Succeed at Japan Internships with These Qualities
Applying for a Japan internship can be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Japan is a culturally rich country and is also a leading economic giant. You can therefore expect nothing less than a completely relevant and enriching educational experience. Before you go though, you will make your life as an intern a whole lot easier if you came with a few specific qualities built into your system.
Reverence
It is common knowledge that the Japanese place great importance on respect for people and organizations. You will therefore have to master a few honorific titles that need to be used when speaking to people. These however comprise only the tip of the iceberg. At a deeper level, you also need to learn respectful language that is divided into the categories of kenjogo, teineigo and sonkeigo.
Your actions are also expected to match your words. Instead of handshaking, participants of Japan internship programs are expected to bow in respect when greeting someone. Also, when giving an item, it is considered more respectful to do so using two hands while bowing.
Devotion
As an intern, you will be expected to remain loyal to the company that you work for. The best way to show this is to refrain from speaking ill of the people in it or the systems that the company employs. Of course, trade secrets that you may have some knowledge of should be kept confidential. Take note that loyalty does not necessarily entail bragging about your place of work. The concept of kenjogo requires humble speech when referring to your company or the actions of the people who work with you.
Restraint
In general, you can show that you are disciplined by reigning in playful behavior while completing a Japanese internship program. Aside from taking your job seriously though, you will also be expected to follow strict systems. The concept of 5S for example, which stands for seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke, is a common system for keeping everything in the workplace clean, organized and in its proper place.
Reserve
Local co-workers are typically shy and will not call attention to themselves. You are expected to do the same by keeping your voice low and avoiding loud behavior. This quality will be highly appreciated in work areas, communal dorms and mess halls.
Be aware that while tame behavior is generally preferred, there are other parts of local culture that will not necessarily seem restrained. Co-workers sharing accommodations for instance often have to share common bathing areas. You would have to join in too if you work for a hotel or resort that houses you.
Promptness
It is considered extremely rude to be late. It is best to arrive a few minutes early to your work station. Also, while being late is frowned upon, it is often commendable to stay for extra hours to complete your duties. In some cases, you may even have to report to your station during the weekends.
Don’t skip the chance to go for an internship Japan plan. All you need to make sure of is that you are well equipped with the right traits before you start. This is the best way to ensure that you will have a completely enriching experience.
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