eaving your native homeland to work an internship in not only an entirely new country, but also a new culture, can be quite challenging. The experience itself is worth its weight in gold, and will surely allow you to proceed in your career with valuable insights and a diverse mentality.

1. Top 4 Mistakes Students Make During Their
Internship in Japan
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https://absoluteinternship.com

2. Coming
Unprepared
● A mistake we often see is that students fail to prepare properly,
specifically in the cultural awareness department. While you’ve certainly
taken the first step if you’ve found this article, some background research
is critical to arriving prepared.
● While you are likely not expected to be fluent as an intern in Japan, you
would be wise to come with a general knowledge of the language. Play
some Duolingo before you go, or watch a few YouTube videos a week.

3. ● In Japan, business culture is all about hierarchy, so as
interns, it’s important to know where you fall in the line of
respect.
● Don’t go and cross boundaries, cut off or clash with those
above you. Keep it respectful, stay humble in your role in
the food chain, and show respect to authority figures.
● Unlike in more Western cultures where we have less of an
emphasis on hierarchy, this is a critical part of an internship
in Japan and is a common mistake newcomers can make
early on.
● While you are valued as an intern it is important to
remember that you answer to your superiors and that they
often hire straight out of their intern pool, evaluating who
might be the right fit as the internship goes on.
● By showing your respect you not only align with Japan’s
work culture, but you also help yourself get ahead and win
the favor of those you work with.
Ignoring
hierarchy/not
networking

4. ● As an intern in Japan, you have the opportunity to prove
yourself. It is common in Japanese companies to consider
interns for full time roles.
● They often use the internship process as a way in which to
observe and assess potential future job candidates, so now
is the time to show them your worth. Don’t simply wait idly
by until someone assigns you a task. Be proactive!
● Take the initiative to ask for additional tasks and show
enthusiasm for your work. This is an extremely common
mistake of interns anywhere, but waiting around does very
little to show your ability to take charge. Make your
internship experience worthwhile and advocate for yourself
and your work.
● While it is sometimes taboo, keep your eyes peeled for
tasks that others may not like much, specifically those
above you and ask if you can help out with them! This not
only shows initiative but might win you some points from
our colleagues.
Not taking
initiative

5. ● Timeliness for work has vastly different
expectations around the globe, depending on
where you are. Japan, like other Asian countries,
holds an emphasis on punctuality.
● Arriving late or unprepared for meetings or on
tasks can display poor performance and
professionalism, as well as show a disrespect for
the culture of the country.
● Always make sure to arrive at your internship in
Japan a few minutes early ready to work almost
immediately.
● Show up to the meeting you may have promptly
and prepared for whatever the topic may be.
● Doing these things will positively impact how you
are perceived and the quality of work you are
completing, while also showing a great deal of
respect to Japanese timeliness culture.
Not Being On
Time

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