What inspired you to go abroad?
I went on a high school exchange when I was 15 years old to Ontario, Canada. This amazing experience is what got me started on my travel addiction. However, I don't want to just quickly visit every country. I believe you haven't really been to country unless you have understood its culture and mingled with its people for a sufficient amount of time. It is in this mindset that I departed for my adventure to Japan, a country that I had wanted to go to and learn more about since childhood.
Why did you choose an internship with Meiji Internships?
At first, I didn't intend to do an internship in Japan. I had studied Japanese before and I wanted to improve it, so I was looking for a language school. That is when I stumbled upon Meiji Internships.
The program they first offered, an intensive language and business classes for optimal preparation, and then a guarantee of a good internship placement convinced me in no time. I was worried my inexperience or age would become a barrier, but Meiji Internships told me it was not a problem and did a great job finding me a wonderful internship in Tokyo.
What was your favorite part about Japan?
Thanks to Meiji Internships' program, I was able to go to both Fukuoka, for my one month long of Japanese classes, and Tokyo, for my actual internship. Both of these cities are great! I was able to see more of the traditional and calm part of the Japanese culture while in Fukuoka, and experience the more crazy side of it in Tokyo.
What I love about Japan is that the entertainment industry is really developed here, so it feels like it is impossible not to find something to do among all the arcades, karaoke, parks, and so on.
What made your experience abroad unique?
Each experience is unique and I think that is because of all the different people you can meet while abroad. I met tons of wonderful people while in Japan. In Fukuoka, I was able to get to know people from all over the world during class, and also had the opportunity to meet Japanese people during the few events that the school held.
During my internship, I had the chance to work with, of course, Japanese people, but also other foreigners who were also settled in Japan and could understand me best. Because I worked in a Hotel, I was also able to meet a great variety of people who all taught me a lot. I will cherish all these meetings and remember them as the best part of my adventure!
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
First of all, all of Meiji Internships' staff is very supportive and cheered on me throughout my whole program. They were always here ready to help me and easy to reach. Meiji's service is very personalized and each staff member will do their best to give you all the information and support you specifically need.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I would have learned more vocabulary before coming. Don't worry, you can always communicate in some way or another, but having a wider vocabulary will make your life way easier at first.
There is no real use in knowing a lot of complicated grammar concepts and lacking the vocabulary to make up those sentences. However, you learn really fast when actually in Japan, be ready to pick up an enormous amount of words everyday!
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
I spent a typical day at the front desk. This meant I had to use the hotel's system to manage guest check-ins and check-outs, bed assignments, and other organizational tasks. I also spent time answering the guests' questions through email and phone calls, as well as directly at the reception. While doing this, I also took care of the bar and of some cleaning duties.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Tokyo is a huge city. There will always be something new to see. I spent all of my free time exploring this very exciting city. You can walk for hours without any real goal and stumble upon tons of interesting and unexpected things. I also did quite a lot of activities with my colleagues. We would go out for drinks or even go for overnight road trips.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
During my stay in Fukuoka, I booked a host family type accommodation and really enjoyed it. My host family was very nice and helped me get better at Japanese. I also got the chance to eat delicious homemade Japanese food and participate in the many events my host mother held. Living with a host family does come with its restrictions, such as curfew, but I think it was worth the experience.
As for Tokyo, I didn’t book my accommodation through Meiji because the prices were a little out of my budget.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Don't be afraid! It is a challenge to go abroad like this but whatever your level of Japanese is, Meiji Internships will be able to help you and find a suitable internship for you.
My only advice is don't hesitate! It will be a great experience both for your own personal development and a great addition to your resume. You will not regret it!
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
Time really flies! Great friendships were created here and good professional connections were made. I also learned a lot during this internship. I came to understand Japanese working culture more and gained really valuable experience that will surely make a great impact on my resume!
Would you recommend Meiji Internships to others? Why?
I would recommend to book an internship through Meiji internships! My own experience was great. I always felt secured because of Meiji's great support and was very pleased with my internship placement!
The easiest and efficient way to gain experience in Japan is to go through Meiji!
