My name is Matthew F. Fleming. I am currently a Master of Global Affairs and Policy student at Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies and a Master of Media and Governance student at Keio University. My motivation for participating in the EAI Internship program was rooted in my desire to gain experience as a researcher and to find opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge from my academic studies in a professional working environment.

Having my research interests based in the Asia-Pacific and wanting to contribute to the repair of the world by focusing on issues of international human rights, cultural history, promotion of personal narratives, and relational contexts, The East Asia Institute's mission of a regional community based on democracy and producing a knowledge net for a better world was compelling and inspiring for a young researcher like myself.

Having the opportunity to participate and listen to renowned scholars and experts in various disciplines in webinars and conferences, contribute to the facilitation of quality research in guidelines, editing, and research drafting, while getting to assist in maintaining the procedural organization of research online and its outreach, has all been an extremely valuable experience for me.

This two-month summer internship experience was not only insightful into the world of academic research as a profession and an institution's daily back-end operations of their caliber, but has allowed me to grow as a writer, editor, and researcher. I look forward to building upon this knowledge and experience I have gained here and continue to grow as I complete my master's degrees, pursue a Ph.D., and continue in the field of academia.

I have very much enjoyed my time at this institute and would like to thank the entire EAI staff for their fantastic guidance and support during my time here. It has been a great opportunity and one that I highly value.