Interview with Noa from Zentern Internships

Meet Noa, part of the Zentern Internships team, a company that specializes in helping people who want to have the best internship experience and make life in Japan more enjoyable. We met with her to discuss in more detail what Zentern Internships has to offer and to get an insight into what it is like to be an intern in Japan.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! Could you please tell us a little about yourself for our readers?

Thanks so much for having me!

Hi Arigato Travel Readers, my name is Noa and I am the CEO and founder of Zentern Internships. Zentern is a company that specializes in arranging internships in Japan for English speakers, international students, and young professionals. I came to Japan by myself to do an internship that I found on my own. I applied to over 500 companies before finally landing a 5-month internship at a study abroad company in Tokyo. It was quite challenging to find an internship in Japan, especially if you don’t speak the language, as internships are not as common here. Despite being a major player in the world’s economy, setting trends in almost all sectors such as fashion and IT, I believe that Japan should start encouraging international internships and hiring more, which is why I started Zentern Internships.

What is your role at Zentern Internships?

On paper, I am the CEO and founder but I love every part of my work and being close to our customers, both students and companies. Therefore, my role entails a variety of tasks including conducting online consultations with interns, meeting with multinational and domestic companies, and creating engaging content for our social media platforms, among others.

Can you please describe the company and how you support people who want to come to Japan for an internship?

Most of our employees have been in your shoes: eager to explore and embark on a new adventure to Japan. When you sign up with us, we guarantee your internship in Japan. Our programs offer more than just arranging your internship. We know that traveling to another country can be daunting, so we aim to assist you as much as possible. Our goal is for you to get the most out of your internship experience and develop personally and professionally. During your internship, you will also have the opportunity to learn about Japan and its culture, which will broaden your perspective on the world. We therefore offer 24/7 support along with organizing exciting activities, seminars, workshops, and language classes.

You have many programs that you offer to applicants, can you tell us more about them?

We provide several options, including programs that combine work experience with cultural or language learning. The choices available are:

Internship + Culture:

This program balances professional growth with cultural immersion. Activities and workshops are organized weekly.

Internship + Japanese

For those who want to study Japanese while interning. The classes focus on communication and involve small class sizes (up to 4 – 6 interns).

Internship + Basics

A straightforward option that includes an internship and basic necessary services.

Remote Internships

This program allows you to intern for Japanese companies from home, offering flexible schedules.

Does everyone have access to Zentern Internships, no matter the country, age, or experience?

Yes, that’s right for the most part. For underaged interns, we have to ask for parental consent. Everyone with an interest in Japan, a great personality, and an eagerness to learn is welcome. We strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to intern in Japan no matter their background.

What makes being an intern in Japan a good source of experience?

An internship in Japan is a unique and advantageous experience. In a world where academic qualifications are increasingly common, having an internship abroad, especially in Japan, sets you apart. It’s not just the international experience that’s valuable, but also the skills and traits you develop – independence, adaptability, and a strong learning drive. These are qualities that employers find highly attractive. Additionally, the exposure to diverse business practices and cultural nuances broadens your perspective, a key asset in today’s globalized world.

The competitive edge gained from an internship in Japan is substantial. It’s not just about filling a gap on your resume; it’s about enriching your professional and personal growth in ways that are distinctive and eye-catching to employers. Former interns in Japan have gone on to impressive career paths, landing positions at leading companies like Amazon and Google, or even launching successful startups.

While it’s true that job markets vary globally, an experience like this can be a game-changer in securing not just a job, but a career that aligns with your ambitions and aspirations. You will get more control of your career choices and goals than ever before.

Have any interns been able to get a job after their internship is over?

Yes, roughly 10% of our interns get offered full-time jobs after their internship in Japan.

What do you see as the direction of Zentern Internships in the near future?

The future direction of Zentern Internships is centered around growth and accessibility. Our goal is to continue offering outstanding internships, enriching the experiences of our interns – whom we affectionately call ‘Zenterns’. By enhancing our program offerings and support services, we aim to make internships in Japan even more accessible to a diverse range of participants. This includes expanding our network of partner companies, enhancing our cultural and educational components, and streamlining the application and placement process. Our vision is to not just facilitate internships but to ensure each Zentern gains valuable skills and unforgettable experiences that will aid in their professional and personal development. Through these efforts, we aspire to open more doors for individuals globally to engage with Japan’s dynamic work culture and its unique societal nuances.

Do you have a funny anecdote, such as a lost in translation or culture shock experience to share?

Tokyo is pretty dense and sometimes building entrances and companies are hard to find. When I visited a potential partner company I checked in with the reception. After waiting for a few minutes, a kind Japanese lady asked again what company I was from and with whom my appointment was. She then told me the person I’m looking for doesn’t exist… I showed them the email only to both realize I was in the wrong building! The lady was so kind to guide me to the other building and even let me know it had happened before (haha). Luckily I was still in time for my appointment and we all had a great laugh about it.

As a culinary and cultural tourism company in Japan, we have to ask about your favorite food and places you like to visit in Japan!

First of all, I love Arigato Travel’s food tours! I was able to join an amazing tour in Shinbashi and was introduced to the best places off the beaten track! This will sound cheesy but my favorite food is sashimi, sushi, and yakiniku. One of my favorite spots is a fish restaurant that serves delicious sake. When it comes to places to visit, Japan truly has it all: from amazing coral beaches with crystal-clear waters in Okinawa to the best snow in Hokkaido. It’s hard to pick just one favorite place (other than Tokyo), but I’d have to say that Okinawa, Hokkaido, Osaka, and Sado Island (famous for its rice and sake!) are some of my top picks.

Thank you so much for taking the time and speak with us, Noa! Is there anything you’d like to tell our readers before we say goodbye?

Thank you for having me! Japan is an incredible destination for traveling, studying abroad, doing internships, and working. Each of these experiences is unique and different in its own way. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Japan, just go for it. You won’t regret it!

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us today! We always love being able to work with you and share your incredible story and company with our readers.

Follow Zentern on:

Website: 

https://zenterninternships.com/

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@ZenternInternships

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/zentern.internships/

Instagram:  

https://www.instagram.com/zentern.internships/

LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/zentern/

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@zenterninternships

Featured Photo Credit: Noa & Zentern Internships

Interested in an internship? Check out our website to see if you’d like to Join Our Team and find the perfect internship for you!