A Life-Changing Internship Combining Professional Growth and Cultural Immersion July 19, 2026

By Ryan C (Queen Mary University of London) - abroad from 06/19/2024 to 07/30/2024 with

CRCC Asia: Internship Program in Osaka

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

This experience significantly improved my independence, adaptability, and confidence in working within an international environment. I developed professional skills by contributing to laboratory experiments, writing reports, and observing how a Japanese biotechnology company operates. At the same time, I gained a much deeper understanding of Japanese culture, workplace etiquette, and daily life. Working alongside professionals from another country and living with an international roommate broadened my perspective and strengthened my communication and teamwork skills. Overall, it was an experience that has positively influenced both my personal and professional development.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Absolutely. The program provided an excellent balance of professional experience and cultural immersion. My internship at COGNANO gave me valuable insight into the biotechnology industry through laboratory experiments, technical report writing, and even attending a shareholders’ meeting, which was a unique opportunity. Outside of work, CRCC Asia organised activities such as Japanese cooking classes, samurai and ninja experiences, and cultural excursions, allowing me to fully experience life in Japan. Living with another intern from the United States also helped me build international friendships and develop my communication skills.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget? (1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)	Overall, I found it fairly easy to live on a student budget. Day-to-day expenses such as groceries and transport were manageable with careful planning, although occasional social activities and rising living costs meant I still had to budget my spending. Overall, I was able to live comfortably without major financial difficulties.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Explore the area first to see what’s available as the activities and food spots are vast and some areas can cost more than others and once you feel comfortable with the area you are in you can make a gauge of your overall spend during each week and if you set a budget on yourself if you spend less on one week for example you can treat yourself in another and vice versa.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Hotel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Hands-on biotechnology internship with meaningful responsibilities. Immersive cultural activities and opportunities to explore Japan. Meeting and living with interns from around the world.
* What could be improved?	More networking opportunities with local professionals and other companies. More structured feedback sessions during the internship to support professional development. A wider variety of organised weekend trips to explore more of Japan.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known how quickly the month would pass and how important it is to make the most of every opportunity from the very beginning. I also wish I had learned more basic Japanese phrases before arriving, as it would have made everyday interactions even easier and more rewarding. Looking back, I would have explored even more of the Kansai region outside of the organised activities. Overall, I would encourage future participants to step outside their comfort zone, get involved in every activity, and take every opportunity to network with both local professionals and fellow interns from around the world.