What inspired you to go abroad?
What inspired me to go abroad was the opportunity to gain global exposure and step outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to experience a different culture, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and challenge myself in a new environment. Studying abroad allowed me to learn not only academically but also personally by adapting to unfamiliar situations and developing independence.
I believed that international exposure helped broaden perspectives, improve problem-solving skills, and build confidence. It also gave me the chance to explore new ideas, educational approaches, and career opportunities that were not always available in my home country.
Overall, the idea of living and learning abroad inspired me because I believed it would help me grow both professionally and personally.
Grape picking was a really fun and unique experience. It was my first time visiting a vineyard and actually picking fresh grapes directly from the vines. The atmosphere was very relaxing, and it was great doing it together with the other interns while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Why did you choose the Digital Nomad Program Through The Intern Group?
I chose this program because it seemed reliable and well-organized, and it offered opportunities that matched what I was looking for in an international experience. I wanted a program that would support students while also allowing us to explore and learn independently.
The positive feedback I found about the organization and the benefits it provided made me feel confident that it would be a great fit for me. It seemed like a program that genuinely focuses on helping participants grow, experience a new culture, and make the most of their time abroad.
What was your favorite part about Japan?
My favorite part about my host country was experiencing Japanese culture in everyday life. I have always been interested in Japan, so being able to see it firsthand was really special. I enjoyed the food, the cleanliness of the cities, and the peaceful atmosphere in many places.
I also appreciated how respectful and organized everything felt, from public transportation to daily interactions with people. Exploring different areas, trying new foods, and observing cultural traditions made the experience memorable and gave me a deeper appreciation for the country and its way of life.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the opportunity to connect with new people from different backgrounds and cultures. Meeting people from around the world helped me see different perspectives and learn about traditions, lifestyles, and ideas that were very different from my own.
Through conversations, shared activities, and exploring new places together, I built meaningful friendships that made the experience much more memorable. Those connections made the trip feel more personal and rewarding, and they are something I will continue to value even after the program ended!
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff supported us throughout the program by always being approachable, organized, and helpful whenever we needed assistance! They acted as great guides, helping us explore different places while also explaining the culture and local traditions.
They regularly checked in with us to make sure everything was going well and were always available if we had questions or concerns. Their support made it much easier to adjust to a new environment and allowed us to focus on enjoying the experience and learning as much as possible during the program.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad was spending even more time exploring the city and nearby areas. I had a remote and fairly flexible internship schedule, so I had opportunities to go out and see more places.
While I did explore and try new things, I feel like I could have taken even greater advantage of that flexibility to visit more neighborhoods, discover hidden spots, and experience more of the local culture.
Looking back, I would have planned a few more day trips or spontaneous outings to make the most of the time I had there.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day abroad usually starts a bit later in the morning, around 11 a.m. I would wake up, get ready, and head out to explore or grab lunch at a new place nearby. I enjoyed trying different restaurants and cafés, which helped me experience more of the local culture. Sometimes I had plans to meet friends or visit a new area of the city.
In the evening, I would often go out for dinner somewhere new and then return to my apartment. Later in the day, I would spend some time working on my remote internship, usually for about one or two hours, before relaxing and planning what to explore next.
Visiting the iconic Tokyo Tower🗼was an amazing experience. Seeing it up close made me realize how impressive the structure really is, and it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I mostly enjoyed exploring Japan since it had always been one of my dream destinations. I loved walking around different neighborhoods, discovering new restaurants, and trying a variety of local foods. Even simple things like visiting convenience stores, parks, or local streets felt exciting because everything was new to me.
I also enjoyed seeing how daily life worked there and experiencing the culture firsthand. Being able to explore the country at my own pace made the experience even more special and memorable for me.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in an all-inclusive apartment that had shared spaces such as a common living area, kitchen, and bathrooms, while each person had their own private bedroom with air conditioning.
I really liked this setup because it offered a good balance of privacy and social interaction. I could relax in my own room when I needed personal space, but I could also spend time in the common areas and talk with others staying there.
It made the experience feel more comfortable and welcoming, and it was a great way to meet new people while still having a place to unwind!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know before starting the program is to take full advantage of all the opportunities and facilities provided. The program offers a lot of support, resources, and chances to explore, so it’s important to stay open to new experiences and make the most of your time there.
Balancing your internship responsibilities with exploring the city and meeting new people can make the experience much more rewarding. The more effort you put into participating and trying new things, the more memorable and valuable the program will be!
Would you recommend the Digital Nomad Program to others? Why?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this program to others. The experience was very well organized, and the staff was supportive and helpful throughout the entire program. They made it easier to adjust to a new environment and ensured that participants felt comfortable and supported.
The program also provided a great balance between professional experience through the internship and the opportunity to explore a new country and culture.
Overall, it was a very enriching experience that allowed me to grow personally while also gaining valuable international exposure.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
For me personally, the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is stepping out of my comfort zone and learning how to adapt to a completely different environment.
Being in a new country pushes you to become more independent and open-minded. You learn how people from different cultures live, communicate, and approach everyday life. It also teaches you problem-solving and flexibility because you often have to navigate unfamiliar situations.
Overall, traveling abroad helps you grow both personally and professionally while giving you a broader perspective on the world!
Learning how to make traditional Japanese sweets was such a fun cultural experience. It was interesting to see the level of detail and care that goes into making them. I really enjoyed the hands-on activity and getting to try something new while learning more about Japanese food culture.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has definitely had a big impact on me. It helped improve my communication skills because I interacted with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. I also feel more confident now when facing new situations or challenges.
Living in another country taught me how to adapt quickly and be more independent. The experience also broadened my perspective and made me more curious about exploring other cultures and opportunities in the future. So, I would say it was a very meaningful experience that contributed a lot to my personal growth.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means truly experiencing the culture of the place I visit rather than just seeing tourist attractions. It involves respecting local traditions, trying new foods, learning about the history, and interacting with people who live there.
I think travel becomes meaningful when you build connections, gain new perspectives, and learn something valuable from the experience. It’s about being open-minded, appreciating the differences between cultures, and returning home with a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it.
