A student in the Applied Foreign Languages Study Program, Faculty of Vocational School, Diponegoro University (SV Undip), gained valuable experience through an internship program at a hotel in Japan. Dea Al Qibthiyah Annur (Class of 2022) spent one year as a housekeeping department staff member at the Kansai Airport Washington Hotel in Osaka, Japan.
During her internship, Dea not only learned technical skills in the hospitality industry, particularly in the housekeeping department, but also deepened the values of discipline, teamwork, and responsibility that characterize Japanese work culture.
Challenges and Adaptation in a New Environment
Dea said that initially, she found it quite difficult to adjust to the fast-paced work pace and high standards at a Japanese hotel. “Every job is done with great detail. From folding blankets and cleaning bathrooms to greeting guests, everything has its own rules. But from that, I learned to appreciate meticulousness and the importance of teamwork,” she said.
Furthermore, the differences in weather and communication styles also posed challenges. However, thanks to the support of her colleagues and supervisors, she was able to adapt well. “The people at the hotel were very helpful. They taught me patiently and appreciated my efforts to speak Japanese,” she added.
Valuable Lessons from Japanese Work Culture
For Dea, this internship experience was an invaluable life lesson. She said she learned a lot about work ethic, punctuality, and respect for others.
“In Japan, everyone works with full responsibility and attention to detail. I’ve become more disciplined, not only at work but also in my daily life,” she explained.
Provisions for the Future
According to her, this internship experience provided important preparation for facing the global workplace. “I learned that politeness, hard work, and professionalism are highly valued in Japan. I want to apply these values when I work in Indonesia,” she said.
She also advised her fellow students not to be afraid to try new things.
“Prepare your Japanese language skills, learn about their work culture, and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. This experience truly opened my eyes,” she said.
With this spirit, SV UNDIP continues to support students participating in international internship programs, so they can broaden their experiences, build global networks, and bring home the positive values of Japanese work culture.