Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Government of Japan Internship Program. By welcoming young foreign talent from abroad for internships, Japanese companies are advancing internationalization for both their people and organizations. This is achieved through knowledge acquisition aimed at new developments and the expansion of overseas business for Japanese firms. Additionally, the program aims to foster cross-cultural communication, change perceptions through collaboration with foreigners, and establish networks and internal systems in collaboration with overseas universities to attract foreign talent.
The primary objective of this program is to provide individuals from developing countries with valuable opportunities to learn about overseas business strategies in Japanese companies and to acquire skills and expertise. Participants will be groomed as global leaders capable of working in Japan, their home countries, and around the world in the future.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Candidates must be foreign professionals with advanced skills who are nationals of developing countries (excluding the People’s Republic of China), as per the OECD/DAC list.
- As a general guideline, one person per company (up to a maximum of 60 companies) may be selected.
Internship Placement:
In-person internships in Japan:
Internships will be carried out remotely from the intern’s home office, with guidance and supervision provided by the host company.
Online internships:
Internships will be conducted remotely from the intern’s home workspace under the guidance and supervision of the host company.
Please note that internship destinations are determined through matching by the program office (JIP) and interviews with companies. Applicants are encouraged to apply for both internship options.
Benefits:
- Pre-training for interns: The training will encompass an overview of the business, the internship participation process, precautionary measures, and essential aspects of the internship. Additionally, information regarding work eligibility in Japan will be provided.
- Help will be provided to obtain a visa for entry into Japan.
- Arrangement of round-trip airline tickets.
- Arrangement of accommodation.
- For in-person internships, personal computers are supplied by the host company, while for online internships, they are usually provided by the program office after separate arrangements.
- Activity support funds based on the internship duration: For in-person internships, 3,000 yen per day; for online internships, equivalent to 1,000 yen per day in the local currency.
- Internship insurance.
Requirements:
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Agree with the project’s objectives and collaborate in promoting the globalization of Japanese companies, expanding overseas business, and establishing networks with overseas universities through internships.
- Hold citizenship of the applicable countries or regions.
- Proficiency in either Japanese language (JLPT level N3 or higher) or English.
- Generally, aged between 18 and 40 years old as of August 1, 2024.
- Students must be able to provide a certificate of enrollment from their university or institution, along with a letter of recommendation from their academic faculty.
- Graduates must be able to provide a certificate of graduation from their previous university, along with a letter of recommendation from their academic institution.
- Possess various qualification certificates (e.g., IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, CEFR, JLPT, etc.).
- Dedicate themselves exclusively to the training and internship at the company and adhere to the program office’s specified timetable (JIP office).
- Meet any other specific conditions required by each company.
- Have not previously participated in this program between FY2016 and FY2023.
Application Procedure:
For further information,
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024.
