Hometown: Brighton, Michigan, USA
Major and class standing: Japanese Language Major
Where you interned: Global Kids UP, Shinonome, Tokyo, Japan
What was your internship title and role/responsibilities?
As an Assistant English instructor with Global Kids UP in Tokyo, Japan, my main duties were to assist the main instructors in the execution of their jobs by aiding them in setting up the class and monitoring the activities of the children.
How did you obtain your internship? What resources did you utilize to secure your internship?
I was hired through CRCC Asia global internship provider. I provided my GPA of 3.966, my study abroad experience in Japan, recommendation letters from my Japanese instructors, and the ability to provide the internship fee.
What did your daily routine include?
Writing names of students on the board, arranging tables and chairs, taking attendance, checking workbooks, helping kids with their worksheets, disciplining children, playing with them, cleaning, keeping track of stock supplies, and taking pictures of the students for parents’ report. I was also in charge of providing snacks at snack time according to each kid’s specific need and the care of the after-hours where I monitored children waiting for their rides.
Your favorite experience from the internship?
I loved interacting with the children and teaching them about the cultures of various countries. I loved helping them with their Japanese-English translations and their homework.
What was your least favorite part of the internship?
Everything about the internship was interesting to me. I appreciate the fact that I was offered a job at Kids UP by the head manager.
What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?
I learned about the various responsibilities involved in the care of children. I learned that the background of each student affects their personality. I realized the importance of communication among staff when my coworkers expressed their appreciation for the timely updates on the job assigned to me.
What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of the internship? What are your future plans?
Working as an assistant English instructor at Kids Up, I experienced the life of a teacher in Japan. I realized that I am better at one-on-one teaching. I still like to experience internship opportunities in other scopes for Japanese language proficiency. I have yet to decide on a career path, but I am determined to do further studies and eventually find a career that will give me an opportunity to work and live in Japan.
