2014 Internship Report
2014 Domestic NPO Internship Report
A Chinese International Student Learning Multicultural Coexistence and International Cooperation
In 2014, Helping Hands and Hearts Japan welcomed an international student from China and carried out a practical domestic NPO internship focused on multicultural coexistence, international exchange, food education and international cooperation.
Through this activity, the intern learned from real NPO work in Japan, including event support, Japanese culture, exchange with foreign residents and local people, and practical understanding of social issues that are difficult to learn only in a university classroom.
Overview of the 2014 Activity
The 2014 domestic NPO internship was a practical program in which HHAHJ welcomed an international student in Japan and involved her in international exchange activities, international cooperation activities, multicultural coexistence programs, food education activities and event operation.
The intern entered the field of NPO activities and learned about the connection between Japanese society and international cooperation through project preparation, participant support, exchange activities, cultural introduction, food education events and seminar operation.
Learning Domestic NPO Activities and Multicultural Coexistence
This internship was not an overseas program. Instead, it was carried out in Japan, where the intern joined the actual field of NPO activities and worked with local communities, foreign participants and Japanese volunteers.
In multicultural coexistence activities, people with different nationalities and cultures came together to exchange ideas and understand each other’s values. The intern joined not only as a participant, but also as a person supporting the operation of the activities.
Learning from the Field in Japan
Through domestic NPO activities, the intern learned how local international exchange programs are prepared and operated. She also gained practical experience in communicating with participants, supporting events and observing how multicultural coexistence is created in local communities.
Purpose of the Internship
The purpose of this activity was to help the international student understand the field of Japanese NPO activities, deepen her understanding of Japan and international cooperation, and learn directly through interaction with local community members.
Learning NPO Management
Through event preparation, reception, participant support and venue operation, the intern learned how NPO activities are supported behind the scenes.
- Event preparation and operation
- Reception and participant support
- Understanding the practical work behind NPO activities
Experiencing Multicultural Coexistence
Through activities where foreign residents and Japanese participants joined together, the intern experienced how spaces for cross-cultural exchange are created.
- Interaction among people from different cultures
- Support for multicultural exchange activities
- Learning how communities can encourage mutual understanding
Thinking about International Cooperation Locally
The intern learned about international cooperation projects connected to the Philippines and other Asian regions, and understood how domestic activities can connect with overseas support.
- Learning about international cooperation activities
- Understanding the connection between domestic work and overseas support
- Seeing international issues from a local perspective
Communicating through Activities
The intern learned how to communicate with participants, staff and volunteers while supporting events and activities in Japanese society.
- Communication with participants and volunteers
- Supporting activities in Japanese
- Learning to respond according to the situation
Main Activity Contents
In the 2014 domestic NPO internship, the intern was involved in several activities, including food education, Japanese cultural learning, multicultural coexistence, international exchange events, environmental and cultural seminars, and nutrition improvement projects.
Food Education and Japanese Culture
The intern learned about Japanese food culture and the meaning of food education through activities such as a miso factory visit and soybean-related learning.
Operation of International Exchange Events
While interacting with foreign participants and Japanese volunteers, the intern experienced preparation and operation of exchange events.
Participation in Multicultural Activities
The intern supported activities where people from different countries and cultures learned and communicated together.
Understanding International Cooperation
The intern learned about nutrition improvement projects and overseas support activities, and understood how NPO activities in Japan are connected to international cooperation.
Activities in Photos
The following photos record the 2014 domestic NPO internship activities by an international student from China. They show the intern participating in HHAHJ’s activities and learning through exchange and practical work.
Activity scene from the domestic NPO internship
Participation in multicultural coexistence and international exchange activities
What the Intern Learned
Through this internship, the intern learned practically about Japanese NPO activities, local community work, multicultural coexistence, international exchange, food education and international cooperation.
In event operation, the intern also experienced basic skills needed in professional and community work, such as preparation, time management, participant support and teamwork. Through repeated activities, she gradually became more familiar with communicating and supporting activities in Japanese.
Understanding Japanese Society
By entering the field of NPO activities, the intern learned about local community activities and civic participation in Japanese society.
Communication Skills
Through communication with participants, staff and volunteers, the intern learned how to explain, respond and adjust her communication in Japanese.
Perspective of an Organizer
By supporting preparation and operation, the intern experienced the responsibility of being on the side that creates and supports activities.
Meaning for HHAHJ
The 2014 domestic NPO internship is one of HHAHJ’s important records of welcoming international students in Japan and providing opportunities to learn about multicultural coexistence and international cooperation.
Unlike overseas internships, this activity showed that HHAHJ’s work in Japan can also become a meaningful learning field where international students learn about NPO management, local exchange and international cooperation through domestic activities.
Connecting Domestic Activities with International Understanding
By welcoming an international student into domestic NPO activities, HHAHJ created a learning opportunity where Japan, Asia, local communities and international cooperation were connected through practical experience.
Related Pages
The following pages introduce HHAHJ’s internship activities and related domestic NPO internship reports.
