Building Connections Through Art and Language: My Internship at BorneLund

In July 2026, I had the wonderful opportunity to intern with Future Education during their collaborative "Summer Art Session" held at the BorneLund Roppongi Hills Store. The event brought together children and their parents to experience American summer traditions while building friendship, kindness, and communication skills in an English-speaking environment. Working alongside the event team in such a lively setting made this a truly memorable experience.

Setting the Stage for Creativity

When I arrived at the BorneLund shop, I was immediately drawn to the welcoming atmosphere. It was a vibrant space filled with creative toys and a cheerful handwritten banner on the blackboard set up for our session. As families arrived, my role began with helping set up the activity area and welcoming participants. Seeing the children’s eyes light up as they explored the room created an energetic and positive start to the day.

Assisting the Interactive Presentations and Games

The session opened with self-introductions and a presentation on American summer culture, led by Abby from Future Education. I assisted during the presentation and the interactive games that followed. My job was to help demonstrate the rules, manage game props, and assist with passing and catching balls. It was inspiring to watch the children step out of their comfort zones, raise their hands without hesitation, and enthusiastically practice target English phrases like "Here you are" and "Thank you."

Supporting Friendship and Craft Activities

During the second half of the event, the focus shifted to a pair activity centered on empathy and friendship. Children interviewed each other about their favorite colors, animals, and hobbies in English, then created personalized gifts, such as beaded friendship bracelets and iron-bead keychains, specifically for their partners. I sat with pairs of students to support them during the crafting process, offering help when needed and encouraging them as they created thoughtful gifts for one another. Watching them carefully hand over their handmade creations with big smiles was heartwarming.

Reflections on the Day

Serving as an intern at BorneLund was a deeply rewarding learning experience. Communicating with young children reminded me how important it is to be mindful of my pacing, tone, and language choices, especially when bridging two languages. While I felt comfortable presenting in front of the group thanks to my prior school experiences, this internship pushed me to think about proactive leadership. Moving forward, I want to take even more initiative in starting conversations and guiding younger students whenever they feel hesitant. Overall, the event allowed me to help create a warm, supportive space for young learners while gaining valuable confidence in working with children.