Zentern - Amazing Internships in Japan

Program Reviews

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Madhuri
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing opportunity for personal and professional growth

One of the main reasons I chose Zentern was because of the kindness and professionalism of its team. At the very start, Noa (internship contact) made sure to program an interview with me to discuss the type of internship I would like, the field I would be interested in etc. For every question that I had, she made sure to reassure me and patiently answered each one of them. She was also kind enough to prep me for the interview. I can honestly say that Zentern found me my dream internship!
As for Satomi sensei (Japanese teacher), she taught the class with great passion and kindness, taking her time to explain any doubts or questions we had. She made sure that the class would always be fun to attend as well.
The class being fully in Japanese helped me get immersed right away into the language and therefore, forced me to put into practice the lessons I had learned.
Another perk of this program was that, because the Japanese class was conducted in a small group, it was easier to meet and befriend other interns. A perfect mixture for both introverts and extroverts.
I would highly recommend doing an internship abroad (especially if you have doubts) as it really helps with personal growth and to gain more confidence.

What was your funniest moment?
I think I have never laughed as much as I did during the Japanese lessons. The ambiance was always great, very friendly and welcoming. Therefore, not only were we deepening our knowledge of Japan, its language and its culture, but we were also joking around before and after class, being silly with other interns and getting to know each other.
Pros
  • The internship really helps with growth, whether personal or professional.
  • You get to do an internship in the field of you choice, in the beautiful country that is Japan.
  • It is a great way to expand your network.
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Praise
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Experience with Zentern Internships

I chose Zentern Internships because their prices were competitive, and their aesthetic website gave me confidence in their professionalism. My contact, Noa, was always responsive and helped with visa support and interview prep, despite the time difference. She remained easy to contact even after I arrived in Japan.

The placement process was smooth, and while my internship was less technical than ideally preferred, I still enjoyed it and gained valuable experience. If you're considering using Zentern, I recommend providing all the details they request for job applications as early as you can. This will raise your chances of securing your ideal internship.

Zentern also assisted with housing and visa arrangements, though I encountered some delays on my visa application due to unclear visa instructions. I think Zentern could improve in this area by labelling the visa documents they supply in the applicant's desired language, e.g. English, and staying well informed about the required visa type for the specific applicant.

Finally, I thoroughly enjoyed the fun cultural outings Zentern organised (I paid for an internship + cultural program). I experienced traditional festivals and visited Asakusa, where we explored and had a variety of classic Japanese desserts. We also went to Kamakura and visited famous shrines. Another highlight was seeing the entire city from the Roppongi Hills observation deck. And I got to visit a unique, beautiful aquarium, which was great quick thinking on Zentern's part as our initial trip to Tokyo Bay was cancelled due to a typhoon. All these experiences and more really enhanced my experience in Japan. Overall, I had a positive experience with Zentern Internships and would highly recommend their service!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Dango. Very interesting, chewy texture.
Pros
  • Competitive pricing.
  • Responsive communication and very supportive staff.
  • Enjoyable cultural outings
Cons
  • Internship was less technical than preferred
  • Unclear visa instructions.
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Joy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thank You, Zentern!

Zentern found a great company for me to intern at. The managers at this company were organized, supportive, and provided good mentorship. The internship experience helped me grow personally and professionally and was a good first step into a new career field.

Noa is so kind and caring! She gives great career advice. I appreciate that she made time to meet with me in person to answer my career questions and review my resume towards the end of my internship.

It might’ve been nice if Zentern had checked in a little bit more or made their presence more apparent during my stay in Tokyo. I also didn’t meet very many other interns through the cultural events like I had hoped (but the ones I met were fun and nice). This wasn’t always something that could be controlled, but I feel like it wasn’t totally uncontrollable either.

Overall, I had a wonderful time in Japan. I got to do pretty much everything I wanted to do, and I gained so much from my experience. I’m super late with this since my internship was July to September 2023, but thank you for everything, Zentern!

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Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My internships experience in Japan was amazing!! Thank you Zentern!!

