Interning Abroad

Madelyn Mamo
2 days ago
2 min read

Hi everyone! In this blog, I’ll be sharing a bit about my experience interning in Japan during my study abroad semester.

For the past two months, I interned at Intralink, a business development consultancy that also serves as the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s representative in Japan. As a University of South Carolina student, I worked exclusively on projects related to South Carolina-Japan business relations, making it a particularly meaningful experience.

I think it’s always worth seeking out opportunities abroad that can help prepare you for your future career goals. That said, there are a few challenges to keep in mind when pursuing an internship in Japan.

The first is that, as a U.S. citizen studying on a Japanese student visa, working part-time is not always straightforward. While some students are able to obtain permission for part-time work, opportunities can be limited- especially for short-term exchange students. Additionally, many internships in Japan are unpaid, so this is something to be aware of when considering pursuing an internship in Japan.

The second challenge is scheduling. Most internships require at least one or two full days each week, which can make it difficult to build a class schedule around them. I was fortunate enough to make it work, but doing so meant passing on a few classes that I would have liked to take.

Despite these challenges, I would absolutely recommend pursuing an internship while studying abroad if you have the chance. My experience reaffirmed my interest in a career in international business and helped me develop valuable professional and personal skills. Through my internship, I got to attend trade shows, interact with Japanese companies, observe meetings with potential clients, and even volunteer at a huge quantum technology event! These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of international business and offered insights that I would not have gained in a traditional classroom setting.

Reflecting on this experience, I think it’s a good reminder that while study abroad should be fun and one of the highlights of your college experience, it’s also a great opportunity to create future opportunities for yourself. Looking back, I’m grateful that I chose to pursue an internship alongside my studies, and I know the skills and experiences I gained will stay with me long after my semester in Japan ends!