After an enriching year-long internship through the "Japan Internship Program" at Intercontinental Hotel in Iwate Prefecture, Japan -jointly organized by DTU and the Japan Internship Support Association (JISA) - Nguyen Thi Thuy Vy, a final-year student majoring in English Translation and Interpretation at the Faculty of English, DTU School of Languages, Humanities & Social Sciences (LHSS), returned home just in time to celebrate the warm and festive Lunar New Year. Not only did she bring back invaluable experiences from Japan, but she also truly lived up to the "model student" image by bringing home over 150 million VND from her accumulated earnings during the internship. To mark the New Year, let’s see some fascinating insights from this talented and resilient student!
A Talented and determined student gains valuable lessons from the "Japan Internship Program"
Interviewer: Hi Thuy Vy! We heard you returned to Da Nang on January 20, 2025, just in time to prepare for and celebrate the New Year with your family. How was this year’s Tet different from previous ones?
Thuy Vy: After a year away from home, I really missed my parents, relatives, friends, and Da Nang City. As the saying goes, "Nothing is more precious than a family reunion, and no New Year is as joyful as one spent with loved ones," so I had a wonderful, warm, and love-filled Tet with my family. Returning home after such a long journey made me appreciate every moment spent with my loved ones even more.
Interviewer: Interning abroad is an opportunity not everyone gets, especially a paid internship. Could you share some tips on how you secured this opportunity for other DTU students?
Thuy Vy: My one-year internship at the Intercontinental Hotel in Japan was truly a valuable experience. When I first learned about the "Japan Internship Program" from my class group, I registered immediately because I love new experiences. I had three months to prepare, during which I researched Japan, the workplace, company culture, and recruitment requirements. The online interview process was quite intense, but I gave it my all, and I was overjoyed when I received the acceptance notice.
Thuy Vy (second from right) at the DTU Faculty of English
Interviewer: At the Intercontinental hotel, which department did you intern in, and how would you compare the work culture in Japan to that in Vietnam?
Thuy Vy: I arrived in Japan on January 23, 2024, and had five days to rest, shop, and complete paperwork. As a hotel intern, I had the chance to work in multiple departments, including reception, restaurant services, and housekeeping, where I spent the most time. After six months, my peers and I were trained to become team leaders or support leaders, assisting Japanese team leaders.
The job required good physical health and basic Japanese communication skills, while English was a significant advantage for assisting international guests. My year in Japan was an invaluable experience that taught me discipline, diligence, and strong work ethics. Although Japan and Vietnam have cultural and work environment differences, there are also similarities. I was delighted to work in a place where my Japanese supervisors and colleagues were always friendly and never discriminated against foreign workers. As long as you work seriously and diligently, even voluntary overtime is highly appreciated.
Interviewer: What was your daily routine like in Japan?
Thuy Vy: My day started at 6:30 AM, and I worked at the hotel from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In the evenings, I would go to the gym, cook, study, or watch movies. I had two days off each week, which I used for exploring the city or resting.
Interviewer: What aspect of Japanese culture impressed you the most, and what was your favorite Japanese dish?
Thuy Vy: What impressed me most about Japanese culture was their seriousness and discipline. At the Intercontinental hotel, everyone would chat and joke around before work, but the moment work began, they remained entirely focused. Additionally, if mistakes occurred, they provided feedback gently, never raising their voices. Japanese cuisine is incredibly diverse, and most foreigners love it. Personally, I adored Udon noodles and Sashimi -they were so delicious that I could eat them every day instead of rice! (laughs)
Interviewer: We heard that after completing your internship, you brought home 150 million VND! Could you share how you managed your finances during your internship?
Thuy Vy: This was actually my initial goal. I made sure to maintain good health so I could take on overtime when needed. Thanks to my willingness to work extra hours, I was able to save what, for me, is quite a significant amount. My family was very proud when they saw how hardworking and financially responsible I was. Not only my family but also my professors and friends congratulated me on completing my internship and returning home. Every message and direct congratulation I received made me incredibly happy.
Interviewer: How did this one-year internship in Japan influence your career direction?
Thuy Vy: Before, I was uncertain about my career path because my major offers many job opportunities, but I wasn’t sure which role best suited my strengths and weaknesses. Thanks to the internship, I received in-depth training and gained clarity on my future career direction. If given the opportunity, I would love to return to Japan for further studies and work, as it truly feels like a "promised land" for living, learning, and growth. The professionalism, hospitality, and diligence of the Japanese people are qualities I deeply admire.
Interviewer: Do you have any advice for students who are considering joining the Japan Internship Program?
Thuy Vy: As I mentioned, interning in Japan is an incredibly valuable experience. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate to seize it. I believe that once you set foot in Japan, you will gain immense knowledge and skills, make wonderful friends, and create unforgettable memories.
About the "Japan Internship Program" at DTU
Since 2023, DTU has collaborated with the Japan Internship Support Association (JISA) to implement the "Japan Internship Program," offering 12-month internships in Japan for students majoring in Nursing, Pharmacy, Graphic Design, Japanese Language, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Food Technology, IT, Construction, Architecture, English Language, and more.
By participating in this program, students will receive:
• Up to 16 practical credits for internships related to their major.
• Free Japanese language training before and after departure.
• Full financial support covering documentation, visa, round-trip airfare, and accommodation.
• Living allowance of 70,000 yen/month (~14 million VND).
• An opportunity to experience Japanese culture and explore long-term job prospects in Japan after the internship.
Program Requirements:
• Students must be in their third year or above.
• A minimum Japanese language proficiency of N4.
• Successfully pass the Japan Internship Program’s recruitment interview.
(Media Center)