The Japan Internship Program aims to support Japanese companies in expanding their overseas business and fostering innovation by leveraging the expertise of highly skilled foreign professionals. The program acknowledges that incorporating global talent can enhance the competitiveness of Japanese companies.
While there has been a recent increase in the number of Japanese companies interested in hiring international talent, this trend has not been fully realized, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs often lack experience in working with global professionals and have limited networks in this regard.
To address this challenge, the "METI Japan Internship Program" facilitates the development of a robust framework for SMEs to engage in overseas expansion. This is achieved by hosting internships for foreign university students and global talent, providing them with opportunities to gain insights into job responsibilities in Japanese companies. Moreover, this year, certain internships will accommodate pairs of foreign interns and Japanese students, thereby contributing to the globalization of Japanese students.
Overall, the Japan Internship Program strives to bridge the gap between Japanese companies, especially SMEs, and talented individuals from around the world, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration for the benefit of both parties.
Types of available internship
A/A2 Course: Commuting Internships
Under the A/A2 Course, you will have the opportunity to commute from your home to the internship company every day to carry out your duties. This working style allows for face-to-face interaction with your colleagues and supervisor, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
B/B2 Course: Online Internships
The B/B2 Course offers the flexibility of conducting your internship experience remotely, from your own home or any other suitable location. This online format is particularly beneficial for companies considering overseas expansion, as it enables the conduction of surveys and research that are specific to local environments. It also provides convenience for participants from overseas, as they can engage in the internship without the need for immigration procedures.
C Course: Visiting Internships
In the C Course, interns from overseas will have the opportunity to come to Japan and reside in accommodation facilities within commuting distance of the internship site. This arrangement allows for a comprehensive experience of working in Japan while providing valuable insights into Japanese culture and lifestyle.
Place: Online/ Japan
Countries: Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Sudan, Yemen, South Sudan, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Palestine.
The support provided for interns in the program includes:
For A/A2/C Courses:
For B/B2 Course:
For C Course:
Please note that the specific support provided may vary depending on the course type and individual circumstances.
Applicants must agree with the purpose of the project, which includes promoting the globalization of Japanese companies, expanding overseas business, and establishing networks with overseas universities through internships.
Applicants must hold citizenship of the applicable countries or regions.
Proficiency in the Japanese language at JLPT level N3 or higher, or proficiency in English.
Generally, applicants should be between 18 and 40 years old as of August 1, 2023.
Students must be able to provide a certificate of enrollment from their university or institution and a letter of recommendation from their university or faculty.
Graduates must be able to provide a certificate of graduation from their previous university and a letter of recommendation from their university faculty or institution.
Applicants should be able to submit certificates of various qualifications such as IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, CEFR, JLPT, or others.
Applicants must be able to dedicate themselves exclusively to the training and internship at the company.
They should be available to participate in the internship according to the specified timetable by the program office (JIP office).
Additional Company-specific Requirements:
The applicant must fulfill any specific conditions required by each individual company.
Applicants who have not participated in this program between FY2016 and FY2022 are eligible to apply.
Online Application
Just fill out the online application from the link below
The responsibilities and expectations for interns in the program include:
Interns are expected to fulfill these responsibilities to ensure a successful and productive internship experience.
Important Dates:
B Course(Non-residents of Japan/Online):From August 18 to September 29
C Course(Non-residents of Japan/Face-to-face):From October 17 to December 15
B2 Course(Non-residents of Japan/Online):From November 2 to December 15
A Course(Foreign students(in Japan)/Face-to-face):From August 1 to September 29