What inspired you to travel abroad?
I’ve always wanted to challenge myself both personally and professionally, and Tokyo felt like the perfect place to do that. It’s such a dynamic city where tradition meets innovation. When I saw the opportunity with Absolute Internship, I knew it was the kind of experience that would push me out of my comfort zone and help me grow.
Why did you choose Absolute Internship?
I was especially drawn to Asia because it’s so culturally different from the UK, and I knew that stepping into a completely new environment would push me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I chose Absolute Internship because their programs aren’t just about ticking a box on your CV—they're about real-world experience, cultural immersion, and global networking.
What stood out to me was how supported I felt from the beginning. As someone who was going abroad for the first time on my own, having that structure and community made a huge difference.
Plus, seeing previous interns thrive—and knowing that some even landed jobs from their placements—made me feel like this was more than just an internship. It was the start of something bigger. And it was! My time in Tokyo gave me the clarity, confidence, and connections I never imagined I’d walk away with.
First day in Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing!
What was your favorite part about Tokyo?
Tokyo completely stole my heart—it’s such a vibrant, fast-paced city, but at the same time, there’s this beautiful sense of calm and respect in everyday life. My favourite part was how every single day felt like an adventure.
Whether it was the food (I’m still dreaming about the sushi and convenience store snacks!), the high-tech trains, or stumbling upon hidden temples between skyscrapers, there was always something new to discover. I also loved how safe and clean the city was—it made it so easy to explore.
And honestly, the people were so kind and polite, even with a language barrier. It taught me how universal connection can be, and it made me fall in love with the culture even more.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience extraordinary was how much I grew in such a short space of time. I landed in Tokyo not knowing anyone, not speaking the language, and having never been to Asia before—but I left feeling more confident, independent, and inspired than ever.
The internship itself pushed me professionally, but it was the combination of real-world experience, cultural immersion, and making friends from all over the world that made it so special.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
From the moment I arrived in Tokyo, they made me feel welcome, safe, and supported. They were always on hand, whether it was helping us navigate the city, answering questions about our placements, or organizing group activities to help us settle in and bond with other interns.
What stood out the most was how approachable and present they were. You never felt like you were just dropped into a new country and left to figure it out—they genuinely cared and made the whole experience feel smooth and stress-free.
Having that kind of support, especially in a place as fast-paced and unfamiliar as Tokyo, made a huge difference.
Tigers V Giants Baseball Game
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Stayed for longer! I was also quite focused on work and loved spending time with the other interns, but looking back, I think I could’ve taken a few more moments just for myself—maybe to get lost in a new neighbourhood, try more street food, or even journal more of my experience.
Tokyo is such a huge city with so much to offer, and while I made the most of it, I now realize how quickly time flies when you're abroad. I’d tell future interns: be bold, be curious, and soak up every moment—even the quiet ones.
Describe what a typical day in your life as an intern abroad looked like.
I’d usually wake up early, grab a coffee or some breakfast from a local convenience store (they're next level in Japan!), and then head to work using the metro. Even the commute felt like an experience! It’s so efficient and well-organized.
At my internship, I worked on marketing campaigns, content creation, and a new website proposal, which I presented to the CEO! I was constantly learning, and the work environment gave me great insight into Japanese business culture.
After work, I’d usually explore the city—whether that meant checking out a new neighbourhood, going for ramen with other interns, or joining a planned cultural activity through Absolute, like a scavenger hunt or matcha class. Every day felt full and meaningful. Even the smallest things—like ordering food or navigating somewhere new—felt like part of the adventure.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time in Tokyo?
In my free time, I loved exploring Tokyo—there’s never a dull moment! I’d spend evenings wandering around places like Shibuya or Harajuku, trying new street food, or popping into quirky shops and cafés.
I also loved how easy it was to experience both modern and traditional Japan. One day I’d be at a futuristic art exhibit, and the next I’d be visiting a peaceful temple or watching a traditional ceremony.
On weekends, I’d meet up with the other interns to explore new neighbourhoods, hit up karaoke bars (a must in Tokyo!), or try something completely new, like heading to Mount Fuji. Every bit of downtime felt like part of the adventure, and I loved how the city constantly offered something exciting, no matter the day or time.
Rainy season in Tokyo
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a dual occupancy room—which means I shared with one other person—and it turned out to be one of the best parts of the whole experience. I was paired with someone I’d never met before, and now she’s one of my best friends!
The accommodation itself was really clean, modern, and in a great location, which made it easy to get to work and explore the city. But what I liked most was having someone to share the journey with—from late-night chats after a long day to planning weekend adventures together.
Living with someone going through the same experience made everything more fun, more comforting, and honestly, so much more memorable.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Be ready to say yes to everything—even the things that feel a bit outside your comfort zone. The Absolute Internship program is packed with opportunities, both professionally and culturally, but it’s really up to you to make the most of them.
Attend the events, explore the city, connect with other interns, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or try something new. It goes fast, and every moment counts. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it—personally, professionally, and even emotionally.
Trust me, you’ll come back changed in the best way.
Would you recommend Absolute Internship and your program to others? Why?
Absolutely. I would recommend Absolute Internship to anyone serious about gaining real-world experience while also immersing themselves in a new culture. The program strikes the perfect balance between professional development and personal growth.
You get hands-on work that challenges you, plus incredible support from the staff and a built-in community of interns from all over the world. For me, it was a life-changing experience that opened doors I didn’t even know existed, both career-wise and personally.
If you want to push yourself, build a global network, and create memories that last a lifetime, this is the program to go for.
Tanghulu Treats!
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
For me, the biggest benefit of traveling abroad was how it truly transformed my career trajectory. Through my internship in Tokyo with Absolute Internship, I gained not just international experience but also confidence, skills, and a global network that helped me secure my dream full-time job after graduation.
Traveling abroad pushes you to grow in ways you never expect—personally and professionally—and it opens doors that might have otherwise stayed closed. It’s an investment in yourself that pays off in opportunities and self-belief that lasts a lifetime.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Being back home, I can honestly say my time abroad has changed me in so many positive ways. It gave me a new perspective on the world and boosted my confidence to take on challenges, both personally and professionally.
The skills I developed, like adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and independence, have been invaluable as I’ve stepped into my career. Plus, the friendships and connections I made are a lasting part of my support network.
Most importantly, my experience in Tokyo confirmed that I want to work in global environments and keep seeking opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone. It’s shaped not just what I do, but how I see myself and my future.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, is about more than just seeing new places—it’s about truly immersing yourself in the culture, connecting with people, and learning from experiences that challenge your perspective.
It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone to grow personally and professionally, and coming away with a deeper understanding of the world and yourself.
During my internship in Tokyo, meaningful travel meant embracing both the excitement and the challenges and using them as opportunities to become more adaptable, open-minded, and confident. That’s what stays with you long after the trip ends.