I just finished an amazing 3-month marketing internship in Japan at a famous global company at their Tokyo office and I couldn't have done it without the incredible support from Zentern! Within a few weeks of signing up, they confirmed my placement and were with me every step of the way, from finding the perfect placement to making sure I had everything I needed during my stay. This was my first time in Japan and the whole experience was beyond my expectations.

Regarding my internship, my team was great! I got to work alongside my manager and work on various marketing campaigns and PR events. We had to promote new products and make sure to measure our consumer's response. Even though my company was quite international, I still got to see how business is done in Japan.
I was surprised how the internship in Japan was way more hands-on than internships back home and I really felt part of the team.

One of the best parts of the program was the friends I made through Zentern and their cultural program. We shared so many great moments and experiences together, making my time in Japan even more memorable!!

I am so thankful for the opportunities and support Zentern provided. If you're a university student considering an internship in Japan, I highly recommend Zentern. They truly care about helping interns succeed and have an amazing experience. S

What was your funniest moment?
It was quite embarrassing, but rather funny when I realized I had spoken to the wrong client waiting in the lobby area convinced that they were our client.... It took me 5 minutes to realize hahaha.
Pros
  • Price was really reasonable compared to other agencies
  • I feel more confident and I've grown as a person
  • I've gotten more clarity of what type of career I'd like to pursue in the future
Cons
  • Expect to be walking a lot in Tokyo. Everything's done here by public transportation. I had to get used to it in the beginning.
picture of me
Christian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Software Engineer Internship

I recently completed a five-month internship in Tokyo, Japan, facilitated by Zentern, and I couldn't be more grateful for their outstanding service. Coming from the Netherlands, I always dreamed of experiencing Japan's unique work culture and exploring the country. Zentern made this dream a reality by helping me find an incredible internship in software engineering, arranging all necessary details for my stay in Tokyo.

Zentern's support was invaluable from start to finish. From the moment I reached out, they were attentive and helpful, ensuring I found a placement that matched my skillset. They helped with everything from visa arrangements to finding accommodation, which made the entire process seamless. The staff was friendly and always available to answer any questions, providing a reassuring presence throughout my stay.

Living and working in Tokyo was an extraordinary experience. The city is vibrant and the people are incredibly kind. My internship allowed me to gain new experiences within software engineering, mainly targeting robotics, and provided hands-on experience. This experience not only enriched my professional skills but also gave me invaluable insights into Japanese work ethics and culture.

Tokyo offers something for everyone, from enjoying traditional Japanese culture and historic buildings to exploring shrines and experiencing modern, futuristic attractions. The food is amazing and surprisingly affordable, adding to the overall experience.

Beyond professional growth, this internship boosted my personal development. Being so far from home on my own significantly enhanced my independence and confidence. Socializing with the Japanese was a rewarding experience, and during my time there, I had the pleasure of meeting many new people and forming meaningful connections. In my last month, I forged a particularly special bond and found myself in a wonderful relationship. This highlighted the incredible opportunities for interpersonal connections that Japan offers.

I highly recommend Zentern to anyone looking to intern in Japan. Their dedication and comprehensive support made my time in Tokyo unforgettable. If you're considering an internship abroad, Zentern is the perfect partner to help you navigate and enjoy the experience fully.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I had the chance to do it all over again, one thing I would change is to better prepare with the language. While I did learn some Japanese before arriving, I now realize that I could have benefited from a more intensive language study regimen. As I ventured further into the outskirts of Tokyo, I encountered fewer English speakers, making communication more challenging at times. Looking back, I wish I had dedicated more time to learning the language, perhaps even enrolling in a language school during weekends to immerse myself further. Improving my language skills would have undoubtedly enhanced my overall experience and made my stay in Japan even more enriching.
Pros
  • Comprehensive support from Zentern ensured a smooth transition into my internship in Tokyo.
  • The internship offered valuable opportunities for professional growth in software engineering.
  • Living in Tokyo facilitated immersive cultural experiences, broadening my horizons.
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Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience!

