SEICHO-NO-IE 2019
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
SEICHO-NO-IE 2019
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a six-week
internship program at Seicho-No-Ie International Headquarters
in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan!
Thank you very much for your interest in an internship at Seicho-No-Ie International Headquarters in Hokuto City, Japan. We are excited to provide this opportunity for you to learn, grow, and rise to your potential through this six-week program!
Located about two hours outside of Tokyo, Hokuto City provides a beautiful backdrop to our “Office in the Forest,” built in 2013 as the first zero-carbon emission building in Japan. Seicho-No-Ie has taken significant steps in raising awareness of environmental issues by encouraging a meatless diet and the use of alternate types of transportation, including bicycling and more use of public transportation, and promoting and utilizing natural energy such as solar, geothermal, etc. It is our hope that, through this internship, you will not only learn of these and other methods of living an environmentally conscious life, but that you will build on this later, so that this and future generations will benefit from a healthy, harmonious planet. In addition, you will receive a unique opportunity to see and learn about Japanese culture and other Seicho-No-Ie landmarks throughout Japan.
Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi,
President Seicho-No-Ie International
Rev. Kazuo Isobe,
Chairman and CEO Religious
Juridical Person "Seicho-No-Ie"
Over the course of 6 weeks, interns will get hands-on experience in the fields of environmental studies, Japanese language and culture, and/or religious studies. Depending on your educational background and future goals, potential intern projects include:
• Environmental studies: Learn about Seicho-No-Ie's "Office in the Forest" and how it has revolutionized business from an environmentally friendly, carbon neutral perspective. From plans to execution, you will get an inside look into how this innovative program has integrated recycling, reforestation, reduced carbon footprint diets, and clean energy into everyday life. You will be working together with a close team of dedicated individuals focused on studying ways for people to become better stewards of our planet thereby ensuring that the earth will be as pristine as possible for generations to come. From this information, interns may work on projects such as creation of educational materials for outreach, brainstorming ways of expanding the carbon neutral environment to other aspects of business, or planning local implementation of environmentally friendly practices at home.
• Japanese language and culture: Japanese culture is rich with history which has shaped its unique modern society. From the performing arts to gardens to architecture, interns will have the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand in Hokuto City. You will also be able to practice Japanese with staff and gain experience in translating and interpreting. Intern projects may include presentations on what Seicho-No-Ie is doing and its relatability to the United States, live interpretation of lectures, or translation of documents.
• Religious studies: Seicho-No-Ie is one of the largest New Thought-oriented movements. Interns will learn the origins of Seicho-No-Ie, which pulls influence from both Christianity, Shinto, and Buddhism, and study the evolution of the religion to modern day. Through this study, interns may work on projects such as research papers, the creation of new articles, children’s stories, social media, or other outreach materials.
No matter which path you choose, we hope that you will have an immersive, interactive, and educational experience during your time with us!
Successful applicants for this internship will
meet the following qualifications:
• Currently enrolled as a junior or senior at an accredited college or university. Upon review of your application, a transcript may be requested. • Minimum 2.0 GPA. • Be a United States citizen or a legal resident, 18 years or older, with a valid passport or the ability to get one prior to the start of the internship. • Interest in environmental science, religious studies, Japanese /East Asian languages/culture, or similar fields. • Ability to work 35 hours a week. This is an unpaid internship. However, if you are selected, you will receive free roundtrip airfare, ground transportation, housing, and two meals a day (lunch and dinner). Please note that costs associated with extracurricular activities and trips will be your own responsibility.
Seicho-No-Ie is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. If you may require special accommodations during your internship, please let us know during the application process.
INTERNS HAD TO SAY:
Would you recommend this internship to your peers?
"Yes, definitely! It's a great internship experience. Not only do you make new friends but you learn some amazing new things!"
"Yes, I would! This is a once in a lifetime experience that gave me the opportunity to develop and learn more about environmental initiatives. I took a lot away from this internship that I know will assist me in the future."
"I would definitely recommend this internship to other students if they are interested in sustainability or Japanese culture. My three main reasons that I would recommend it are: the learning experience, the cultural experience, and the interpersonal experience."
They couldn't say enough about the internship:
"SNI's environmental projects (large-scale solar power plants, sustainability features at the office) are really impressive, and I think it should really get more recognition for what it has accomplished. People can apply what they learn about the Office in the Forest to other buildings to make them more sustainable, and they can follow SNI's example of building renewable energy plants in a sustainable way (on previously used areas instead of cutting down forests)…."
"One of the highlights of this internship has definitely been the connections with people that I've made here. The employees have gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome in Japan, and I'm so grateful to have been able to spend these past weeks with them. Their energy and excitement was contagious, and they made the sessions so much more fun and interesting…."
Seicho-No-Ie (Say-choh No Ee-yay) means "The Home of Infinite Life, Wisdom and Abundance"
Seicho-No-Ie is a nondenominational movement based on the belief that all religions emanate from one universal God. It is dedicated to spreading the truth that every person is a child of God; therefore, in reality every person is divine in nature and the possessor of all creative powers of God.
Seicho-No-Ie was founded in Japan in 1930 by Rev. Masaharu Taniguchi, who, through his deep concern over the many contradictions in life, dedicated many years of intensive study to different philosophies and religions.
Seicho-No-Ie's message is simple, direct, and it can change lives. People have the power to overcome various challenges. You can also find harmony and prosperity after listening to or reading the inspired teachings.
Our lives are meant to be harmonious, joyful, and fulfilling in all aspects. Please join us and experience an unforgettable summer interning at the Seicho-No-Ie International Headquarters’ "Office in the Forest" located at the foot of Yatsugatake surrounded in abundant nature and see and feel for yourself how we—human beings and nature—are, indeed, truly one!
Where will I be living? You will live in one of the dormitory facilities which will provide you with the opportunity to learn more about Seicho-No-Ie and also about Japan and its culture and customs. Each intern will have his/her own room which comes furnished and equipped with the things you will need to fully enjoy your summer internship.
How much is this going to cost? This is an unpaid internship, but roundtrip airfare and ground transportation costs, dorm room fees, and two meals (dinner and lunch) daily are included. Following the internship period, you will have the opportunity to travel to Kyoto to visit the Uji Detached Temple and the mega-solar power generation facility in Joyo City, Kyoto. The cost of this travel will also be covered.
The cost of extracurricular activities, trips, and souvenirs will be your responsibility, so feel free to work with us to figure out how much you'll need for the duration of your trip.
Can I go sightseeing? Interns will have two days off per week when you can travel and see what Japan has to offer. There may also be a few coordinated trips that you can take part in to sightsee with your fellow interns! Following the internship, you are free to stay in Japan within the limitations of your visa and your own budget.
What if I need special accommodations? Let us know as soon as possible. We'll work with you on any mobility, dietary, or other needs.
What if I have more questions? Feel free to contact us!
YES! I'd like to learn more about the 2019 Internship Program and can attend the Information Session on the date below.