Meet Yumi, our Newest Intern

Hello, I am an intern at the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation. I came to Washington, D.C. on August 16 from Japan. This is my first visit to the U.S.; therefore, everything here is new and interesting for me. In this article, I would like to write my impression of Washington, D.C. and my internship at the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation.

After I came to Washington, D.C., I was surprised by the positive attitudes of American people. In my class at American University, everyone raises their hands and states their opinions. I used not to do so, and it is really tough for me. Also, I always feel that DC is the center of politics. I experienced lobbying and visited a member of the House of the Representatives. After lobbying, I felt that the American political system allows citizens to be very involved in politics. Staying here makes me realize virtues and challenges of Japan, and think about Japan.The reason I intern at the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation is I would like to contribute to increasing the opportunities for international exchanges in the future. Therefore, this is an ideal internship experience for me. Most of my jobs are translation from Japanese to English, reviewing documents and using social media. I can use my abilities, which I am acquiring through my university studies in international relations at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies in Japan and at American University in Washington, D.C.. I sometimes face difficulties because this is my first job-related experience. However, I spend incredible well-filled days here. Everyone here treats me not as just an intern but as a fellow. They give me many opportunities to improve myself like joining their meetings, receptions and outside related events. Especially, in their reception, I could meet with the people who I can’t meet usually. Through interning here, I found I feel happy to work for the U.S.-Japan friendship and am gradually narrowing my career plan. I sincerely appreciate my co-workers who always support me. Even though it passed about two months since I came here, I am sure that my staying in DC and internship will be a great experience through my entire life.