School of Languages, Humanities and Social Sciences - Duy Tan University
After a meaningful year of interning under the "Japan Internship Program" at the Intercontinental Hotel, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, organized by Duy Tan University in collaboration with the Japan Internship Support Association (JISA), Nguyen Thi Thuy Vy, a final-year student majoring in English Translation and Interpretation at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Duy Tan University, returned just in time to celebrate the Year of the Snake (At Ty) 2025 with her family.
Not only did she bring back valuable experiences from Japan, but Thuy Vy also embodied the ideal “model student” by “bringing money home for her mother,” amounting to over 150 million VND (from her accumulated salary during the internship). As the New Year begins, let’s listen to her fascinating and inspiring journey!
The Talented and Determined Thuy Vy Gained Many Valuable Lessons from the Japan Internship Program
Interviewer: Hello Thuy Vy, we understand that you returned to Da Nang on January 20, 2025, just in time to prepare and celebrate the New Year with your family. What made this year’s Tết celebration different from previous ones?
Thuy Vy: After a year away from my family, I truly missed my parents, relatives, friends, and the city of Da Nang. As the saying goes, “What gift is greater than a family reunion, what Tết is happier than a reunion Tet,” I had a very joyful, warm, and loving Tet with everyone in my family. Coming back after a long journey made me cherish the time spent with my loved ones even more.
Interviewer: An internship abroad is a rare opportunity, especially one that is paid. Could you share your strategy for seizing this opportunity with fellow DTU students?
Thuy Vy: I must say that my year-long internship at the Intercontinental Hotel (Japan) was an invaluable experience. When I first received information about the “Japan Internship Program” from the university's class group, I immediately signed up because I was eager for this experience. I had 3 months to prepare, during which I researched Japan, the workplace, company culture, and the job requirements. Although the online interview was quite intense, I gave my best effort and was overjoyed when I was selected.
Thuy Vy (second from right) at the pre-departure meeting before heading to Japan
Interviewer: At the Intercontinental Hotel, which department did you intern in, and how do you think the working culture and environment in Japan differ from those in Vietnam?
Thuy Vy: I arrived in Japan on January 23, 2024, and had 5 days to rest, shop, and finalize paperwork. As a hotel intern, I experienced several departments, including reception, restaurant, and housekeeping, where I spent the longest period. After 6 months of internship, my peers and I were trained to become leaders or support leaders to lead teams and assist Japanese leaders. My work required good health, basic Japanese communication skills, and English as an advantage when assisting foreign guests.
A year in Japan was a valuable experience, teaching me discipline, hard work, and professional ethics. While the working environment and culture in Japan and Vietnam differ, there are also similarities. I was happy that, at my workplace, my Japanese superiors and colleagues were always friendly and non-discriminatory toward foreigners. As long as you work seriously and diligently, even voluntarily doing overtime is highly valued.
Interviewer: What was your daily life 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 to explore the city or rest.
Interviewer: What aspect of Japanese culture impressed you the most, and which Japanese dish is your favorite?
Thuy Vy: What impressed me most about Japanese culture is their seriousness and discipline. Even at the Intercontinental Hotel, where I interned, everyone would chat happily, but once work began, everyone would focus solely on their tasks. In particular, even when mistakes were made, feedback was always gentle, never harsh. Japanese cuisine is incredibly diverse, and not only I but also other foreigners loved it. Personally, I love Udon and Sashimi – they are so delicious that I could eat them every day (laughs).
Interviewer: We’ve heard that after completing your internship in Japan, you returned with 150 million VND. Could you share how you managed the money from your internship?
Thuy Vy: This was actually a goal I set for myself from the beginning. I focused on maintaining good health so I could work overtime when necessary. Thanks to my diligence in working extra hours, I was able to save a significant amount, which feels like quite a lot to me now. My family is very proud of me for being hardworking and managing my finances well. Not only my family, but also my teachers and friends congratulated me on completing the internship and returning home. The messages and congratulations I received made me truly happy.
Interviewer: How has the one-year internship in Japan impacted your career direction?
Thuy Vy: Before, I was uncertain about my career direction because my field of study offers many job opportunities, but I hadn’t figured out which career path suited my strengths and weaknesses. Thanks to this internship, I was not only professionally trained but also gained a clearer understanding of my future career path. If I have the opportunity, I would love to return to Japan to continue studying and working, as it truly is a “promised land” for living, studying, and developing. The civility, hospitality, and diligence of the Japanese people have deeply inspired me.
Interviewer: Do you have any advice for students considering joining the Japan Internship Program?
Thuy Vy: As I’ve shared, interning in Japan is an incredibly valuable experience. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to take it. I’m sure that once you set foot in Japan, you’ll acquire so much knowledge, skills, make wonderful friends, and create unforgettable memories.
Information about the Japan Internship Program
Since 2023, Duy Tan University, in collaboration with the Japan Internship Support Association (JISA), has launched the "Japan Internship Program," offering 12-month internship opportunities in Japan for students in various fields such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Graphic Design, Japanese Language, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Food Technology, IT, Construction, Architecture, and English, among others.
Students participating in the program will receive:
Eligibility: Students in their third year or higher with at least N4-level Japanese proficiency who pass the Japan Internship recruitment interview.