Originally from Norway, Monja is a second-year Computer Science student at the University of Birmingham. Seeking to bridge academic theory with real-world application, she took on a summer Information Technology internship in Japan to gain hands-on technical experience while exploring a new country, a perfect mix of her passions for travel and continuous learning!
Hi Monja! How did you find settling into your host organization during your first week?
The internship in Japan was very fun. I love programming, and the tasks provided to me by my supervisor allowed me to spend all my days programming, so I really enjoyed going to my placement. The host organization was way more relaxed than I imagined; everyone was very open and welcoming.
Most of the interns at my host organization were international; only our two bosses were Japanese. This made us feel more welcome, because it created a feeling that the host organization really values international interns and wanted to include us. Everyone in the office was open-minded and wanted to learn more about the culture and habits of their colleagues. It was a very kind environment!
What were your roles and responsibilities as an IT intern?
My internship role was similar to that of a software engineer (full-stack developer). My tasks included building a new web application for a new service that the host organization wanted to provide, using HTML, CSS and JavaScript in Google Apps Script to code and design the layout, structure and logic behind the web app. My tasks allowed the host organization to provide an additional service that attracted and brought in more clients.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
All the Japanese people I talked to were very friendly and tried their best to communicate with me in English. I wish I had spent more time learning Japanese phrases before I arrived. I only knew a few words, but I would have liked to know more, because I wanted to be respectful and to speak the language of the country I was visiting. Since I was the one traveling to Japan, I should have been the one who adjusted to the local language and customs, instead of them having to adjust to me.
I would do as I always do: be open and friendly, ask questions if I wonder about something, and answer people’s questions about me as well as I can. This is because I believe that the best way to prove that you have cultural competence is to be positive and interested in others and their cultures. It is important to share your own experiences, but it is just as important (actually even more so!) to show interest in the experiences of others!
To make an effort, I tried my best to speak Japanese whenever I could (for example in the convenience stores and in restaurants) and if they did not speak English, and my very limited Japanese did not suffice, I would use a translation app on my phone to make things easier. I also tried to “eat the right way” (for example using chopsticks, holding up the rice bowl, etc.). Even though it was difficult to remember all the rules, I tried my best, because I wanted to show respect to the staff and other people in the restaurants. Another thing I did was to remember to add ‘san’ to the end of people’s names to be polite. I also made an attempt to dress appropriately and respect the “rule” of not talking loudly in public places, such as on the train! By doing this, I improved my skills in communication and problem-solving.
How did this internship build your skills and confidence for a career in software engineering?
My long-term goal is to be really good at what I do when I land a permanent role after graduating. I want to be exceptional, and therefore I had to practice a lot, study very hard, and gain real experience through projects and internships like this.
Now that I have interned in a host organization for five weeks and completed actual projects within my field, I feel more confident in my future career. I know much more about what to expect when working as a software engineer, and I have gained experience and insight that I can draw on when starting new projects and jobs in the future. I was so happy to complete this internship and I have learned so much from it.
I feel closer to my goal, because I have gained confidence in software engineering and the tech industry, and I have learned new techniques and frameworks for development.
My tasks required me to use Google Apps Script and to code in HTML, CSS and JavaScript, which I initially did not have a lot of experience in, but after just one week, I got used to it!
Any advice for future interns who want to intern in a country that has a different culture from their own?
My tips for upcoming interns are to do research beforehand regarding the social norms and language of the country, be open-minded and social (try to talk to as many people as you can) and be active when it comes to social events and making friends! Eat at traditional local restaurants too! One extra tip: do some preparation for your internship placement before you go. During my interview, I asked if there were some programming languages, frameworks or techniques I could have a look at before the internship started. This allowed me to arrive at my placement more confident and prepared, because I had studied some of the material and theory from my supervisor over the summer.
This is amazing! Finally, what are your future plans from here?
For personal development, I will continue to be kind, open-minded and curious when meeting new people. This will allow me to make more friends and learn more about them and the world. Professionally, I will build more small projects, to gain even more experience and learn more. This internship has also inspired me to work even harder, and I have already applied for multiple internships for next summer!
FAQs
No. Japanese language proficiency is not a requirement for Information Technology internships in Tokyo. The internship is conducted in English, and host organizations often have welcoming, international teams. You will likely meet language barriers on your daily commute and while exploring the city, so learning some basic Japanese phrases before you go is a good way to show respect for the local culture. Optional Japanese language lessons can also be arranged in advance on request. When in doubt, a translation app on your phone and a genuine effort to communicate go a long way.
That depends on your level of study (at least one year of relevant college or university study is required) and your host organization. You will need some foundational coding knowledge, and your tasks will match your skill level. Depending on your background, your hands-on experience could include software development (Python, Java or C++), web development, database management or even artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
Interning in tech in Japan mixes modern tech flexibility with traditional Japanese business culture. Expectations are high, but many interns find the office far more relaxed and welcoming than they expected. Small efforts with local etiquette help you fit in: add ‘san’ after colleagues’ names, keep your voice down on the train and learn a few basic phrases.
Prepare both culturally and technically before you go. Culturally, research local social norms, everyday dining etiquette and basic vocabulary. On the technical side, ask your supervisor during your interview if there are any programming languages, frameworks or tools you can look at before you start, and be open to feedback once you arrive. Brushing up on your skills beforehand means you will arrive feeling confident and ready to take on real projects from your first week.
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