Student Blog

I never imagined the opportunity to live and work in Tokyo would happen during my first year of studies at Ritsumeikan APU. At the time, my Japanese skills were not strong, and, I did not have a network. Fortunately, the CEO of Emunitas, which was founded by APU students, extended a generous offer, asking if I would be interested in taking on an internship. I didn’t even think twice—I said “YES.” This internship with Qulii, a Japanese startup company, has been a stepping stone for me.

My First Homestay Experience in Japan

Living with a Japanese family in Tokyo provided a wonderful opportunity for me to enjoy Japanese culture. It was my first time in Tokyo, and everything was new to me. Learning the city’s train systems and navigating daily life with my host family were exciting adventures. I made many new friends during my stay and felt I was part of a second family. I also had the chance to learn how to cook traditional Japanese dishes, which further enriched my cultural experience.

Interning at Qulii: Learning and Growing

Qulii is a platform that helps students discover the educational events, competitions, and activities. Although I couldn’t communicate in Japanese, I was fortunate that the company’s CEO and team were fluent in English, which made collaboration smoother. Despite my initial nervousness, I quickly found my footing. The team at Qulii was incredibly supportive and made me feel welcome.

Key Takeaways from the Internship

I learned how to adapt to a new workplace culture, contribute to a project with a positive attitude, and bolster my skillset.
Living with a host family and working in a Japanese company deepened my understanding of Japanese culture and values. This internship showed me that stepping out of my comfort zone is the best way to grow both personally and professionally, and it helped me build confidence.

Advice for Fellow Students

I would like to say that if opportunities knock on your door don’t think twice even if it feels overwhelming at first. Yes, the language barrier and unfamiliar surroundings may intimidate you, but at the same time, they are great opportunities for learning and growth.

If you're interested in internships, Emunitas is a great place to start. Emunitas is a platform that provides paid internship job opportunities for international students in Japan. Emunitas matches Japanese companies with student talent from countries like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, and more. The Emunitas platform allows international students to gain valuable work experience, enhancing their future job prospects, and it provides a reference check service utilizing international student data. I am one of the core team members of Emunitas, so I had the opportunity to join an internship in Tokyo as the first intern from Emunitas. Apply here: Emunitas Secure Talent

Looking Back: An Experience of a Lifetime

The Internship with Qulii didn’t just exposure me to the working world, it also helped me tap into my resilience and adaptability. It gave me the courage to face challenges with determination and learn from them; it inspired me to dream big.

Living and working in Tokyo during my first year at APU has left me with unforgettable memories and invaluable lessons. It’s a chapter in my life that I’ll always cherish, and one that has set the foundation for my future goals.

Yin May Aung

Hello! My name is Yin May Aung. I am currently a 1st year, 2nd semester APM student. As a person who is greatly passionate about the content creation and digital marketing field, being a Student PR Assistant is how I desire to shape myself and my community in APU. It's a pleasure to meet with everyone.