Alumni Story

Dear Future Interns: What I Wish I Knew Before My Japan Internship

By Sanskruti Banerjee· September2025

井の中の蛙大海を知らず — i no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu.

Translation:A frog in a well does not know the great ocean. Be brave. Try new things.

Intro

Kia ora, Namaste and Konnichiwa. My name is Sanskruti. I was born in India, raised in New Zealand, and I joined the CRCC Asia Japan cohort in 2025. This is a peek into intern life, my favorite finds across Japan, a few side quests, and advice for anyone who wants to intern abroad.

Intern Life

I interned atSEIBO, a social enterprise that funds school meals for children in Malawi through coffee sales. The role touched everything from speaking with expats to learning coffee brewing, preparing stakeholder presentations, fundraising, marketing, and business strategy. My highlight was traveling to Osaka to attend theWorld Expoas staff for the Malawi pavilion. I loved the healthcare, AI and technology, and space pavilions. It felt like a living,breathing hub of ideas with organizations like the United Nations and many consulates present.

Favorites in Japan

Food

Japan will not let you go hungry. Matcha, sushi, ramen, and so much more. Personal favorites included strawberry daifuku, convenience store treats, and thick udon noodles.Ichiranramen is worth the hype. Go on a rainy day to avoid the crowd. Street food markets likeTsukijiin Tokyo andDotonboriin Osaka are great for a budget-friendly feast.

History and Art

Tokyo’s museums and galleries are a dream if you love art, literature, and history.Visit samurai museums, contemporary art centers, and special exhibitions for a deeper cultural dive.The variety keeps weekends fresh and inspiring.

Accessibility and Daily Ease

Japan is designed for convenience. Trains come frequently, signage is clear, and people move with purpose. The system may look complex at first. Watch short traveler videos for quick hacks, then it clicks into place. After a week it feels natural.

Side Quests

Thanks to a flexible schedule I explored Kyoto and Osaka. Osaka became my favorite for its balance of vibrant culture, coffee, fashion, friendly people, and easy access to nature. If you plan side trips, map logistics early so you can enjoy them without stress. If you get the chance, check out theOsaka Kansai World Expo.

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Advice for Future Interns

Safe travels and have so much fun!

Planning your Japan internship

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From September 2026, CRCC Asia has been rebranded into CRCC Global.