Here's why an internship in Japan will change your life for the best!

[caption id="attachment_948" align="aligncenter" width="359"] Samurai battles a demon[/caption]

It is a country like no other.

Japan is a small country with a lot of people, but contrary to popular belief, you will never feel trapped in or oppressed by the city. You can find an oasis of green or calm everywhere in Tokyo. Forget this image of Tokyo that you have of a huge city. Yes it is, but it is so much more than that. Tokyo is a collection of thousands of small villages all linked together and not one of them looks like the other. If you want to travel around, the train is the best way for you to go anywhere, whether discovering hidden gems or seeing incredible panoramas. If you intern in Japan in a larger city, like Tokyo, as long as you take time to leave the main streets and touristy areas, you will find something unexpected around every corner and there will always be a small patch of nature for you to relax in. If you like urbanism and architecture, Japan is the perfect example of a civilization that is mastering its environment and available space!

If you like winter sports, you will find the best snow in the world in Hokkaido. If you like the sea, you will enjoy tropical weather in Okinawa or beautiful scuba-diving spots in Izu. Just keep in mind if you like nature, around 72 percent of the country is made of mountains and 12 percent is made of crops, so that leaves 15 percent for cities and towns. Here's a little tidbit of information to give you a better sense of scale: Japan is 11 percent smaller than the state of California!

[caption id="attachment_1003" align="aligncenter" width="365"] Past meets present[/caption]

It is home to unforgettable people.

Japanese people are among the nicest people in the world; they will go out of their way to help you in nearly any situation! It is not unheard of for a Japanese person to spend 30 minutes or more helping foreigners find their way around. This also applies to the work environment, where most people will be helping each other for the greater good of the company. They understand that if the company wins, everybody wins. That’s why whenever you have a problem, you know you can ask your colleagues and they will be here to help you.If you want to befriend Japanese people during your internship in Japan, you need to understand that trust is of the utmost importance in Japanese culture, so it will take some time. But, once they feel they can trust you, you will have friends for life, even if you live in different countries. A very simple way to make friends during your internship in Japan is to participate in the events organized by your company or to go for lunch or drinks with your colleagues. If you are on a budget or don’t like drinking, don’t worry; try to initiate a coffee break or engage in small talk during lunch (without interfering with both your workloads) and you will end up finding things you have in common!
[caption id="attachment_1000" align="aligncenter" width="345"] In Japan, you can also befriend robots![/caption]

Though it is considered a serious society...

Japanese society has very strict rules, of which some people may have trouble adapting too. This is especially true when it comes to interning in Japan, where a hierarchy is still very much omnipresent and heavy in the workplace.If you choose to do an Internship in Japan, it will be a great way for you to discover your true personality. As long as you persevere, work for the greater good of the team, and make efforts to respect the culture, then the rewards of your internship in Japan will be formidable. The success of the team comes first in Japan, if you work for the team, the team will reward you greatly. If you work for yourself, your integration will not be optimal. Whether you stay to work in Japan full time or go off on another adventure somewhere else, if you can make it as an intern in Japan, you can feel confident that you can make it anywhere!
[caption id="attachment_1005" align="aligncenter" width="336"] "Don't worry be happy"[/caption]

…Japanese people still know how to have fun!

Whatever your passion is, you will find someone during your internship in Japan to share it with you. The great thing about Japan is how intensely people follow their passions and how little judging there is. Whatever your passion might be, you will be able to express yourself as long as you respect the law and do not cause harm to anyone during your internship in Japan.Everybody will be giving their best at the office, but they still understand that after work, everyone needs a way to relax, no matter what that may be.Japan never sleeps, so you will never be at a loss of what to do, whether alone or in a group. You can choose to go for dinner at one of several thousands of themed restaurants after work and then take some time to enjoy an onsen (natural hot spring) before going home for the night.

An internship in Japan will be an investment in your future.

Getting professional experience through an internship in Japan is a very important move, and one that will easily change your life. It will give you an edge over your peers in the global job market of today, in which companies are strategically looking for bright, young people with an international mindset that are capable of adapting to different cultures effectively. Having an experience abroad as an intern on your resume will get the attention of future employers and recruiters, because they will know that you are not afraid to take on professional challenges.

You will not only acquire new skills and knowledge that you would never be able to learn in your home country, you will make extremely valuable connections for your future. Internships in Japan will give you the opportunity to grow your network and learn how to nurture it. When the day comes that you need professional advice or assistance, you will no doubt feel the power of the networking you accomplished during your internship in Japan.

[caption id="attachment_999" align="aligncenter" width="367"] "The World is your playground"[/caption]

It will be an opportunity to grow.

Doing an internship in Japan is not only a way for you to grow as a professional, but also as a person. All the experiences and memories will change your way of thinking about yourself, the world, your future, and how to solve problems. You will enter Japan as someone with potential, and leave as a professional who has proved your worth in the eyes of a whole new world! [caption id="attachment_998" align="aligncenter" width="353"] The future belongs to you[/caption]