Why did you choose this program?
I chose this internship program in Japan because I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture, values, and work ethic. I saw this as a chance not only to develop my professional skills in a real-world environment but also to experience a culture that emphasizes precision, respect, and continuous improvement. I believe that being exposed to a different way of thinking and working will help me grow both personally and professionally. This internship felt like the perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, gain hands-on experience, and broaden my global perspective.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
ICC Consultants assisted me with several important aspects of the internship process. They helped match me with a suitable host company based on my skills and interests, provided guidance on preparing my resume and interview, and supported me through the visa application process. They also offered a pre-departure orientation to help me understand what to expect when living and working in Japan.
On my own, I had to organize personal things like booking my flight, managing daily expenses, and adjusting to life in a new environment. I also took the initiative to learn basic Japanese phrases and research cultural norms to better prepare myself for the experience.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
One piece of advice I’d give is to make the effort to explore beyond just your internship. While the work experience is important, living in Japan is also a rare chance to immerse yourself in a unique culture. Try new foods, travel to different cities on weekends, learn some Japanese phrases, and connect with locals or other interns. The memories you make outside of work can be just as valuable as what you learn on the job.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average day as a participant in this program usually starts with commuting to the host company, which is a great way to experience Japan’s efficient public transportation system. At work, I spend most of the day assisting with tasks related to my field. For example, helping with IT setups, testing systems, or observing how projects are managed. I also have opportunities to learn directly from my supervisors and team members, which has been really valuable.
After work, I often grab dinner at a local restaurant or explore nearby areas. Weekends are usually free, so I take that time to travel, visit cultural sites, or join events with other interns. The balance between professional learning and cultural experiences makes each week feel productive and exciting.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
Going into my experience abroad, my biggest fear was adjusting to Japan’s workplace culture. I’d heard that the work environment in Japan could be very formal and structured, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to meet expectations or fit in smoothly.
At first, I was careful and observant. I paid close attention to how coworkers interacted, how meetings were handled, and what the unspoken rules were. I also asked questions when I was unsure, and my team appreciated that I was making an effort to understand and respect their way of working.
Over time, I realized that while there are differences, people were supportive and didn’t expect perfection. They respected my curiosity and willingness to adapt. This experience taught me that being respectful and open-minded goes a long way, and I became more confident working in a cross-cultural setting.
