IAESTE Internship: Feedback from Japan

Interning in Japan through the IAESTE exchange program is an absolutely exhilarating adventure that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. From the moment I arrived, I knew that I was in for a wild ride.

The first day of work was full of excitement and anticipation as I met an IAESTE member at the train station and had breakfast together. The member was so kind and welcoming, and it instantly put me at ease. Later, my supervisor showed me around the workplace and explained my tasks, which I couldn't wait to start working on. To top it all off, I was pleasantly surprised to hear about the ten-day holiday, which made me even more excited to be in Japan.

Throughout my internship, I discovered so many new sides of mechanical engineering that I had never experienced before. I got to work on exciting projects, collaborate with incredibly skilled engineers, and learn about new technologies that were blowing my mind. It was amazing to see the precision and attention to detail that the Japanese engineers put into their work, and I found myself constantly inspired by their work ethic.

The IAESTE program provided me with all the necessary help and assistance that I needed throughout my stay in Japan. The members were always available to answer any questions I had and provide guidance, which made me feel supported and safe in a foreign country. They even arranged for me to stay in an apartment, which made my stay so much more comfortable and convenient.

One of the highlights of my stay in Japan was the bullet train experience. It was incredibly fast and smooth, and I was amazed at how efficient and punctual the Japanese transport system was. Along with my colleagues, I took a trip to Osaka and Kyoto for three days, where we explored and immersed ourselves in the local culture.

Another memorable experience was celebrating my birthday in Japan, where my colleagues made me feel so special with their gifts and gestures. It taught me so much about the importance of community and the power of small gestures to make a big impact. It was a joyous and emotional experience and one that I will always hold close to my heart.

The IAESTE exchange program fulfilled all of my expectations as it gave me the opportunity to travel and experience Japanese culture and hospitality. I attended local committee meetings where I met other IAESTE interns and exchanged ideas. It was great to network and make new friends who were equally as excited about their internship experiences.

During my stay in Japan, I got to visit some truly amazing places, including Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, Karaokes & Izakayas, Tokyo Borderless TeamLab, Harajuku, Tokyo Dome, Tokyo Tower, Meusems, Shibuya Scramble Square, and more. Each of these places left me in awe with their unique architecture, technology, and cultural significance.

And let's not forget about the food! I tried so many different Japanese dishes during my stay, and each one was more delicious than the last. From Soba to Tempura, Sushi to Udon, Ramen to Sashimi, and Shabu-Shabu to Yakiniku, each dish had its own unique flavor and texture that blew my mind.

While the communication barriers that I faced in Japan were initially challenging, they ultimately helped me to develop new skills and deepen my understanding of the Japanese language and culture. The IAESTE members were always available to assist with any translation or communication issues, and their patience and kindness never ceased to amaze me.

In conclusion, interning in Japan through the IAESTE exchange program was the adventure of a lifetime. From discovering new sides of mechanical engineering to exploring breathtaking places and indulging in mouth-watering cuisine, it was an experience that will stay with me forever. If you ever get the chance to participate in this program, I highly recommend it – you won't regret it!

Lobna CHEBBI, 02.03.2023, Tokyo, Japan