If you participate in an Internship in Japan, it will be one of the best experiences of your youth. When you settle down in a regular job later in life, you'll look back on your unforgettable memories of work and fun in Japan, and smile. But you should also be prepared for culture shock, because Japan's unique and traditional culture results takes some getting used to for most people.

Japan is extremely different to other countries, so things will undoubtedly seem foreign - therefore, you have to remember to keep an open mind. You can't appreciate the sweet without the sour. It sounds corny, but if you can understand and embrace this philosophy, it will make the rough patches associated with settling in much easier to get through.

You may feel overwhelmed by the sudden exposure to Japanese every day, struggle to adapt to the duties expected of you in your internship position, be uncomfortable living with room mates, or with the attention you get as a foreigner in Japan, you may get sick of the food, or simply just miss home.

We all have hard times when traveling overseas for extended periods, but if you expect and anticipate these 'trials', you'll be better prepared to deal with them. And of course, by the time you complete your internship, you'll have an abundance of priceless memories and experience under your belt.

Tips for dealing with STRESS during your Internship:

*Complain to your friends/co-workers after hours, to get it out of your system.

*Exercise - it's a great cure for stress.

*Socialize with your Japanese co-workers - making local friends is the key to enjoying your time in a foreign country - and your Japanese ability will sky-rocket. Remember, Japanese staff will be shy, so you need to take the initiative.

*On days-off, explore the area.

*Don't generalize - one bad experience / bad customer doesn't mean all are bad.

Don't judge - learn to accept:

If you traveled to India - would you dare to eat with your left hand? During your internship, don't judge differences in culture as being 'ridiculous' - try to accept and embrace them.

The little things that may get to you in the beginning of your internship, will end up becoming some of your best dinner table stories.

Cultural Tips for Interns:

*Never be late! - Japanese people always arrive a few minutes before the arranged meeting time. It's very rude to be late - always take care to arrive to your internship a little early (and accept that you may be expected to stay back a few minutes after work too, which is considered a sign of respect to your boss).

*Communal bathing - always wash before you get in the bath. Don't be shy of the human body - communal bathing has been a part of the Japanese culture for thousands of years.

*Toilet Use - squatting may be required. While it takes some getting used to, apparently it is more hygienic and better for the body...

*Meal-time - don't stick your chopsticks into your meal - it is considered extremely bad manners, as it resembles the incense-sticks which people use at funerals.

*Daily life - carry your Alien Registration Card at all times (it is your ID card in Japan). Legal Smoking / drinking age is 20. Never wear shoes inside - always change into slippers in the doorway. Bow instead of shaking hands. When giving, it's polite to give with both hands.

Your internship in Japan will undoubtedly be a life-changing experience overall, but may be difficult to adapt to in the beginning. As long as you pay attention to all the points mentioned in this article, we're sure your internship will go smoothly, and turn out to be an unforgettable experience for you!