This past summer I had the opportunity to travel to Tokyo, Japan, for my internship with the Japan Economic Foundation (JEF).

My work was divided between two main areas: policy research and organizational development. On the research side I examined the productivity of the service sector in Japan, the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Japanese economy, and the evolving trade and investment relations between Japan and emerging economies in the Global South. On the organizational side I supported JEF in modernizing its website and strengthening its outreach strategy. This included drafting recommendations on how to expand their readership through social media and connecting them with professionals who could support a complete redesign of their digital presence.

The experience taught me how deeply interconnected global economies are and how decisions such as tariffs can ripple across alliances and investment strategies. I also learned how institutions think about shaping narratives and attracting new audiences for their policy work. Seeing how Japan positions itself within a changing global order gave me a sharper perspective on the role that emerging economies like my home country, Colombia, can play in these dynamics.

Beyond the office I truly enjoyed my time in Japan. I was able to travel to different cities including Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the country’s history and culture. Every place I visited showed me a different side of Japan, from ancient temples and peaceful gardens to vibrant modern districts. These experiences made my summer even more memorable and gave me the chance to connect with the country on both a professional and personal level. One of my favorite moments was my very first day arriving at JEF’s office in Ginza and realizing that I was actually working in Japan. As a Colombian student this felt surreal, the culmination of years of effort from both me and my family. Looking out at the city from my desk I felt an immense sense of pride and gratitude.