Tokyo Internships with Beyond Academy

My internship in Tokyo has been the best experience of my life so far and I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment. I graduated a few years back and after working 3 years in an accounting firm, I realised that was not for me and I was hoping to start a fresh chapter in my career. I was placed in a really cool tech start-up based in Shibuya. The internship was hard work and I definitely had a steep learning curve. Despite that it was only a 6-week placement, the company involved me in quite a few different projects and I’ve learnt so much. I’ve also made some fantastic contacts in the meetups that Beyond Academy arranged. The events kept me busy during my time in Tokyo and I honestly loved all of them! My highlight was definitely the trip to Mt Fuji. It was nice to get out of the city and take in the incredible nature Japan has to offer. I had such a great time living like a local, and have made some fantastic friends. Aya, our community manager, is literally the most amazing person - she went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. I’ve loved our little izakaya dinners every 2 weeks and I’m going to miss everyone so much :( Tokyo is the most magical place, if you are thinking of interning there do not hesitate. I’m already planning my next trip to Japan and would love to hopefully move over soon! Thank you so much Beyond - you guys have honestly changed my life!

I joined the Beyond Academy program in January. With no work experience and having never travelled on my own it was a slightly scary prospect but I can safely say it was a great decision. I always wanted to go to Japan and being able to work and live there I thought would be beyond my reach with all the paperwork and trying to find a job and I had heard you need to know the language so part of my thought it was very unlikely I could actually work in Tokyo. So a huge thanks to my internship company who were amazing. I learnt so much professionally and personally throughout the 2 months in Tokyo. Thanks to Beyond who were always there for every step of the process and made it such an incredible experience from start to finish. I would like to thank Krystal who stayed in touch and guided me through right from the very first admission call to apply up until when I sadly had to leave Japan and it was great to even meet Krystal and some of the team at a few of the events. Krystal mentored me through the process and gave me some great tips. Overall, the program has allowed me to fulfill one of my lifelong dreams and helped me build my confidence (and some great experience for my CV). I would love to do it all over again especially now I have perfected my mochi making. I fell in love with Japan!

My time in Tokyo was honestly the best experience ever. I was quite nervous before leaving but the help and support that the Beyond team gave me was really what made the entire experience so great. From helping me prepare for interviews to even advising me on what to pack for the trip! I arrived at a similar time as another intern, and we were picked up from the airport by the community manager. Being able to meet others who were new in town during orientation really helped me settle in as well, and my worries went away pretty quickly. The internship itself was fantastic. I worked hard but it was really worth it. My team (and the company in general) was really international and I was able to work on a range of projects that put my marketing degree to the test. Tokyo was very different to home but more the reason to love it. I got to try lots of local Japanese food that we just don't get in the UK. I have to say that I’m completely in love with Japanese food now, and despite my failed attempt at making sushi again after our class in Tokyo, I’ve bought a new Japanese cookbook! Most Japanese people in Tokyo speak a little English, but despite the language barrier everyone was just so friendly and nice. I’m planning to visit Japan again with my family next year, and hopefully see the sakura season this time round!. PS (sorry for the VERY late review).