to 40 countries, and its impact has been recognized by both students and teachers. "One teacher told me it was the first time they’d seen their students so excited about learning," Hikari Nonaka recalls.
HelloWorld's Incredible Growth: 100x Revenue Boost in Just a Few Years
HelloWorld has grown quickly. In its first year, the company’s revenue was ¥2.55 million ($17,085 USD). By 2023, that number had risen to ¥274 million ($1.84 million USD). This growth is due to a mix of business models: government contracts fund programs like online exchanges, while individual students pay for programs like Machinaka Homestay, which costs ¥20,000 ($134 USD) per student.
Hikari Nonaka believes much of HelloWorld’s success comes from its diverse team. About 20% of the company’s staff comes from countries like Bangladesh, Brazil, China, and Italy, and they also have interns working remotely from around the world. The team reflects the same cross-cultural collaboration that HelloWorld promotes.
What’s the future for HelloWorld? Nonaka sees the company becoming a global platform for diversity and innovation. "We’re already leading in this field, but we want to keep growing and strengthen our position," he says.
With government policies in Japan and Taiwan encouraging international student exchanges, HelloWorld is in a strong position for further expansion. “This isn’t just about learning English; it’s about opening the doors to the world,” Hikari Nonaka emphasizes.
Hikari Nonaka believes education can play a crucial role in building global peace. By giving students the chance to connect with their peers worldwide, HelloWorld isn’t just teaching English—it’s creating bridges between cultures. In today’s interconnected world, initiatives like HelloWorld are not just helpful, they are essential.
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