Government of Japan METI Internship Program for Developing Countries (Fully Funded to Japan)

METI Government of Japan Internship Program:
Foreign Nationals

Course(s) Offered: All fields
Course Level: Internship, Training
Provider: Japanese Government METI
Country to Study in: Japan

Scholarship Description
The Government of Japan through its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) offers the METI Government of Japan Internship Program for foreign nationals across the world.

As Japanese companies take on young foreign talents from abroad for internships, Japan achieves greater internationalization for its people and organizations through knowledge building aimed at new developments and expansion of overseas business for Japanese companies, and by changing awareness through working with foreigners and experiencing Intercultural communication, as well as constructing networks and developing in-house systems in conjunction with overseas universities aimed at securing foreign talent. 

Why not take up an internship and find a new career in Japan? Apply for the METI Government of Japan Internship Program. This is your chance to find a new career in Japan!

Eligibility
Young foreign nationals of developing countries (OECD/DAC-listed countries)
Please note: *2017 participants in this Program are not eligible to participate.

Applicants satisfying all the following requirements are eligible:

• Agreeing with the spirit of this program, and through the internship promoting internationalization of Japanese companies, developing the overseas business of Japanese companies, and working together to construct networks with overseas universities etc.
• Holding citizenship of an eligible country or region.
• Proficiency in Japanese language (JLPT level N3 or higher) or proficiency in English.
• As a rule, applicants should be at least 20 years of age and no older than 40 as at June 30, 2018.
• Applicants must able to submit a school or university enrolment or graduation certificate as well as a letter of recommendation from an affiliated university or institution etc.
• Able to undertake both the internship and Pre-Training full-time at the host company. (International students must also able to balance these against their studies)
• Other requirements meeting any individual conditions stipulated by the host company.
• Applicant must not have participated in this Program in 2017.

Eligible groups
Citizens of countries and territories eligible to receive official development assistance (ODA) as listed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). See the 2018, 2019 and 2020 list(pdf). Visit the OECD/DAC country webpage

Participating Institutions
Accredited Japanese companies. 

Intern destinations: Private-sector companies, industry associations, and non-profit corporations in Japan. Host companies are determined after matching by the Program Office and subsequent approval by the Screening Committee.

Internship areas
Main responsibilities of interns

• Formulating an internship plan (roles/goals, etc. of an intern) in consultation with the Internship manager
• Participating in group training, follow-up training, and wrap up presentation
• Undertaking the internship full-time during the internship period(international students living in Japan must ensure this is balanced with academic work)
• Undertaking management of their own safety and health as thoroughly as possible, including gathering emergency information for Japan, as well as communication, reporting, and consultation with the Program Office and the host company
• Submitting a variety of documents, notifications, reports, evaluation reports, etc. before coming to Japan, as well as during and after the internship period
• Appropriate Behavior demonstrating awareness as a beneficiary of public funds received from the Japanese government

Number of awards
220 interns (around 40 will be international students in Japan)

Internship duration
International students in Japan:
A･B: Around 3 months from August to Tuesday, December 4

Overseas foreign nationals:
C: Entering Japan on Sunday, September 2 & departing Tuesday, November 20
D: Entering Japan on Monday, September 10 & departing Thursday November 29
E: Entering Japan on Tuesday, September 18 & departing Friday, December 7
F: Entering Japan on Tuesday, September 25 & departing Thursday, December 13
G: Entering Japan on Monday, October 1 & departing Tuesday, December 18
H: Entering Japan on Monday, October 8 & departing Friday, December 21
*The Program Office will determine whether participants will follow schedule C, D, E, F, G or H

Internship benefits
Main support for interns:

• Allowance: 4,000 yen per day for living expenses. This amount is payable per day for the entire duration of the internship (except for international students living in Japan, who will be paid for active days only)
• Round-trip economy class air ticket, travel insurance (international students in Japan not eligible)
• Internship insurance
• Transportation and accommodation expenses including training program fee when participating in training

Method of Application
Registration is accepted online via the registration form on the Program Office website. Selection is conducted through document screening, primary interview (local language/English/Japanese), and secondary interview (Japanese/English). As part of the selection process, various certificates (university qualifications, language skills, etc.), letters of recommendation, photographs, documents required for the visa, etc. are to be submitted individually.

It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete information and to commence your application

DEADLINES:
Application period is from late-May to June 30, 2018

PLEASE NOTE:
This program offers work experience, not actual employment. It aims to provide interns with workplace skills and know-how. Please note it is not a substitute for casual or part-time employment etc.

Application Deadline: 30 June 2018
Open to International Applicants: Yes

More Scholarship Information and Application