Preparing For an Internship in Japan

Article by Adam Claydon-Platt

You are wanting to complete an internship in your personal choice of potential careers, and you have decided to do it in Japan rather than in your own backyard. This can be a wonderful experience, and there are many Japanese businesses that hire interns for just this reason. You just need to be prepared for the adventure.

Some of the things to consider are your air travel to Japan. Who is going to pay for that? Where will you land in the country? How will you travel to your ultimate destination? Do not take any of these plans for granted. The task is on you and not on your temporary employer.

Do you have a resume? Is it geared towards working locally or working in Japan. It must reflect your wishes to have this internship in Japan, not California or London. The Japanese businessman expects different things than you may be accustomed to and it is important to address those things in your resume.

You will need insurance to cover you while you are in Japan. Your current health insurance may not cover illness other than emergencies, or possibly not even emergencies that occur outside of your country. Shopping for the proper travel insurance is a must.

What about travel? Are you in a position to rent a vehicle? If so, you must learn the rules of the road and be sure you have the documentation to prove this when you get there and take off on a self directed journey.

There is also a need to obtain a Japan working holiday visa. This can take time and certain conditions apply. You will need to investigate those needs and fulfill them before applying for your visa. Paperwork is necessary and it is on you to complete it.

The Japanese culture is different from many other countries. Their work ethic may be very different than you are used to. Being prepared for that culture shock will help make your adjustment to the country a lot easier. While fulfilling an internship is a learning experience to possibly prepare you for your future career, learning the points you need to know before you travel is also very important. You need to prepare for the internship and start now.

What exactly do you expect to gain from this experience? Are you planning a career in the type of work you will be doing, or are you going for a vacation you could not otherwise afford? These questions will help you decide where you should be going to do the internship.

Companies are available to assist you with all of the preparation that you will need to have a joyful and successful adventure in Japan. There are many opportunities in Japan that you may not otherwise encounter, but you may not be able to find them on your own. With all of the decisions that must be made, a professional organization will be of great value to your plan and your life while you are in Japan.