The reason why I applied to APIC’s internship program is so that I could get a better and deeper idea of what ‘international cooperation’ truly is by being part of such an organization. Through this internship I was not only able to gain a better understanding of proper business manners as well as learn about international cooperation, but I was also able to reaffirm the importance of learning and creating experiences.

Mr. Murakami gave me this piece of advice during the interview: “fail fast, fail cheap, fail smart”. When you are young it is easy to get back on your feet after failing; try and challenge yourself to obtain something from that experience and keep moving forward. Choosing to participate in this internship above the myriad of options during spring break is what I consider one of those challenges. Through this challenge, I was able to deepen my knowledge about Japan and its relationship with the South Pacific and the Caribbean nations; additionally I was able to learn how to prepare and conduct an interview. Through daily conversations with Executive Director of APIC (and visiting professor at Sophia University), I realized the importance of using my head to think, and increasing my knowledge through reading and classes.

Just as I have learned many things from my time at APIC, there are many things that only the experiencer can relate to. I will continue to not fear failure, and continue to learn through experience. I hope that my breadth of knowledge and experience will lead to an understanding of multilateral outlooks and values which can be used in the field of international cooperation.

Lastly, I would like to give my thanks to everyone at APIC, and to everyone who helped give me a place to learn and experience.