Teaching & Cultural Immersion: Achint’s CRCC Asia Tokyo Internship

Achint Kaur Ruprai, a recent MSc Behaviour Change graduate from Aberystwyth University, shares her enriching experience as an English Educator in Tokyo, Japan, through the CRCC Asia program in 2024. Her month-long internship not only strengthened her career aspirations but also deepened her understanding of cultural diversity and behavioral insights.

1. Introduction and Background
Hello! My name is Achint Kaur Ruprai, and I recently completed my MSc in Behaviour Change at Aberystwyth University. Beyond academics, I have a passion for cultural exploration and travel, and I was fortunate to spend a month in Tokyo as an English Educator, a role that allowed me to immerse myself in Japanese work culture.

2. Motivation for Joining CRCC Asia and Choosing Japan
I was drawn to the CRCC Asia program for its global approach to professional development, which aligned perfectly with my career goals of working in culturally diverse environments. Tokyo, with its rich heritage and unique blend of tradition and innovation, was the ideal host location. I have always been fascinated by Japan’s commitment to education, sustainability, and the balance between cultural preservation and modernity. I saw this internship as a chance to deepen my understanding of a culture very different from my own, which I hoped would give me fresh perspectives on behavior and adaptability.

3. Internship Experience
During my time as an English Educator, I helped with lessons, supported students in gaining confidence in their English speaking, and created interactive activities to make learning fun and engaging. From reading with the children in the morning to joining them in their daily activities, I applied and honed my skills in cross-cultural communication and adaptability. One of the most rewarding moments was seeing the excitement on their faces when they finally understood a new word or concept. Even the smallest victories were meaningful, reminding me how impactful those little moments can be on someone’s confidence and outlook.

4. Challenges and Overcoming Them
One of the unexpected challenges I faced was the feeling of loneliness. However, my internship provided a sense of community and routine that helped me feel more connected and less alone. Interacting with colleagues and students gave my day purpose and made me appreciate the comfort of social interactions, even in a foreign environment. I also learned to enjoy my own company, exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods and discovering local spots at my own pace. By the end of the program, I had developed a newfound confidence and appreciation for solo travel, realizing that being on my own in a new place could be both fulfilling and empowering.

5. Long-Term Career Impact
This experience reinforced my aspiration to work in fields that combine behavioral insights with cultural understanding. Teaching in Tokyo offered me a new view into how culture and environment shape behaviors, which is highly relevant to my studies and career goals in behavior change. It also affirmed my commitment to working in diverse environments and embracing cultural exploration as a way to enrich both my personal and professional life.

6. Living in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo was incredible, especially because it was so different from any other time I’d spent abroad. During my undergraduate years, I participated in an exchange program in Bergen, Norway, but my time in Tokyo was more immersive. Japanese culture is full of respect and a sense of harmony, which you feel in everyday interactions. It taught me a lot about communicating thoughtfully and valuing teamwork. Living and working there made me more independent and open-minded, giving me a deeper appreciation for perspectives and cultures beyond my own.

7. Memorable Experiences Outside Work
Outside of work, I explored some amazing places around Japan. Visiting Mount Fuji was a dream, from the scenic lakes to the delicious local food made with Mount Fuji’s vegetables.
I’m a huge fan of architecture, so I visited Tokyo’s observatories: Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree. Each view was unique, from eating at the food stalls under Tokyo Tower to watching the sunset on Shibuya Sky to dining at a Jujutsu Kaisen-themed café at Tokyo Skytree.

The Tokyo Game Show was another incredible experience, giving me a peek into Japan’s gaming culture and technological innovation. I also attended the Ghost Cat Festival in Kagurazaka, where I learned about Japanese folklore and saw the cat parade.

Another highlight was visiting Gotokuji Temple, believed to be the birthplace of the iconic lucky cat, and the Dawn Avatar Robot Café, where robots remotely controlled by individuals unable to work in person engaged with customers. These experiences made my time in Tokyo unforgettable.

8. Lasting Connections
Everyone at the school, from the school manager to my colleagues, was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I think I laughed the hardest when I was at work; we had so many fun moments, and I found myself looking forward to going in each day. I’m grateful to still keep in touch with my colleagues through Instagram, where we continue to share updates and memories. These connections mean a lot to me, and I’m sure they’ll stay with me long after my time in Tokyo.

9. Advice for Future Interns
If I could give one piece of advice to future interns, it would be to embrace every experience, even the tough ones. Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned came from the moments I didn’t expect. For me, the biggest takeaways from my CRCC Asia internship were the importance of staying adaptable, the power of cultural exchange, and how meaningful it is to build connections with people from all walks of life.

10. Final Reflections
Looking back, I’m so glad I made the decision to join CRCC Asia. If I hadn’t, I would have missed out on meeting all the incredible people who made this experience so special. From the programme coordinators to my fellow interns, and the amazing colleagues at work, everyone played a part in making my time in Tokyo unforgettable. The connections I formed with so many different people have been one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience.

Achint’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of cultural exchange and professional development. Her time in Tokyo not only advanced her career aspirations but also gave her invaluable insights into the importance of community, adaptability, and self-discovery.