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A Unique Summer Internship Experience

This year, the Japan Global Infrastructure Foundation, known for promoting global infrastructure studies, successfully conducted its fifth summer internship program. Designed for undergraduate students across the country, this program aims to ignite interest in global infrastructure through research and hands-on experience. The chosen theme for this year's internship was to validate predictions about global infrastructure outlined in the book Stairway to the 21st Century, published in 1960.

The Program's Structure

Held from August to October in 2025, the program included both in-person and online components to ensure accessibility for students from various regions. To assist participants traveling from outside the metropolitan area, travel expenses were covered. The internship program kicked off in early August with a face-to-face meeting in Tokyo, gathering a diverse group of ten interns who were divided into two teams. During this initial meeting, tutors provided insights on academic writing, followed by team discussions.

Research and Collaboration

Between August and September, each team engaged in a series of online meetings led by their tutors. They focused on assigned chapters from Stairway to the 21st Century, checking which predictions had materialized and which had not, while also exploring the reasons behind the unfulfilled forecasts. The culmination of their research efforts was a well-crafted academic paper prepared for presentation at the results announcement event in early October. This event included presentations, a Q&A session, and feedback from experts, concluding with the awarding of certificates.

Sharing Insights and Experiences

A social gathering followed the presentations, allowing interns to discuss their experiences and network with tutors and reviewers. Feedback collected from interns after completing the program highlighted its impact. Many expressed how engaging with themes they had never encountered before had broadened their perspectives. Others found the connection between scientific technology and urban development to be particularly stimulating. Team dynamics were also emphasized; interns noted how diverse presentation styles and approaches to data organization enriched their collaborative learning experience.

Overall Impression

Interns praised the program for fostering a stimulating environment filled with support from peers and guidance from tutors. Collaborative work with students from different universities across Japan allowed for depth in discussions and research, making the experience incredibly valuable. Participants appreciated the skills they honed during the academic writing process, and how these would aid them in future endeavors.

Looking Forward

The Japan Global Infrastructure Foundation is dedicated to continuing this impactful summer internship program, which aims to provide students with experiences and networking opportunities while spurring interest in global infrastructure topics. Annual applications typically open around April, with further details available on the foundation's official website. As they move forward, the foundation remains committed to enriching the learning experiences of students and fostering connections across diverse backgrounds.

In conclusion, the summer internship program not only serves as a platform for academic growth but also cultivates connections among future leaders in infrastructure, making it a unique and beneficial experience for all involved.