Name: Stefanie AkkermanLocation: 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!