Hi. So as the title says, I (22, F, European) was accepted as in intern in Tokyo. Since this internship is required to finish my Master’s Degree, I won’t be receiving any type of payment (and yes, I’m aware that Tokyo is an extremely expensive city, but I’ve got that covered).
I already started taking care of most things: 1. Will be asking for a Visa as soon as I sign the required agreements to intern; 2. At that time, will also be asking for the Yunyu Kakunin-sho (as I take the pill, medication for hypothyroidism, asthma, and stomach problems); 3. Already have a meeting scheduled with my bank to discuss exchange rates and etc; 4. As to housing, I’m currently searching around the area where I’ll be working, as well as around metro lines that stop nearby.
Do you guys have any tip/extra information? Also, I’m still quite confused as to if I should get a Japanese phone number or if remaining with my european one is okay (provided that’ll probably need data on my phone to get by). To be honest with you, I’m trying to searh for info online, but most things are directed either for short-stays or literally moving – basically I can’t seem to find much information on a half-year stay. I hope I’m not forgetting anything, but please feel free to add your comments/remarks!
Thanks for your time!
1 comment
I did a 6 month internship in Japan too, and I’ve supported a few other people from my university to do the same. Most things are similar to moving for an extended period, with a few exceptions off the top of my head:
* you should get a Japanese phone number from a foreigner-friendly MVNO like “Mobal”. You can’t use your European number for much.
* living in a sharehouse or monthly mansion (depending on your budget)
* taxes will be calculated differently, although this point might not be relevant if you’re not paid
Six months will go by quite fast so I suggest you make a rough priority list of fun things you want to do or places you want to travel to, business and budget permitting.