| Doing an internship in Japan is definitely a culturally | | | | free lodging and food. If not, accommodation charges |
| enriching experience. Not only are you going to be | | | | are up to $200 per week. That is why it is sensible |
| exposed to different word environments and | | | | to look for other interns, who are willing to share |
| methods, but also you are going to be learning about | | | | accommodation costs with you. Choose somebody |
| Japan and her culture. Japan has some of the most | | | | with which you can share your accommodation |
| quality conscious and efficient organizations in the | | | | peaceably! |
| business world today. So, you are going to have a | | | | Some interns find problems with the business |
| memorable experience of an internship with Japanese | | | | environment in Japan. They cannot understand that |
| professionals. However, there are some possible | | | | there is a definite hierarchy, with due respect given |
| problems you may encounter when doing an | | | | to older employees and senior ranking officials. |
| internship in Japan. | | | | Besides this, one has to know about the Japanese |
| The most common of these problems is culture | | | | working environment, and working possible late hours. |
| shock. You are going to be exposed to an old culture | | | | Many interns from the West cannot understand why |
| and an extremely rich and varied heritage so | | | | Japan does not work 9-to-5, with weekends off. |
| different from your own. You are also going to be | | | | Well, a successful intern is one who understands the |
| exposed to different social rules, norms, beliefs and | | | | highly successful and profitable work environment of |
| traditions. But once you have got over the initial | | | | Japan. |
| shock of "this is so different from what we do under | | | | Another possible problem is "losing face." Never ever |
| such circumstances back home," you are going to | | | | go into confrontation mode with your seniors, |
| find yourself settling down happily and enjoying a | | | | because you find some of their requests |
| brand-new culture altogether. | | | | unreasonable. The Japanese are extremely polite. |
| Cost of living -- the Japanese enjoy a very high | | | | They are going to disregard your impolite behavior. |
| standard of living, and that is why you may find | | | | Yet, you have "lost face" because you did not learn |
| yourself shocked at the high prices of commodities | | | | the ABC of proper Japanese behavior in the office |
| (although prices have become much cheaper in the | | | | and in society. |
| last 10 years). So, you have to take this into | | | | It is extremely essential that you learn about "losing |
| consideration, before you decide to go to Japan for | | | | face" before you take up your internship in Japan. It |
| your internship. | | | | is extremely essential that you never get into such a |
| A possible problem before your internship application | | | | confrontational situation, ever, to keep relationships |
| goes through is the payment of an enrolment fee in | | | | between your two peoples (and companies!) peaceful |
| the initial stages. This fee can be anywhere between | | | | and cordial! |
| $50-$500, which may also include the fee for | | | | Vegetarians are going to find the going hard in |
| processing of your documents. Some organizations | | | | matters of vegetarian cuisine and diet. You can make |
| refund this fee, if you are not selected for the | | | | do with the rather expensive fruit and vegetables, |
| internship program. Other organizations don't charge | | | | but the much more sensible option is to cook your |
| any fees at all, so you should try to seek these | | | | own vegetarian meals while you're there. |
| organizations out where possible. | | | | An internship in Japan will be an extremely rewarding |
| Your ticket to Japan can cost you as much as $2000. | | | | experience. As long as you are aware of potential |
| And once you are here, you have to worry about | | | | issues which may occur, hopefully it will help you to |
| food, travel, accommodation and leisure expenditures. | | | | avoid them all! |
| Unpaid internships are most likely going to come with | | | | |