Fukuoka Internship with Meiji Internships

I don't know where to start but this IT internship for the past three months was a game-changer for me! I have made so many contacts, developed my Java Script and C++ coding skills to the next level while networking with the local entrepreneurial crowd filled with international IT geeks, locals business man and even a few angel investors, Fukuoka just blew my mind! The best thing about Meiji was how much of a grip and connection they have in Kyushu and really know the whole local companies pretty much. I have hung out with the staff and fellow interns for a couple of dinners and food gatherings and I cannot intensify how much it is important to get out of your comfort zone.

Off the back of a terrible internship I did back home in Australia, I still felt as if I hadn’t really gained any work experience, so I searched abroad. Meiji’s services appealed to me for the professionalism (as well as all the fun the interns seemed to have had). I was so glad to find that this followed true with my internship, because they handled my case so professionally and efficiently, and I had so much fun! They placed me in the graphic design department of the local tourism board, and my main tasks were to design marketing materials to inform residents and tourists (both domestic and international) about events across the city. I felt that I thrived in this role and really gained a lot from it. Plus, I got to attend all of the events as part of my work, which was a much welcomed bonus! This internship showed me what true work experience is, and I’m glad I continued searching after my bad experience in the past.

I was lucky enough to do my internship at a resort on the outskirts of Fukuoka, the area was basically in the countryside but it still had a bit of a city vibe to it. I’m a big fan of the countryside, and being a bred-and-born city boy, there was a lot to discover. Seeing those tiny road-side vegetable shops that have no staff and rely purely on the honesty of people was definitely a highlight for me and a reminder why I love the Japanese culture so much! I will say, I’m definitely not a fan of those countryside spiders though (they’re HUGE). Working at the resort was a real pleasure. I think many of the guests were shocked to see a foreign face working in a countryside resort, but they were so kind and I loved answering all of their curious questions! There a few occasions were I was surprised to find that guests had gone out of their way to buy gifts for me, Japanese people are honestly so sweet. If you’re considering Japan for your internship destination, I absolutely recommend Meiji, and equally as much recommend the countryside!