They say experience is the best teacher. Recruiters certainly think so. In fact, they rank internships as the number one assessment factor of a candidate’s suitability—above academics and extracurricular activities. And what better way to boost your employment prospects and experience the best of life than venturing out into a foreign place where possibilities and opportunities are endless?
One of the best destinations in the world, for both potential interns and travel enthusiasts alike, is Japan, a country that fascinates millions of people from all over the globe. It has a lot to offer, after all, from tech and anime to food, martial arts, and even designs.
You might not want to leave at the end of your internship!
But merely visiting the place will not give you the firsthand experience that you crave. To experience its rich culture and captivating traditions, you need to fully immerse yourself in its day-to-day hustle and bustle. That is what an internship in Japan will let international students experience.
Before you become daunted by the idea, it’s important to note that it’s not hard to make it as an intern in the Land of the Rising Sun. In fact, we made it easier for you by preparing valuable tips on how to get an internship in Japan!
Why should I find internships in Japan for international students?
In May 2019, the number of international students in Japan numbered around 298,980; this number shows an upward trend from the past years, and many of them are applying for internships. So, why is an internship in Japan for international students a rewarding experience?
There are plenty of reasons. For one, the country is home to some of the most incredible cities famous for their unique charms. Just take Kyoto, for example. It’s an excellent destination for those who want to delve into traditions and temples. Everywhere in the country, there is something unique that awaits. But beyond the wonderful offerings of the place and culture, you will gain an experience of a lifetime as an intern.
Working for a Japanese company is challenging, but it’s also eye-opening in so many ways. It can be a great way to shape your perspective and equip you with skills and knowledge that you would not gain in a typical workplace. The Japanese are known for their discipline, hard work, responsibility, commitment, and professionalism.
An internship in Japan means a deeper understanding of Japanese values and ways of thinking that will help you develop as a person and a future member of the workforce.
READ MORE: Things No One Ever Tells You About Interning in Japan
How to get an internship in Japan
While the prospect of getting an internship in Japan could feel daunting, it’s not impossible. There might be obstacles, like the language barrier, which make it quite a challenge. However, there are some valuable tips that can help you every step of the way.
1. Understand the Japanese internship system
Research and understand the types of internships available in Japan.
Japanese companies provide various types of internships. Most only offer short-term internships that last between a few days and a few weeks. However, there are other options for an internship in Japan for international students.
First, there are Taiken, or experience, internships, which often last for four months to a year. This type of internship does not necessarily lead to a job. Instead, the goal is to gain firsthand experience of how the company operates. You may be given specific or general work within your chosen field or industry.
Second, there are Naite, or recruitment, internships, which are generally shorter compared to the experience-type of internships. This type is geared towards those who want to take part in the recruitment process. It’s often a requirement if you apply for a job in a Japanese company, along with interviews and exams.
Doing this kind of internship means that you have plans to work for that specific company. It’s their way to evaluate your skills and performance, jumpstarting your recruitment journey.
Third, there are English teaching internships (TEFL or TESOL), where interns assist undergraduate Japanese students in improving their English language skills. Interns work both in and out the classroom and interact with the students in a variety of settings.
This type of internship in Japan for international students provides them with an invaluable opportunity to gain experience in the field of teaching English in a foreign setting.
2. Narrow down your internship choices
Now that you have a fairly good idea of how the Japanese internship system works, it’s time to get down to business and determine the specifics. When looking into how to get an internship in Japan, you have to address the following questions:
- What are your goals?
- What sector or field do you want to delve into?
- Do you prefer to work for a global company or a small one?
- Which part of Japan do you want to relocate to?
- Do you have financial considerations before taking an internship?
Answering these questions will help you explore your options and figure out which path to take. You should not leap without taking important matters into consideration. It will help you pull off the next steps in the process.
3. Prepare for the internship process
And maybe prepare your pants for delicious sushi around every corner.
If you have decided the specifics, the next step on the path to landing an internship in Japan for international students would be to get ready to apply. To make sure that you have a good chance to succeed, you must prepare thoroughly, from honing your required skills for the position to updating and polishing your CV.
Perhaps, the biggest preparation you need to undertake is learning the basics of the Japanese language. After all, communication is key. You might also need to brush up on your technical skills and familiarize yourself with Japanese culture. All of these are integral to boosting your qualifications and improving your chances of landing the internship.
Part of your preparation should also be devoted to browsing reputable programs that you can include in your prospects. You might also want to familiarize yourself with Japan’s visa requirements, ensuring that you have everything at hand once you start the application process.
4. Seek help from your academic or personal network
Professional and personal connections you have built over the years will come in handy when you are actively looking for internship opportunities. You might have a network of people who have experienced interning in the country. They could give you some advice and tips on how to get an internship in Japan.
Their insights will help you prepare and improve your chances of getting an internship in Japan for international students. They might even know of suitable Japanese internship companies that you could apply to, making your internship-hunting journey a lot more convenient.
You could ask your university whether they have a partnership with Japanese companies or educational institutions, as they could give you good contacts.
5. Get down to business and start applying
An internship in Japan does not come on a silver platter. You need to seek it out and work for it. Of course, you have to do your research and find out all you need to know about the sector you chose to work in, including the companies within that field.
And if you need a little motivation...this will probably help.
One of the best places to get this information is company websites. Once you have narrowed down your potential companies, you can start the application process (or save yourself time and get matched with programs). Constant and balanced communication is essential to move the process forward. You can make use of multiple channels, from email and video chat to personal presence.
An important thing to remember when looking into how to get an internship in Japan is to observe the proper way of communicating with Japanese companies. The country, after all, has a lot of rules and expectations, whether spoken or not.
For one, you can be upfront with what you want from an internship. It’s important to let the company know about your expectations, whether it’s the number of hours you can work or the corresponding compensation.
While it’s impossible to learn and employ the ins and outs of Japanese business communication without any first-hand experience, you can put in a lot of effort to familiarize and observe the “proper” way of doing things.
For those ready to apply, Beyond Academy is a fantastic option to consider. Their Tokyo internships offer placements across industries like business, tech, and design, all with a focus on skill-building and real-world experience.
Get matched with 5 internships abroad in Japan—it’s free!
Ready to find your dream internship in Japan?
An internship in Japan is a good investment for your professional career. It offers a golden opportunity for you to develop your knowledge and skills in your chosen field. What is more, it also allows you to widen your horizon and delve deep into a different culture.
It will help you adapt easily to changing environments, shaping your experiences and sharpening your resume. You will not only grow as a professional equipped with valuable skills but also as a person who learned more about themselves and the world at large.
Now that you know how to get an internship in Japan, it’s time to set the wheels in motion. Buckle up and gain the experience of a lifetime!
More helpful resources
- GoAbroad’s Pre-Departure Checklist for Upcoming Interns Abroad
- 8 Internship Abroad Scholarships & Grants to Apply For Now
- How to Find & Compare the Best Intern Abroad Programs
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