Life Changing Experience Past Review
By A student (University of Texas - Dallas) - abroad from 02/02/2019 to 03/30/2019 with
The Intern Group: Tokyo Internship Placement Program
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * 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. |
