Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Tips and Comments from Past Interns
2004 Interns
Michael Wilson - Take advantage of your advisors and coworkers. Talk to everyone you can, and learn as much as you can from everyone. NTT is very research-oriented, so you will probably work with people who have an academic view on things.
Candace Seu - I found that my co-workers and host families were really impressed when I expressed an interest in some aspect of traditional Japanese culture, and if they shared that interest, were very willing to teach it. (You can have a lot of interesting and unique experiences in this way.)
In (Dan) Yoon - I got to visit new places, meet new people, and see and experience things that I would never be able to anywhere else in the world. But the experience could have been even better I had just been more careful, and been more prepared. It’s not about Japan’s shortcomings, but about being ready to adapt.
Lillian Pan - For weekend sightseeing, the trains are an amazing resource. Not only are they what will take you almost anywhere you want to go, they are also great for finding trip ideas. Most railways will put out pamphlets about tourist sites you can access with their lines. JR had different pamphlets depending on what you wanted to see: art museums, gardens, zoos, aquariums, etc.
Peishan Lee - Do not be afraid to talk to your colleagues: Most Japanese people are shy when it comes to talking to a foreigner. However, once you get to know them, they are probably the most wonderful people you will ever meet. Besides, you can sharpen your Japanese conversation skills this way.
Jesse Escobedo - Actively seek out the other interns at the company. Get to know your coworkers. Don't be afraid to go exploring alone.
Sue Ann Hong - I have heard a lot of interns (including those not from Caltech) complain that they did not learn as much Japanese as possible. I believe the only way to pick up Japanese within the short time in Japan is to actively try to speak Japanese with coworkers and others early in the internship period.
Ben Olsen - I found it could get pretty lonely spending a summer by myself in Japan. If there aren’t many people in your company or your dorm to spend time with, try to plan some activities with the other interns. Since they will probably have different vacation schedules, make plans early on. Even if it’s only for a weekend, at least you’ll have someone you know to hang out with.
2003 Interns
Japeck Tang - It was fun. Enjoy it. It’s pretty easy to just meet other English-speaking interns, which is good for sightseeing and stuff, but it might be nice to spend a weekend or two with Japanese people and see a different side of Japan. The country is very English-friendly, so if you don’t know too much Japanese, it’s okay, since many signs are also in English, and most people speak at least basic English.
Jason Mitchell - Even though I can say I had the most fun doing things like going to the soccer match or arcade, I can’t deny that seeing places like Peace Park and Kyoto was not an enlightening experience. Everything was good in its own way.
Haluna Gunterman - Outside of work I enjoyed the social atmosphere and being able to travel freely via train. This was the first time I had ever been in Japan over the summer so I enjoyed the summer festivals very much.
Ji-Hoon Ryu - If you go to NTT, you should be able to speak a decent level of Japanese. They can speak English, but they do not speak it fluently, so communication will become painful if you do not know Japanese.
Spencer Rarrick - I think the internship will be more of a cultural/language-practicing experience than one where you will get a lot of real work experience. Just try to make it through the work time, and enjoy your free time. Also, don’t be shy about talking to your coworkers. They might not know that you are competent in Japanese, and thus be afraid to try to talk to you.
Chelsea Chang - Don’t be hesitant about asking questions…they are always more than willing to help!
Brian Bairstow - It helps to plan out where you want to go so you can be prepared with maps and guides. Also, I had to carry my baggage a lot between worksites and the airport, so it might have been nice if I had figured out how to use the takkyubin (parcel service).
Ghee Xiong Lai - Please use the opportunity to speak/learn Japanese while in Japan. Frankly speaking, Japanese in general are not very fluent in terms of spoken English and hence communication would be much easier if you spoke Japanese. With a knowledge of Japanese, you will be able to understand and appreciate what is happening around you instead of simply following orders, relying on colleagues, or spending 15 minutes trying to pose a question to the train conductor.
