How I built essential communication skills during my internship in Japan, Intern Abroad HQ

Studying for a degree in Medicine, Olivia joined our Development & Education internship in Japan, to build upon her previous qualifications in Education and gain more cultural competency. Read on to find out what she learned and how this internship abroad benefited her goals as a future doctor.

Hi Olivia, thanks for sharing! Why did you choose to intern in Japan?

I had wanted to visit Japan for a long time! Japan is a beautiful country, with a huge range of interesting places to go to, such as animal cafes, markets, gardens and forests, natural wonders, and historic landmarks such as temples, shrines and castles.

In addition to this, their culture is very different to the one I was raised in. One aspect of Japanese culture I was really interested in is their collectivist society; in Japan, people are much more community oriented. This had manifestations in the cleanliness of their cities and in the courteous nature of their people. I really enjoyed being a part of this mutually supportive environment.

How I built essential communication skills during my internship in Japan, Intern Abroad HQ

What was your Youth Development & Education internship like?

In Japan, I interned at an afterschool for young children. I picked up children from school and brought them to the afterschool, played boardgames with them, played in the park with them, went to the gym with them, and engaged in other activities, such as yoga, zumba and English and Music lessons. I felt like I could really support the students and make sure no one was lonely or excluded.

How I built essential communication skills during my internship in Japan, Intern Abroad HQ

How did this internship benefit your professional development?

I am currently a medical student and attend placements. Owing to my experience as an intern, I believe I have greatly improved my communication skills. I now have a better awareness of non-verbal cues, and how to use my body language and facial expressions to convey information. This has really improved my relationship with patients.

I also currently volunteer in the paediatric wards at my local hospital. This experience has helped me with my interactions with the children there. I feel that I am better at making them feel like I am on their level socially, so that they do not feel timid talking to me.

For example, I know how to avoid patronizing body language and vocal tones and how to befriend their stuffed animals too. On the wards, I also meet many non-verbal children. I now feel like I can understand what these children are thinking to a greater extent, and I am much better at communicating with them.

How I built essential communication skills during my internship in Japan, Intern Abroad HQ

What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me was the language barrier. Before going to Japan, I spent one month learning Japanese but only really mastered the basics. Although this meant that it was difficult to play with the children at first, I soon realized that there are many forms of non-verbal communication I could use. These include hand gestures, eye movements, drawing pictures, facial expressions, body language and sound effects.

For example, I taught one of the students how to play chess by acting out the movements of the pieces and checking her reactions to see if she had understood. We then played the game, communicating with only facial expressions and sound effects.

This was interesting to me because I had never had a conversation without using words. It made me realize that these forms of communication can form a universal language; for example, in every country, gasping indicates shock and laughing often represents happiness.

How I built essential communication skills during my internship in Japan, Intern Abroad HQ

What advice would you give to others who are considering an internship in Japan?

My advice for future interns is to come here confident and prepared to adjust to new situations. Adapting to local formalities and customs is important because it shows respect for the people of the country you are visiting.

Learn about the culture before you go, so that you do not do something rude or offensive accidentally; such as walk in someone’s house without taking your shoes off or tipping a waiter.

Above all, enjoy yourself, immerse yourself in the culture and be thankful for the unforgettable experience such an opportunity will provide.

How I built essential communication skills during my internship in Japan, Intern Abroad HQ

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