Presentation Information
[SS-8-01]Implementation Methods and Challenges of Long-Term Internships for Humanities International Students
*Yuka Kurihara1, *Yusuke Katsuki1 (1. KOBE GAKUIN UNIVERSITY)
Keywords:
International Students,Long-term Internships,Humanities
1. Background and Objectives
Employment and long-term settlement of international students in Japan remains a key challenge in higher education. Japan’s “Revitalization Strategy 2016,” formulated by the Cabinet Office, also highlights the promotion of educational programs such as mid- to long-term internships implemented by universities. However, international students often face barriers such as insufficient Japanese language proficiency and unfamiliarity with Japanese corporate culture. On the employer side, the burden of accepting interns remains high. These challenges are particularly pronounced for humanities international students, for whom matching and placement opportunities are limited. Based on eight years of implementation at the Department of Global Communication (Japanese Language Track), Kobe Gakuin University, this presentation introduces practical methods, educational outcomes, and key challenges of long-term internships for humanities international students, and discusses how such internships should be structured.
2. 2024 Implementation Case
A total of 17 third-year international students (5 with JLPT N1, 12 with N2) participated in internships conducted at six host organizations over 18 days (June 25 to August 7, 2024). The internship formats included a combination of telework, in-person team collaboration, and weekly check-ins (online and/or in-person). The main task was to produce multilingual company introduction videos that can be used in the recruitment of foreign employees.
3. Key Features of the Implementation
(1) Work Content
Projects were designed to allow humanities international students to take initiative in completing tasks.
(2) Schedule Design
Tasks were divided into 2–5 day work units and combined using a modular structure to allow for flexible scheduling.
(3) Supervision and Evaluation
Clear division of responsibilities and information sharing were maintained between university faculty and host companies.
(4) Securing Internship Hosts
Reducing the burden on companies facilitated the securing of new internship hosts.
4. Educational Outcomes
(1) Japanese Language Proficiency
Students improved their practical Japanese by working collaboratively with companies and acquired specialized vocabulary through the video production process.
(2) Workplace Skills
Students gained comprehensive business skills, including schedule management, health and time management, task delegation, reporting and communication, and IT literacy.
(3) Business Etiquette
Through corporate interactions and visits, students acquired foundational business etiquette such as punctuality, greetings, and formal conduct.
5. Conclusion and Future Challenges
This internship model is a practical and effective approach that expands opportunities for both companies and international students. However, implementing this model requires that universities take on substantial responsibilities in both educational support and operational management, which calls for specialized knowledge and institutional readiness. To generalize and expand this model for broader use by educational institutions and stakeholders, further efforts are needed to collect insights from companies and educational settings and to refine its operational structure for more accessible implementation.
Employment and long-term settlement of international students in Japan remains a key challenge in higher education. Japan’s “Revitalization Strategy 2016,” formulated by the Cabinet Office, also highlights the promotion of educational programs such as mid- to long-term internships implemented by universities. However, international students often face barriers such as insufficient Japanese language proficiency and unfamiliarity with Japanese corporate culture. On the employer side, the burden of accepting interns remains high. These challenges are particularly pronounced for humanities international students, for whom matching and placement opportunities are limited. Based on eight years of implementation at the Department of Global Communication (Japanese Language Track), Kobe Gakuin University, this presentation introduces practical methods, educational outcomes, and key challenges of long-term internships for humanities international students, and discusses how such internships should be structured.
2. 2024 Implementation Case
A total of 17 third-year international students (5 with JLPT N1, 12 with N2) participated in internships conducted at six host organizations over 18 days (June 25 to August 7, 2024). The internship formats included a combination of telework, in-person team collaboration, and weekly check-ins (online and/or in-person). The main task was to produce multilingual company introduction videos that can be used in the recruitment of foreign employees.
3. Key Features of the Implementation
(1) Work Content
Projects were designed to allow humanities international students to take initiative in completing tasks.
(2) Schedule Design
Tasks were divided into 2–5 day work units and combined using a modular structure to allow for flexible scheduling.
(3) Supervision and Evaluation
Clear division of responsibilities and information sharing were maintained between university faculty and host companies.
(4) Securing Internship Hosts
Reducing the burden on companies facilitated the securing of new internship hosts.
4. Educational Outcomes
(1) Japanese Language Proficiency
Students improved their practical Japanese by working collaboratively with companies and acquired specialized vocabulary through the video production process.
(2) Workplace Skills
Students gained comprehensive business skills, including schedule management, health and time management, task delegation, reporting and communication, and IT literacy.
(3) Business Etiquette
Through corporate interactions and visits, students acquired foundational business etiquette such as punctuality, greetings, and formal conduct.
5. Conclusion and Future Challenges
This internship model is a practical and effective approach that expands opportunities for both companies and international students. However, implementing this model requires that universities take on substantial responsibilities in both educational support and operational management, which calls for specialized knowledge and institutional readiness. To generalize and expand this model for broader use by educational institutions and stakeholders, further efforts are needed to collect insights from companies and educational settings and to refine its operational structure for more accessible implementation.