I was hesitant at first, but speaking with Zentern put me at ease as they knew exactly what I was looking for. I chose Zentern as they seemed to be the most familiar with the Japanese market and i wanted to make sure that I got the chance to work with a local agency.
Within a few weeks, they confirmed my internship at a local design firm in Tokyo. My team was truly amazing!! Japan is also a great place for solo travelers and I felt very safe during my stay. The weekend trips with the other interns were a lot of fun! I learned more about Japanese culture and the tea ceremony workshop was one of my favorites. Loved Kamakura too!
Thank you Zentern for this amazing experience! I definitely recommend this program.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My boss allowed me to present my design work to a potential client. Luckily the client was fluent in English. The meeting went great, they chose some parts of my design for their brochure so all in all it was nerve-racking but a great success in my opinion.
Pros
  • Cost performance is amazing (I went for the culture program)
  • I grew a lot and become more independent
  • I learnt more about what skills are needed to have a successful career
Cons
  • A bit overwhelming at first if you're not used to taking public transportation everyday
  • As a vegetarian, it was a bit difficult sometimes to find places with vegetarian options
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Jake
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent service for a fulfilling internship experience

Finding an internship suited to my aspirations came easy for Zentern. They walked me through practice interviews and I landed a job quickly. Upon arriving Tokyo, they made sure I had proper accommodation and prepared me to begin working in a Japanese environment. Further, during its duration, I felt secure knowing that they had my back in case of an emergency.

After taking lectures on the Japanese language program, I was soon able to communicate and feel more comfortable getting around the city and ordering at restaurants.

100% recommended.

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Carolina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Internship Experience in Tokyo with Zentern.

I recently completed a three-month internship in Tokyo, and it was an amazing experience! The entire process was smooth from the very first meeting. Noa was always prompt in responding to my emails and kindly answered any questions I had. She made sure I knew that I could contact her if I ever needed anything, both before and after my arrival in Japan. She also checked in on me to see how things were going, not only with my internship but also with adjusting to the city, which was reassuring.

I opted for the Internship + Japanese lessons program and the lessons with Satomi 先生 were really enjoyable and fun. I feel my Japanese has improved thanks to her. The Zentern team also organized outings with the other interns. Since it was during the Christmas holidays, I had the chance to see the lights at Shinjuku Park and visit the Meiji-Jingu Christmas Market, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I'm really glad I chose Zentern as my internship coordinator and to have had this opportunity in Japan. It was an experience I will always treasure and never forget. I highly recommend it to anyone considering doing an internship in Japan!

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Riad
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship at Haloworld Inc.

I had a truly exceptional experience that taught me a great deal about both my field of study and Japanese culture. I want to express my gratitude to Noa Berendson, Tempuu Siva, and Tetsushi Hoshino for their assistance and guidance throughout my journey. Working under Tetsushi-san's supervision was a pleasure, and I had a comfortable and stimulating work environment. The skills and knowledge I gained will undoubtedly benefit me in my academic pursuits. My time in Japan left me with a wonderful impression, and I hope to return soon.

Pros
  • All types of support
  • Uniqueness
  • I recived everything that was promised to me
Cons
  • Housing options were limited and expensive
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Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zentern - A great way to explore Japan

To anyone who does not know Japanese but is considering coming to Japan for work experience or just to explore the culture, Zentern is a great stepping stone to get you started! Not only did they help me find an internship position within only a month, I am also very satisfied with the role I got as it matches my career goals. I was interested in UX and landed an internship position that allowed me to assist the company in developing their website, it was so much fun and I could not ask for a better job.

It's also important to note that I did not have any work experience so it was really helpful for them to go through each and every step with me such as resume, cover letter, and even interview prep. I truly enjoyed my time in Japan and am grateful to meet so many new friends from around the globe through the activities Zentern organized for us.

P.S. One piece of advice I would give is that it's best to look for accommodation as soon as you land an offer since there are limited options!

Pros
  • Job Placement
  • Fun Activities
  • Helpful Staffs