Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (University of Texas - Dallas) - abroad from 02/02/2019 to 03/30/2019 with

The Intern Group: Tokyo Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I walked into this internship with the expectation of gaining international work experience but what came along with this experience exceeded my expectations. I interned at a financial firm for investment banking and although it had made me realize that it was something I did not want to do it had allowed me to immerse myself in the Japanese workplace and taught me the importance of working with a team and collaborative work. Even though I had no background in finance, my colleagues were supportive and gave me a reasonable amount of work that I was able to do that allowed me to develop my Japanese skills. Although the sharehouse was out of the way and a bit dirty sometimes, I had made life-long friends with other interns and locals living there. The Tokyo program internship coordinators Shaina and Airi went above and beyond to ensure we all had a great experience by organizing many events that allowed us to explore Tokyo and were always there whenever we needed help. They will forever be one of my closest friends I have made here during my stay. Being in Tokyo and traveling around Japan gave me a sense of who I want to be and where I want to be. Towards the end of my program, I realize that Tokyo is where I want to start up my career and my life as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was placed in a financial firm where the job description was a little vague. It was not what I had expected and only accepted the job because it was my only option. Make sure you have a few options laid out so you can find the right match to make the most out of the learning experience.

* 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

I fell in love with Tokyo, its people, the food, and the culture. This internship has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow professionally and personally.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • Japan
  • The food
  • Life-long friends
* What could be improved?
  • Living conditions at the accommodation
  • Work allocation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you will never run out things to do in Tokyo. I would've stayed longer if I knew how fun and rewarding the experience would be.