An internship experience provides the student with an opportunity to explore career interests while applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a work setting. The experience also helps students gain a clearer sense of what they still need to learn and provides an opportunity to build professional networks.

The KGIP provides our students with a unique opportunity to work in both a Japanese company and school organization. Internships offered in Japan generally are focused on visiting the company for a few days and listening to explanations about their activities. The KGIP is different. It involves actual tasks and assignments, thus interns are fully integrated into the daily operations of the firms and schools.

Remarks from the Dean

Dr. Stephen A. Zurcher

Dr. Stephen A. Zurcher

Dean of the Asian Studies Program

Professor of Management and Dean of the Asian Studies Program. Previously worked for 25 years in the technology industry both in Asia and the USA at executive levels. Currently he is also the President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Kansai.
We are proud to offer this very unique internship opportunity for our international students. I have played a key role in organizing and running this program, utilizing my business and academic background. This program has been launched and carried out due to the considerable efforts of not only our administrative staff at our university, but also our company representatives and school teacher partners in the internship program. We wish to express our deep appreciation for everyone involved in this project. And for students, I hope you will take full advantage of this wonderful learning opportunity.

Internship Goals

The internship should provide you with the opportunity to:

  • Gain practical experience within the business and school environment.
  • Acquire knowledge of the industry in which the internship is done.
  • Apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a work setting.
  • Develop a greater understanding of career options while refining career goals.
  • Experience the activities and functions of business and education professionals.
  • Develop and refine oral and written communication skills in Japanese if applicable.
  • Identify areas for future knowledge and skill development.

Duration

Kansai Gaidai Internship Program is offered during the summer. The specific duration of the internships varies depending on the host companies/schools. Generally, they are from two weeks to two months.

Expectations

Selected interns must be aware that they are representing Kansai Gaidai and their home institutions and respective countries. Internships are arranged on the basis of trust and confidence in our selection. Given this, participants are expected to:

  • Arrive at work as scheduled, ready to work, and stay for the agreed time
  • Always present yourself in a professional manner, including attire
  • Do not use your personal phone during work hours
  • Respectfully communicate concerns with your supervisor/dean in a timely manner
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in your tasks, ask questions and take initiative
  • Complete and submit assigned tasks within designated timelines Meet all the deadlines.
  • Fully participate in meetings at work and with the dean throughout your internship
  • Keep track of and accurately report internship hours worked.

Language Expectations

Business level Japanese is expected for most of the business firms, elementary schools, as well as NPO and government offices. Junior and Senior high school internships may not require such a level of Japanese language.

Types of work

These will depend on the firms. Typical tasks would be:

  1. conducting research on assigned topics
  2. customer services such as a company tour
  3. internal training

In schools, interns are involved in assisting language classes and organizing school events.

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