Seiya McConney, a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon and a bilingual Japanese-English speaker, reflects on his CRCC Asia internship in Tokyo in 2024. Through teaching, translating, and exploring Japan, Seiya gained valuable insights into his professional aspirations and cultural identity.
Introduction and Background My name is Seiya McConney. I am from Santa Cruz, California, and currently, I am a fourth-year student at the University of Oregon. My experience with CRCC Asia allowed me to combine my heritage and skills in a professional setting, providing me with unforgettable memories and new perspectives.
Motivation for Joining CRCC Asia and Choosing Tokyo What motivated me to join CRCC was the opportunity to work in a foreign country. As someone who is half-Japanese and fluent in the language, I wanted to utilize my skills in a professional environment while also making friends and connections with students from around the world.
Internship Experience I interned at an English school for children aged 3 to 13. Most of my responsibilities involved using my bilingual skills to teach English and communicate effectively with the kids. I was also tasked with ensuring their safety and maintaining an organized and clean classroom. While teaching was a unique experience, I found the most rewarding moments came from seeing the children learn and grow.
Challenges and Overcoming Them Since I speak the language and grew up in Japan, there weren’t many unexpected challenges. However, one difficulty I encountered was translating for all my friends. It was challenging at first, but as the internship progressed, I became more comfortable and efficient at it.
Long-Term Career Impact My internship made me realize that working with younger children isn’t the right fit for me. While I enjoyed the experience, toddlers and little kids were too much for me to handle. If I pursue a career in education, I’d prefer teaching middle school students and older. On the other hand, translating for my peers sparked an interest in potential careers involving language and cultural exchange.
Living in Tokyo My experience in Japan was incredibly fun. Since I grew up in the country, it felt like being at home, and I was already familiar with the culture and environment. Traveling frequently has always been part of my life, so being away from home was nothing new. However, working with other interns and helping them navigate the language and culture helped me grow and think about future career possibilities in translation.
Memorable Experiences Outside Work My favorite experiences included traveling to Kyoto with friends, enjoying the vibrant nightlife at the clubs in Shibuya, and indulging in late-night ramen. These moments made my time in Japan truly special and full of joy.
Lasting Connections Yes, I made lasting connections with the other interns. While I didn’t form strong bonds with professionals during the program, the friendships I built with my peers were a highlight of my experience.
Advice for Future Interns I would advise future interns not to take the first job they are offered and to explore all the available opportunities. Additionally, learning at least some of the language before going to the host country can make the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Final Reflections Looking back, although my internship itself wasn’t the best fit for me, the friendships and memories I made the program entirely worth it. The experience reinforced my appreciation for cultural exchange and provided me with insights that will guide my career journey.
Seiya’s journey reflects the importance of embracing both the challenges and rewards of cultural and professional exploration. His time in Tokyo helped him strengthen connections with his heritage, explore career possibilities, and create lifelong memories with peers from around the world.
