Internship in Japan

Tim Wieling is in his third year of training as an industrial clerk and spent the summer of 2025 doing an internship abroad in Japan. In this interview, he reveals how this came about and what he experienced there.

Tim, you spent the last three weeks at Technis Co., Ltd, our Japanese partner. How did you come up with the idea of doing your internship abroad in Japan?

Japan has always been my dream destination. Through 2G, I had the opportunity to complete an internship abroad in the USA, which was a valuable and formative experience for me. When I learned that 2G also has partners in Japan, I immediately thought to ask if there was a possibility to do an internship abroad there as well. In addition to my particular interest in Japan, I am also generally interested in getting to know as many different cultures as possible and opening myself up to new perspectives.

There were probably a few things that needed to be clarified in order to do the internship in Japan. How did the application process for the internship abroad work?

First, I discussed with my trainer and the HR department whether it would be possible to complete a second internship abroad. After receiving approval, I contacted the international sales department to establish contact with partner companies in Japan. Andre Banken, International Sales Director at 2G, provided me with active support in this process: Together, we drafted a cover letter that we sent to our Japanese partners.

After receiving feedback from the partners, Andre and I met again to decide which company I would visit. Once I had received internal confirmation, I contacted my vocational school, which – as with my internship abroad in the USA – acted as an important communication and organizational interface with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

Together with the vocational school, I filled out the necessary applications for the Chamber of Industry and Commerce. After a few signatures and the submission of the required documents, it was finally decided: I could start my second internship abroad in Japan.

How did you cope with Japanese work culture?

Japanese work culture differs significantly from German work culture in some respects, but there are also notable similarities.

What particularly struck me was the importance attached to work in Japan. After talking to students, it became clear to me that work is the top priority for many Japanese people – often even ahead of family and friends. In addition, working hours are significantly longer than in Germany: for many, working more than ten hours a day is completely normal. The marked politeness was also striking. Even the smallest favors were sincerely thanked, which underscores a respectful and appreciative attitude. Furthermore, the hierarchy in Japanese companies is more clearly defined than in many modern German companies, where flatter structures are increasingly common.

At the same time, I noticed some parallels. In both Japan and Germany, punctuality is highly valued and private life is clearly separated from work. The standards of performance and quality are high in both countries - it is not without reason that both German and Japanese industry enjoy a high international reputation. In addition, there is a traditional tendency in both cultures toward long-term employment relationships based on stability and trust.

Did you get to explore Japan during your free time?

In my free time, I had the opportunity to explore Japan extensively - both on weekday evenings and on weekends, I used the time to get to know the city of Tokyo at my leisure. I visited various neighborhoods to capture the special flair of the metropolis and sampled the diversity of Japanese cuisine: from ramen and sushi to unusual dishes that are rarely found in Germany.

One weekend, I took a trip out of the city to see Mount Fuji. After a three-hour train ride, I reached the foothills of the impressive mountain. During my stay, I made many new friends – both Japanese and Europeans and Americans whom I met in Tokyo. In addition to the city's classic sights, I also visited numerous temples, shrines, parks, and gardens, as I am particularly interested in Japan's various religions and cultural traditions.

After completing my internship, I traveled on to Osaka, where I explored the city center and nearby towns such as Nara. My journey then took me to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, which is famous for its countless temples and shrines. There, I tried to see as many of the cultural highlights as possible within four days - which was hardly possible given the abundance of attractions. Overall, I took every opportunity to learn as much as possible about the culture, religions, and everyday life in Japan.

Japan isn't exactly a cheap destination. How did you manage to finance your stay?

I was able to take advantage of the Erasmus+ funding program for my internship abroad. This provided me with a daily allowance for accommodation and a travel allowance. In addition, 2G supported me with a financial contribution, so that I was able to cover the costs of the flight and accommodation in full without having to contribute anything myself. However, I covered the costs of food and public transportation, such as the S-Bahn and U-Bahn, myself.

What advice would you give to another trainee who wants to do an internship abroad in Japan?

Anyone planning an internship abroad in Japan should be prepared for the fact that many people there do not speak English. Often, the only way to communicate is with your hands and feet. It is also highly recommended to find out about the country's typical rules of conduct in advance. Some of these may seem unusual from a  German perspective, but they are an integral part of everyday life in Japan.

Openness to new cultures is also important. Even though Japanese and German cultures have certain similarities, there are many differences that are noticeable in everyday life. You should also be prepared to live in a completely foreign environment - the mere fact that you often cannot read the Latin alphabet can initially cause a feeling of uncertainty.

Nevertheless, I would recommend every trainee to do an internship abroad in Japan. It is a unique opportunity to get to know such a fascinating and at the same time foreign culture. The local people are incredibly friendly, polite, and welcoming. The experiences you gain not only make you more independent, but also strengthen your self-confidence – precisely because you successfully face the challenges of a completely new environment.

What is your conclusion about your internship abroad in Japan?

My internship abroad in Japan allowed me to learn a great deal, not only professionally but also personally. I gained deep insight into a completely different work culture and was able to take many valuable impressions back to Germany with me. Working with my colleagues there was extremely enjoyable -despite language barriers, we found solutions together and worked effectively as a team.

I also had numerous unforgettable experiences in my private life: from exploring cities and interacting with locals to trying out the diverse Japanese cuisine. This trip significantly broadened my cultural understanding and made me even more open to other ways of life.

Living in a foreign environment has made me more independent and given me more confidence in dealing with new situations. Looking back, I would do an internship abroad in Japan again anytime and can only recommend it to everyone – both for professional and personal development.