Pursuing Her Dream Job as a Cabin Crew: Kurumi’s Story
Alumni Spotlight: Kurumi Kubosaka
Graduated HTIC: 2022
Originally from: Chiba, Japan
Transferred to: Western Carolina University
Currently: Living in Abu Dhabi and working as cabin crew for an international airline.
Becoming a cabin crew member had been Kurumi’s dream since childhood. Growing up in Chiba, Japan, her family often traveled together, and those early flight experiences left a lasting impression. It was a clear aspiration, but one that would take persistence and adaptability to achieve.
Kurumi began her college journey at Hawaii Tokai International College (HTIC) in 2020. While her studies were partially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, she recalls forming strong friendships and benefiting from the school’s close-knit, multicultural environment. With small classes and accessible faculty, HTIC helped her develop both English communication and academic skills. She especially appreciated the support from instructors like Kina, who helped her strengthen her writing—an important step toward transferring to a mainland university.
After graduating from HTIC in 2022, Kurumi continued her studies at University of Hawaii at Manoa and Western Carolina University, where she actively pursued opportunities related to aviation. She secured an internship with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as a ground staff member at JFK Airport in New York, gaining hands-on experience with airline operations. Though labeled an internship, the job required full-time hours and came with its own set of challenges. Later, she took a similar role at Washington D.C. airport with Optional Practical Training (OPT), further building her experience in the aviation industry.
Navigating the U.S. job market as an international student wasn’t easy. Kurumi faced visa restrictions and delays in employment authorization, obstacles that made the process of applying for aviation roles especially difficult. Still, she persisted. With support from her school’s international office and her own network, she applied to positions across the US and Japan, eventually landing a role that aligned with her long-held goals.
Today, Kurumi is a cabin crew member at Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi. After completing a two-month training program, she officially began flying—marking the start of a career she had envisioned for years. Kurumi’s story is one of steady determination and willingness to look beyond borders for opportunity. By combining academic effort, real-world experience, and a mindset open to challenge, she turned a childhood dream into a global career in the skies.
Q&A with Kurumi
Why did you decide to study in Hawai‘i?
My family traveled to Hawai‘i often, so I already felt connected to the place. I chose HTIC because I wanted to build my English skills in a supportive, international environment—and that’s exactly what I got.
What stood out most during your time at HTIC?
I have so many great experiences, but one of my most memorable was meeting amazing friends from different backgrounds. We explored Hawai‘i together and studied until midnight. The small school setting helped us get closer.
Was there a teacher or mentor who made a lasting impact on you?
Yes. Kina was one of the most supportive teachers I had. She helped me improve my essay writing skills and gave me the confidence to keep going, even when it was difficult. Shintaro was also one of the most supportive teachers I had; he helped me a lot not only in class but also outside of class. I’ve always disliked mathematics, but thanks to his support, it became more manageable.
What did you do after graduating from HTIC?
I transferred to Western Carolina University and completed a summer internship at JFK Airport in New York. I later worked at an airport in Washington, D.C. while waiting for my next opportunity in aviation.
How did your aviation career begin after HTIC?
After transferring to Western Carolina University, I started actively looking for opportunities in aviation. I reached out to the university’s international office for support and also contacted Professor Shintaro from HTIC for advice. With their help, I secured an internship as ground staff at JFK Airport in New York. That experience gave me real insight into the industry and helped me take the next step toward becoming cabin crew.
What advice would you give students at HTIC who want to pursue similar paths?
If you’ve always dreamed of something, go for it. There are more international opportunities than you might expect. Start by exploring what’s out there—you might be surprised by what’s possible.
