Alone and culturally different, find out how I fight against the odds and thrived in challenging environments.

1. 6 months before my graduation, I wasn’t sure what I’m gonna do. I love coaching and helping
people to be their best versions of themselves but I wasn’t sure if I’ll be able to feed myself if I
make coaching as my career. But I didn’t want to go straight into the concrete jungle right after
graduation either. I still wanna have some fun, ya’know.
3 - 6 months of overseas internship sounds exciting to me. Decided to ditch my career plan and
jump into another exciting adventure, I’ve applied for an internship in Japan through AIESEC
exchange programs.
Part One: Teaching in a Private Japanese Boys School
Being a minority (woman) is already intimidating enough at a boys school. To top it off, I’m one
of the 3 non-Japanese in that school. Although I look like them (I’m an Asian) but our culture,
language and mindset are totally different.
I was having a tough time opening their hearts to me.
Hey, why do I want to open their hearts? I’m not a heart surgeon but I’m a teacher. I need to
earn their trust or else what good am I as a teacher? The objective given to me was simple, to
assist the full-time English teacher in his classes. However, I’m not the kind of person that does
what you tell me to do, only. When I have a purpose and meaning, I exceed expectations.
The objective I gave myself was “To infuse confidence in them to speak in English, despite fear
of making mistakes.” I’m not sure how they’re brought up and how the education system has
“brainwashed” them, but I’m sure society has taught them this, “If you speak in English and you
made mistakes, you’ll either be punished or made fun of.” This is the brule that I want to
change desperately.
I expanded my point of contacts with the students beyond the English classes. I joined Tea
ceremony class, Music class, Kendo club and English club to talk more with students. The more
conversations I have, the more I can encourage them to speak English even if they’re afraid.
How I did it?
I ask questions and play games with them. I showed that I’m interested to know them as a
person. At first, most of them backed away because of my aggressiveness. Probably, Japanese
aren’t aggressive so they’re not used to it. Back then, I wasn’t the kind of person that feels
comfortable walking up to a group of people and start a conversation. In fact, I was darn scared.
My hands and feet were covered in cold sweats and my heart beats so loud till I can hear it!
Although my fear was strong, but another feeling was stronger. My sense of purpose forced me
to strike conversations even though I’m scared because I know this is what I must do. I told

2. them that I was darn scared too, just like them. They didn’t believe it at first ‘cause I didn’t show
my scaredy face at all. You see, it was refreshing to see someone who speaks of their fears and
still do it anyway. Eventually, they were convinced that I was scared. Even better, they were
convinced that a human can be fearful and courageous at the same time.
My seeds were sown. I’ve planted this idea in them. As I begin to sow more seeds, I’m
smashing the brule planted in their subconscious mind. It wasn’t easy but it wasn’t as difficult as
I thought.
I’ve created a safe space for them to learn by doing these,
● Tell them that it’s okay to make mistakes
● Praise them for speaking in English
● Help them to correct those mistakes
● Scold them for making fun of mistakes
● Convince them making mistakes the way to learn
At the end of the internship, I was granted the greatest gift worth more than $10,000,000. The
greatest gift you can give to a teacher is a simple “Thank You”. I stood at the school gate with
an umbrella to bid my goodbyes. Some of them came up to me and said “Thank You. I enjoyed
your class.” in English! I was touched, fulfilled and sad at the same time. “I wish I could have
more time”.
Part Two: Travel around Japan
After the internship, I spent 2 weeks to travel alone around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka after the
internship. It wasn’t my first time in Japan yet I still couldn’t get enough. The fresh air, the cool
breeze, the magnificent golden-brown maple leaves and the serenity. Ahhhh, I miss Japan as
I’m writing this.
Oops, back to the main point.
Then, I had a new set of eyes. After living like a Japanese for 3 months, I begin to understand
“why they do what they do”. Like, why I can’t find rubbish bins everywhere!? Reason because
rubbish bins make the streets dirtier and smelly. And why they’re stressed out at work? Reason
because they cannot defy the systems and their seniors. And why they love parks so much?
Reason because their parents always bring them out in the parks to eat and drink. And why
Japan is so clean? Because Japanese kids are taught since kindergarten to clean the school by
themselves.
Travelling around Japan with a new set of eyes was darn refreshing. I paid more attention to
their behaviors, the food they eat and the environment. Then, attention turned into appreciation.
I felt deep appreciation for how things have turned out as they are. Deep down, I thank
Japanese for being Japanese.

3. Part Three: Speaking at AIESEC in City University of Osaka
This was totally unplanned for. I stayed with my Japanese friend in Osaka. We knew each other
via a conference in Japan. Got free accommodation, why not? ;)
One evening, he told me “You need to give a speech in my AIESEC meeting tomorrow.” I gave
him a face palm “What? And now you tell me?” He apologized for agreeing on my behalf without
my consent but he had great intentions. He wanted me to inspire his AIESEC teammates, just
like how I inspired him.
“Hmm what should I speak?” Topic was anything under the sun….
“My greatest forte is storytelling. So I’m gonna tell my stories!” With great excitement, I wrote
about my Exchange in China, experience as Organizing Committee President, and Internship in
Japan. I’ve also included some surprises too!
I rocked the crowd with square dances, roll calls and shouting “Hey AIESEC!” Even though we
belonged in the same organization but culture was different. They don’t dance during meetings.
My country do. They don’t have fun. My country do. If it’s no fun, it’s difficult for us to cope with
challenges, right?
After 15 minutes of dancing, shouting and cheering, I calmed the crowd and begin my speech. I
talked about my background, why I joined AIESEC and my experiences in AIESEC. I shared the
challenges and lessons learned during my journey. My ended my speech with this quote, “You
must be the change you wish to see in this world - Mahatma Gandhi”.
Everyone gave me a standing ovation. I was touched though I hope they understood what I
said.
At the end of the day, I thanked Yuudai from the bottom of my heart for inviting me. I was glad I
showed up.
Part Four: Unexpected Effects of the Internship
Unexpectedly, I was asked to share my experiences when I came home. And I’ve shared for 2-3
times. A lot of people wanted to find out because this kind of internship was rare. Because they
assumed it’s impossible to find an internship in Japan because they need Japanese speaking
skills. That was a huge misconception. During my search, I saw some internships that don't
need Japanese language skills at all.

4. In several gatherings, I’ve shared how I found this internship, what I’ve done, contributed,
learned and impact of the internship on me. It was basically what you’ve read above :)
Here’s the unexpected effect. After me, there are more people signed up for Internship in Japan.
I was the living example that said “Hey, this is not impossible. You have chances, even though
you can’t speak Japanese.”
The most important lessons I’ve learned from this internship is,
Humans are powerful creatures who have the power of choice. We can choose to stand at the
edge and cower in fear, or choose to jump anyway.
I wasn’t the kind of person that strikes conversations but I did. I had to because that’s why I’m
here. I chose to speak even though I’m scared because I know these kids will benefit greatly
just by speaking in English. And I’m their catalyst. If I don’t speak, how am I going to face my
future self?
This thought pushed me out of the edge and I flew. After 1 week, it became natural to me. I’ve
conquered the fear. With the power of choice.