While most Baker students go home for the summer, sophomore Alex Ekins will be boarding a plane to Yokosuka, Japan, shortly after finals. The sports administration major has taken an internship on a U.S. naval base as a facility manager for the Aquatics Department of Morale, Welfare and Recreation, where he will be on the third tier on the chain of command.

“I will be overseeing all the summer staff along with four of five other people. There are four types of facilities that are around the area that I will be working at,” Ekins said. “I’ll be checking chemicals, lifeguarding, dealing with people who are breaking the rules, stuff like that.”

Study abroad internships aren’t as common as semester-abroad trips. However, the Sports Administration Department has seen a variety of impressive internships recently.

“In my brief time here at Baker, I’m really pleased with the dynamic internships many of our students have secured,” Ron Christian, assistant professor of sports administration, said. “This speaks very highly of how committed BU students are to their future.”

Ekins found the opportunity after his mother, who is the aquatics director for the City of Boise, saw the job posting on the National Association for Parks and Recreation website.

After lifeguarding for six years, Ekins sees the job as an opportunity to prepare for his future.

“I’m hoping to learn how to be a manager,” Ekins said. “I know it’s kind of hard to teach. I also want to be a better leader and help people get through problems … I hope to learn a lot more about facility management.”

Ekins was surprised to find out, after accepting the position, that a hire from the Midwest isn’t unusual for the naval base.

“They hire most lifeguards out of Iowa, which is really weird,” Ekins said. Usually they are looking for college kids because they have that summer open, and they’re always looking for a job.”

Rather than culture shock, the language barrier, or homesickness, Ekins is most worried about performing his position at a high level.

”I’m most nervous about the job because I’ve never done it before,” Ekins, who is 21, said. “I’m hoping I get the hang of it really quick, so I don’t mess up as much.”

As for a language barrier, he does not foresee a problem.

“I will be on the base working with Americans and their families,” Ekins said. “Japanese children do come to the pools. The language barrier isn’t too harsh, so if you know the main phrases you can get around.”

Yokosuka Naval Base is known for being the largest overseas naval base and one of the United States’ most strategically crucial military bases, according to Navy Installations Command. The prestige and strict rules of military bases also is no cause for concern to Ekins.

“All my uncles were in the Navy, so I’m used to being around the Navy lifestyle,” Ekins said.

In addition to the management experience, Ekins says a job offer after graduation would be ideal. However, he hasn’t thought much about that yet. For now he looks forward to building his resume, traveling to Tokyo to sight-see on his days off, and possibly even returning in summer 2016.