Currently in Tokyo, wrapping up my work term, and honestly there are so many things I wish I had known before jumping into this experience. Not in a bad way. Just things that would have been nice to mentally prepare for. But then again, maybe the best part has been figuring it all out as I go.
I was lucky enough to land an internship within my field, which has been an incredible opportunity to see how business and marketing work on the other side of the world. And even more interesting? Getting to experience it firsthand instead of just reading about it. From building a website and branding a new program to working on advertising, every project has felt like a crash course in adapting to a completely different market while applying what I already knew about the one that I was used to. I’ve also gotten to explore parts of Tokyo I probably wouldn’t have otherwise and lived differently in parts of Tokyo that I already knew (definitely a perk of the job).
One thing that’s been both fun and a little nerve-wracking is using Japanese in a professional context. I’m not speaking it all the time, but when I do get to use it, whether it’s small exchanges in the office or navigating work-related situations, it’s been an invigorating challenge. It’s one thing to practice in a classroom, but another to actually use it in real-life scenarios, even in small ways.
Outside of work, my living situation this term has been completely different from before. I went from a homestay to a share house, and it’s been such a shift. Living with a group of people from all different backgrounds means there’s always someone making late-night ramen, and every now and then, people organizing something spontaneous, whether it’s a casual dinner or a weekend trip. It’s a different kind of immersion, less structured than a homestay, but just as rewarding in its own way.
Some of the highlights so far? Thanks to my internship, I’ve been able to do some pretty unique things, like eating a Kurotamago (black egg) in Owakudani, a sulfur-rich hot spring area where these eggs are said to add seven years to your life. I also got to make my own Edo Kiriko glass, a traditional Japanese glass-cutting technique known for its intricate geometric designs. The best part? These weren’t just random experiences; they were part of content creation for my internship, which made them feel even more meaningful.
Now, as the cherry blossoms start to bloom and I get ready to transition into my academic term, I can’t believe how fast time is flying. It’s weird to think I’m already about to start the last stretch of this experience, and honestly, I don’t feel ready for it to end. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best way to make the most of it is to stop over-planning and just go with it. So…here’s to seeing what this next chapter brings.
The McCall MacBain International Fellowships are open to undergraduate students of McGill University, University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, and McMaster University, along with recipients of the McCall Huron County and MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarships studying at any Canadian institution. The Fellowships accept applications between October to January each year.