Internships and work opportunity

Sophie Hsu (スーさん)

Want to explore your options  and opportunities for productive ways of travel and broadening your horizons around the world outside of studying abroad? 

Let’s say that you missed your opportunity to study abroad either through the university, or random outside programs you find online that may end up costing you a fortune. These study abroad programs offer amazing opportunities to learn more about culture, tradition, lifestyle, etc. However, they tend to run generally expensive with a limited selection of scholarship offers. 

But do not worry! Your options are not limited to studying abroad or solo travel in the future. Many are interested in living and working in a different country. Yes, it may be scary especially if you are moving somewhere where your knowledge of that country’s language is limited. But here I will be sharing two amazing programs that may be just the perfect fit for your situation! 

The Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) program is a teaching program managed by the Japanese government. It provides an exclusive opportunity for cultural exchange with people from up to 80 countries around the world, to live and work in Japan. JET recruits recent college graduates to work as; assistant language teachers (ALTs), Sports Education Advisors (SEAs) or even as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) in local governments and boards of education. All these positions will allow accepted applicants to be located in amazing areas all throughout Japan from rural to suburban, with no guarantee of the applicants top selection and position availability. 

The application process for the JET Program is a bit tedious and intimidating as the positions you would be applying for relatively require more certification as it is a full time program that consists of a one year contract that may be renewed up to five times. 

The requirements the the JET program application consist of: 

• Bachelor’s degree: By the specified arrival date, you must possess a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. 
• Medical report: Fill out a form with your self-reported health issues. 
• Transcripts: Present official transcripts from your institution or university. 
• Letters of recommendation: Obtain letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. 
• Proof of citizenship: Present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport. 
• Language proficiency: Although not necessarily required, knowing a little bit of Japanese can be helpful.

Whether this is the first or hundredth time you’ve read about the JET, the program is highly competitive and would require you to stand out. Want to enhance your resume when applying to JET? GHJ International, located in Munakata city, Fukuoka, is teaching practicum program internship that offers the perfect opportunity to those who are interested in working in Japan, applying for JET, teaching, or becoming an ALT. Though the internship is unpaid, GHJ will cover living costs at Global Arena, transportation to and from the schools, and 3 meals a day. (Flight expenses are not covered). Accepted participants will be working in smaller groups with other interns to create lesson plans and brainstorm ideas for when we teach in the physical classroom setting with real students. This internship is open to all as it offers a diverse and creative environment where I was fortunately able to work with others from places like; Latvia, Philippines, China, etc. Additionally, the ages of the interns ranged from 18-41, which surprisingly helps us to have an even greater connection with each other as we got to share different levels of ideas along with insightful feedback from those who may have more experience. 

GHJ International offers: 

• Expand on creating engaging relationships with Japanese elementary school students to improve their proficiency and fluency in conversational English.
• Collaborate with other interns in smaller groups to brainstorm and help arrange interactive and engaging learning activities and lesson plans. 
• Develop transferable workforces skills such as active listening, leadership communication, etc. through mentors and other interns. 
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training and Certification.
• The Application process is simple and accessible to all! Requirements consist of: 

• 18 years of age or older. (As of intended start date)
• College graduates or current students. (There may be certain exclusions; please contact info@ghjinternational.com for further information.)
• Fluency in the English language. (Though, they do accept applicants from all nations.)

I highly recommend taking this step to get out of your comfort zone and begin to explore the world! My experience at GHJ International was an experience like no other. On top of the cultural exchange activities that the program offers, in my experience this past summer, I was fortunately given the opportunity to attend weekly classes for a month at University of Teacher Education Fukuoka (UTEF) and even Japanese language lessons for all courses. The program was extremely accommodating to all interns with their limitations, scheduling, and interests as they provided optional weekend trips to places like Nagasaki, and Hakata. I also got to participate in a homestay for the opportunity to really get the feel of life in a Japanese household. All these outside teaching opportunities are optional in the program as one weekend I decided to take a weekend trip to Busan, South Korea just across the ocean from Fukuoka.

Because most expenses are covered by the program, and the only money accepted applicants really need is mainly for their own desired merchandise, travel, food (outside of Global Arena). I knew an intern who showed up to Japan with $400 to exchange yen, and was able to survive the duration of the whole program. However, if you are a shopaholic like me I’d suggest giving yourself a little more spending room as I found myself to have developed a secret obsession with Gachapon machines and Don Quijote.

Yes, I know it is scary especially if this is the first time you are traveling solo, or for many, leaving the country for the first time. However, I can assure you that the GHJ team and participants will make your experience beyond worthwhile and life changing. I have created new and fulfilling, life-long friendships that I will forever cherish, and thank this program for. Though 2.5 months may seem like a lot, the tearful goodbyes at the airport said otherwise. 

I was hesitant to apply to GHJ International originally because I did not have any interest towards going down the career path of education. However, I am so glad that I pushed myself to take this risk because I now have new aspirations to work harder on improving my Japanese skills, along with teaching, communication, etc. to potentially work and live in Japan through JET. Like many other interns have states, I have truly fallen in love with the country. This internship has helped me to learn so many new things about myself, along with my new found passions for teaching and working with children. 

If you are unsure on where your studies may bring you career wise, or what you want to do this summer, take this opportunity to potentially take a life-changing trip to Japan, and expand your interests and potential to learn and find yourself.