Alexander Fidel

Name: Alexander Fidel

Ort: Tokio

Tätigkeit mit World Unite!: Praktikumskoordinator

Nationalität: Japanisch, US-Amerikanisch

Sprachen: Japanisch, Englisch

Alex organisiert Praktika in Japan und betreut in Tokio unsere Teilnehmer des Praktikumsprogramms. Er ist halb Japaner und halb US-Amerikaner und beherrscht Japanisch und Englisch als Muttersprache. Er ging sowohl einige Jahre in Japan als auch in den USA zur Schule, studierte in den USA und war 7 Jahre als Grundschullehrer in Tokio tätig, bevor er 2015 anfing, für World Unite! zu arbeiten.

What do you enjoy the most about working at World Unite!?

What I enjoy the most working at World Unite! is to meet people from abroad who have interest in Japanese culture, and who enjoy internships in the field of their interest. I had a similar experience by doing an internship in Brazil which was arranged by an University exchange program. I understand the reason why one would want to do an internship abroad and I enjoy making this happen for others by being part of World Unite!.

Where do you find most enjoyable to spend your leisure time at?

I spend most of my leisure time in Shibuya where they have countless of restaurants, bars, and music venues to socialize.

What is your favorite local food, and where can it be found?

I often eat out at this chain restaurant called Katsuya (かつや), where they serve different type of fried pork dishes. The quality of the food is excellent, the portion of the food is very filling, and the price is reasonable. The morning hours the price is cheaper and you get a 100 yen discount coupon every single time you go there! (Note - this depends on the branch you go to).

What should participants coming to Japan make sure not to miss?

I believe all participants should experience not only the city life but the nature in Japan as well. My personal favorite is go to an Onsen (温泉), a hot spring bath, out in the wilderness.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests, and where can you do your hobbies in Japan?

I have two main hobbies, capoeira (Brazilian dancing martial arts) and preforming live music (drummer/percussionist). For capoeira, I attend to the dojo located near by Okubo station. For preforming live music, I usually have gigs at Shibuya and other locations as well (Roppongi, Shimokitazawa, etc.). If you have interest in my hobbies, you're more than welcome to contact me.

What is the most memorable episode that you have experienced with a World Unite! participant?

It is hard to pick one experience. The ones I enjoy the most is when people come check out my live music performance or when I recommend other band's live performance and going there together in a group.

Stefanie Akkerman

Name: Stefanie Akkerman

Location: Tokyo

Position with World Unite!: Share House Manager, Participant support

Nationality: Dutch

Languages: English, Japanese, Dutch

Stefanie is Dutch and has been living in Tokyo since 2014. She holds a MSc degree in Psychology and a degree in Business Management, but in Japan she had worked as a tour guide for Dutch groups. She is managing our Shiohama Share House, picks up participants from the airport, supports participants of our Working Holiday program with finding jobs, and is providing assistance throughout their stay in Japan.

What is your role at World Unite!?

I am a coordinator, and some of my tasks are airport pickups, local orientations, job counseling and consultation sessions, internship coordination, writing blog articles, sharehouse management and of course answering all participants' questions.

What do you enjoy the most about working at World Unite!?

I especially enjoy being a part of making the Working Holiday or Internship experience enjoyable and smooth for our participants. Sharing my knowledge on job searching in Japan is my favorite part.

What place in Tokyo do you find most enjoyable to spend your leisure time at?

Tokyo has so many great spots to enjoy oneself that it is hard to choose. I like the peace and quiet of the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens, but when I want to have a nice meal and enjoy myself Monzennakacho is a great place to find a restaurant. I also like bicycling in nearby Odaiba and going to the Monogatari Onsen there.

What is your favorite local food, and where can it be found?

My favorite Japanese food has to be Japanese style curry with a cheese and tonkatsu topping. This can be found all over Japan, most notably in curry chain Coco Ichibanya.

What should participants coming to Tokyo make sure not to miss?

If you come to Tokyo, you shouldn't miss the youthful areas of Shibuya and Akihabara. If you want to discover some more off the beaten path areas here then Shimokitazawa and Koenji are great places to go shopping and go to concerts.

Do you have any hobbies or special interests, and where can you do your hobbies in Tokyo?

In my spare time I like going to the gym, and luckily there are plenty of cheap gyms in Tokyo that are run by the ward.

What is the most memorable experience you have with a World Unite! participant?

One time a participant came to the office at the end of the workday with a bottle of wine to say thank you, and we all had a glass of wine together. That was nice!