1. What is an internship?

Internship is a system that allows students, yet to graduate, gain experience in positions related to their future career or major by way of working in companies. Some universities recognize internships as "part of education" and gives credit for it. If the internship comes with an income, the student concerned has to obtain the permission to engage in other activities outside of the scope of his/her status of residence. At the initial stage when selecting your school, inquire directly with the school regarding internship requirements and whether it is a credit subject. Companies offering internship programs can also be looked up from the internet.
If a student of a foreign university enters Japan to have working experience as part of his/her university’s credit-earning curriculum under the agreement or arrangement between his/her university and a Japanese company, the status of residence will be either "Designated Activities", "Cultural Activities" or "Temporary Visitor" depending on whether wages will be paid and the term of residence.
You may inquire from non-profit organizations below if you intend to take an internship program while studying in Japan.

Internships	AIESEC [email protected]	〒102-0071 206 Belvedere Kudan, 2-15-5 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071 http://www.aiesec.jp/	TEL +81-3-3288-1241
	ETIC [email protected]	4th Floor, APPLE OHMI Bldg., 1-5-7, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041 http://www.etic.or.jp/	TEL +81-3-5784-2115

2. Employment upon graduation

Every year, more and more international students are opting to work in Japanese companies upon their graduation. For these, the following points will be examined when the status of residence is changed.① academic background, ② type of jobs to be engaged in, ③ salary and ④ the actual situation of the employer.
The academic background required in ① includes graduates of universities, junior colleges and colleges of technology. Graduates of professional training colleges (specialized course) who have obtained their “diploma” are also included. In terms of ②, emphasis is placed on diploma-holders to engage in jobs that are related to their majors. For instance, a person who is a fashion design graduate but opts to work as a computer programmer will have difficulty to change his/her status of residence. As for ③, the international student should be getting salary equivalent to that given to Japanese employees. In regards to ④, though there is no specific standard used for judgment, the companies they plan to work in are required to have a stable management foundation and business performance.
For more information on procedures, please inquire with Regional Immigration Bureaus.



Sources of information on employment

Employment Section of your present school

Student Employment Comprehensive Support Center, Employment Service Center for Foreigners

Former international students working in Japanese companies

Recruitment magazines for international students, JASSO's "Job Hunting Guide for International Students"

Employment seminars for international students / company visits

The E-mail Newsletter for International Students in Japan "Japan Alumni eNews"

Related Information

1. AIESEC » In Japanese

2. ETIC

3. Job Support Center for Student

4. Osaka Employment Service Center for Foreigners

5. Hellowork

6. Internship for International Students(MHLW)

7. Employment in Japan after Graduation（Study in Japan Comprehensive Guide/MOFA）

8. Employment Guide for International Students（MLHW)

9. Job Hunting Guide for International Students(JASSO)

10. Career Development Program for Foreign Students in Japan(Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)