I interned with a small start-up through IIJ for less than a month and it was a great experience!
The IIJ experience usually begins with some Skype video calls to gauge which business would work best with your interests but it is advisable to schedule such inquiries as far as advance as possible to get the most opportunities possible! Anyhow, the interviews themselves went smoothly and I appreciated the flexibility of the staff to work with my tight schedule.
While I spoke little Japanese, I still managed to contribute to the company that I was assigned to, primarily through creating a marketing program towards attracting international clients living in Japan as well as assisting Japanese clients in their English. As with the previous review, I've learned a lot of how businesses work within Japan as well as providing an important perspective check on etiquette when conducting business abroad.
Throughout my internship, I had IIJ staff ensuring that they would touch base with me on a consistent basis and ensuring that my experience went smoothly. There's also networking opportunities with fellow foreign interns as well as Japanese interns heading abroad who are in a sister program.
If you're interested in interning in Japan, this is a worthwhile agency to work with!
What would you improve about this program?
Ditto on the international parties! On a broader scale, maybe more opportunities to network on the professional scene?
