Goodbye from Masa
All of us at the FIUTS office were so sad last week to say goodbye to our intern, Masa, who is headed back to Japan. We'll miss him! To finish off his time at FIUTS and in Seattle, we did an interview with Masa to give him a chance to share what he learned and how his time here has inspired him for the future. Thank you, Masa!
Name: Maskazu Kondo (A.K.A Masa)
Where are you from?
I am from Japan. I grew up around Osaka and moved to Tokyo when I was 18. I used to live in Thailand when I was 7 years old.
What year are you and what are you studying?
I am a senior studying business administration and English.
What made you decide to intern at FIUTS?
I was looking for a work environment where I could learn many things such as a leadership and business practice through intercultural conversation. I had attended some of FIUTS’ events and met awesome people. [FIUTS Student Programs Coordinator] Danika took care of me, so I decided to intern here. I made a good choice!!
Masa washing dishes for Wednesday Lunch
What have you done during your time as a FIUTS intern, and what was your favorite thing that you did?
In general, I sat at the front desk, sold tickets for events, helped Facilitators with some events, and made flyers and newsletters. My favorite thing I did was arranging a new event: Paint the Town, where participants get to paint pottery. I phoned the business to make sure I knew what they offered and thought about the plan. It was really challenging, but I felt confident after I finished it. It is a bummer that I have to go back to Japan prior to the event taking place. I really want to keep working here but I am thinking about starting a student group like FIUTS in Japan!
What has surprised you most about U.S./Seattle culture in comparison with where you are from?
I was surprised and loved that people here are so talkative and generous. Sadly, in Japan, we usually do not speak to strangers, even if they look in a trouble so I was so surprised when a huge guy asked me to teach him how to write his name in Chinese characters so that he could get a tattoo. I am sure that Japanese people will not believe what I have gone through in Seattle. In addition to this, people in Seattle are incredibly kind. I do not remember how many times I have been saved.
Also, I love dogs here in Seattle. They are totally different from Japanese dogs and are cute in a different way.
Masa (far right) with the FIUTS front desk team
Oh! It was also unforgettably surprised that my friend has a swimming pool in her house. You have to be a super baller to have it in Japan.
What are your plans after you leave FIUTS?
Though my plan is still up in the air, I am thinking about taking the initiative to start a student group. A student group that I am thinking about is based on concepts at FIUTS. The group would support foreign students in Japan and will increase the number of foreign student coming to Japan. We will offer information about Japan in English on our web-site and newspaper. In order to differentiate from other organizations, we will plan actual events with international students like FIUTS does and make a blog or reports about them.
Also, I have to finish my senior year and prepare for job hunting. Please make a wish for me so I can get a great job! Thank you everybody for supporting me at the FIUTS office!