CAMP ZAMA, Japan – U.S. Army Garrison Japan launched its annual internship program Monday, welcoming 31 Japanese college students for three weeks of English-language immersion in a professional work environment.
During his opening remarks, Garrison Commander Col. Marcus Hunter challenged the students to take full advantage of the opportunity, to practice their English, to contribute to real projects, and to gain invaluable insight into the experience of working in a multicultural environment.
“Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek feedback, and take initiative,” he said. “This is your chance to grow, challenge yourself and make meaningful connections.”
USAG Japan has hosted the annual program since 2013, allowing Japanese students to work alongside Soldiers, civilians and Japanese personnel, while experiencing native English conversation and American culture.
The program offers a wide variety of positions that allow participants to deepen their understanding of work through on-the-job experiences, field trips, group work and presentations.
This year’s program features 31 interns from 20 different Japanese universities — including Waseda University, the Tokyo University of Technology, Sophia University, Keio University, Temple University and Sagamihara Women’s University — working in 23 different jobs at 14 U.S. Army in Japan organizations.
The interns are studying media, economics, international relations, business, veterinary medicine, law, nursing and physics, among other programs.
During a short question-and-answer session after his opening remarks, Hunter spoke about the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, the uniqueness of being the only installation where both the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces are jointly stationed, and the importance of family and community in all cultures.
Hunter also asked the students if they had been watching the Olympics and if they knew that Coco Yoshizawa, a young teen from Sagamihara City — which borders Camp Zama — had earned a gold medal in the women’s street skateboarding event.
He said he was inspired by the 14-year-old’s determination and her spirit. She didn’t grow up with mountains to be a skier, or waves to be a surfer, he said, but that didn’t stop her from “finding her passion and becoming the world’s best at it.”
“Look for what you do have, what is available to you,” he said, “and then make greatness.”
He said that sort of mindset will equal success for the interns during the summer program.
“I encourage you during your time here with us to open your mind … ask questions and learn from your experience,” he said. “Please contribute and provide feedback and input and your ideas. And together, our alliance, our relationships and our communities will be stronger.”
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