Top 10 Internship in Japan for International Students

Do you wish to participate in one of the best internship programs in Japan for international students? Then, read this article to explore many options, letting you know the most recommended international internships for undergraduates and postgraduate students in the Land of the Rising Sun. Interning in Japan is a superb chance to jump-start your career in any industry. They will enable you to see a new culture, gain international experience, develop your skill set, and build foreign contacts that could help you fulfill your career goals. What more can you expect from Japan internship programs? Read on to discover them, one after the other.

Let’s get down to business.

Reasons to Intern in Japan

Irrespective of if you seek cultural exploration or career advancement opportunities, choosing to do your internship in Japan would exceed your expectations.

Here are some reasons to consider interning in Japan as an international student.

Explore tourist attractions

There are myriads of exciting and beautiful places you can visit during your internship in Japan. Most of Japan’s attractions depict history. These include Mount Fuji, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Todaiji Temple, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Himeji Castle, Great Buddha of Kamakura, and the Island Shrine of Itsukushima.

Explore the unique cultures of the Japanese

Japan has various ethnic groups, making it a culturally diverse country. As a result, its people have a fantastic way of life. Besides, Japan hosts numerous festivals yearly, which people from different parts of the world travel to celebrate with them. These include Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, Aomori Nebuta Festival, Koenji Awa Odori, Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Chichibu Night Festival, Takayama Festival, and Gozan no Okuribi.

Japan is home to many multinational corporations

Another good reason is that there are numerous multinational companies where you can intern in Japan, especially if you want to gain a head start in the technology or automotive industry. The most popular MNCs in Japan include Toyota Motors, Sony, Nintendo, Sanyo, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic, and Hitachi.

Internships in Japan are financially rewarding

Most Japanese employers offer monthly salaries to interns estimated at JPY 55,000 per month. This amount is reasonable, except that most Tokyo-based companies do not pay interns. Hence, consider applying to establishments in other Japanese cities.

Get career development opportunities

Above all, interning in Japan will facilitate your career advancement. It offers an opportunity to acquire new skills, explore a foreign workplace, and gain industry-related experience from one of the world’s leading companies. In addition, you’ll have the chance to build a professional network overseas and learn from industry leaders.

Helpful post: Guidelines for writing an engaging cover letter for a summer internship program.

Top 10 Internships in Japan for International Students

Here are the best ten (10) internship programs available to international students in Japan.

#1. United Nations University Internship Program

This paid internship program is open to students and fresh graduates from different world regions. Being part of the United Nations University Internship Program will let you expand your knowledge and gain first-hand experience. Moreover, you will be able to explore where the United Nations operates.

#2. Toyota Internship Program

One of the world’s largest automotive manufacturing companies, Toyota Motor Corporation, hires international students to occupy various intern positions in its Japan office. Its internship programs are highly competitive, as Toyota receives thousands of applications from students seeking intern jobs.

If you qualify for Toyota Internships, you can seize this fantastic opportunity by working as an intern in your preferred department.

#3. METI Internship Programs

This Government of Japan Internship Program is open to students and young professionals seeking cultural exploration opportunities in the country. These internships occur nowhere else but in Tokyo. They typically run for three to six months.

#4. APCO Worldwide Internship Programs

Being among the best ten internship programs in Japan for international students, you can also apply for an intern role with APCO Worldwide in Tokyo. The program will allow you to work with experienced consultants, assisting them with various projects.

#5. CRCC Asia Internships

Among the internship programs available in Japan for international students are those provided by CRCC Asia, an organization established in 2006 to provide opportunities for students and young professionals to develop professionally through internships. CRCC Asia possesses partnerships with more than 100 reputable companies, offering a chance to learn in-demand skills, acquire work experience, and build relationships with senior executives by interning for varying periods, ranging from 4 to 12 weeks.

#6. Zentern Internship Programs

As one of the best internship programs in Japan for international students, Zentern Internships consists of four internship options: Internship Placement Only, Japanese Language + Internship, Cultural Program + Internship, and Online/Remote Internship. This internship program offers students of all nationalities the opportunity to experience Japanese culture.

Zentern Internship Programs are your best bet, especially if you want to intern in Tokyo or Osaka.

#7. Panasonic Internship Programs

We also recommend Panasonic Summer Internships, as you are searching for one of the best internship programs in Japan for international students. The company has intern positions in different departments, such as finance, marketing, and engineering. Panasonic Holdings Corporation pays approximately ¥48,000 per month as salary to each intern.

#8. ICC Consultants Internship Programs

If you plan to start a career in the consulting industry, consider interning with ICC Consultants Inc. in Japan. The company has diverse internship positions across several disciplines, including Information Technology, finance, fashion, game design, trade, event management, journalism, and robotics.

Interning with ICC Consultants will enable you to gain industry-related experience and facilitate your career growth. Besides, ICC Consultants Internships are financially rewarding, as each intern receives a salary of about ¥35,000 monthly.

#9. Intern Group Internship Programs

Japan is one of the countries where the Intern Group provides a variety of international internships. Hence, you can apply for the Intern Group Internships to assume an intern role in Tokyo, Japan’s capital city and economic hub.

Due to the company’s partnerships with many private companies, multinational corporations, and NGOs, endless internship opportunities are available to non-Japanese students. So no matter your choice out of these programs, your professional development is guaranteed.

#10. NIG Internship Programs

The National Institute of Genetics (NIG) has a wide range of research internship programs open to undergraduate and postgraduate students of all nationalities in Japan. These internships are ideal for international students who seek to gain experience in fields related to life sciences. Hence, you can use an NIG Internship Program to kick-start your career in genetics, molecular, physiology, paleontology, human anatomy, zoology, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner get an internship in Japan?

Yes, international students can express interest in many intern positions available at Japan-based establishments. As such, you should apply after meeting your preferred internship program’s requirements.

Are interns paid in Japan?

Yes, the average salary of interns in Japan is JPY 55,000 monthly. However, most intern positions in Tokyo, the country’s capital, are unpaid.

How hard is it to get an internship in Japan as an international student?

Landing an internship opportunity in a Japan-based establishment is difficult, as hundreds and thousands of students compete annually for them.

What are the requirements to get an internship in Japan?

To get an intern role with a Japan-based company, you must presently possess enrollment in a recognized institution of higher learning and have exceptional academic achievements.

Do I need a visa to intern in Japan?

Yes, you must obtain a Japanese General Visa in person at the nearest diplomatic mission of Japan in your current country. The visa is valid for either one or two years. Without a doubt, you need it to qualify to enter japan to commence your internship.

Conclusion

Traveling overseas for your internship in Japan will give you an edge over your peers who chose to do their internship in their countries. Not only does it offer an opportunity to explore the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the Japanese, but it will also allow you to improve your skill set, acquire relevant experience, and create a professional network, which is essential when you eventually want to enter the job market. So what else is holding you back from taking this fantastic opportunity? Apply now, as there is no better time to embark on this journey to advance your career.

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Top 10 Internship in Japan for International Students