After 4 years of university with many efforts to accumulate knowledge and improve professional skills, Ngoc Thuong wanted to step out of her comfort zone and try her hand in a truly international environment. The opportunity came when Ngoc Thuong became one of the first students of HUFLIT to participate in the Internship Program in Oita Prefecture – Japan, the result of a close cooperation relationship between HUFLIT, Oita Prefecture Government and Beppu City Hotel – Inn Association. After completing the internship, Ngoc Thuong returned to Vietnam with many beautiful memories, a JLPT N2 Japanese proficiency certificate and clear confidence in communication.

Explore the restaurant and hotel internship environment in Japan

During her 12-month internship at Ryoutikku Co., Ltd. (Beppu, Oita) – a unit operating in the hotel and restaurant industry, Ngoc Thuong undertook a variety of tasks such as serving meals, reception, assisting with check-in/check-out and cleaning rooms. Each position helped Ngoc Thuong accumulate more skills and practice professionalism in her work style.

What impressed Thuong most about the Japanese environment was the spirit of discipline and standardized processes. “Japanese people always strictly follow the steps, minimize errors and especially do not accept delays” – Thuong shared. Thuong became more mature when harmoniously combining skills at work: meticulous with jobs that require precision, flexible when the job requires speed and speed. 

In the early days, understanding Japanese overwhelmed Thuong. “People spoke very quickly and used a lot of technical terms” Thuong said. But this difficulty did not deter Thuong’s determination. Every night, Thuong diligently practiced listening and learned new words; thanks to that, after only the first month, Thuong’s communication skills improved significantly. 

The achievement that makes Thuong most proud after this journey is conquering the Japanese JLPT N2 certificate, a worthy result for a year of continuous effort between work and study. In the near future, after graduation, Ngoc Thuong plans to seek opportunities at Japanese-invested enterprises to continue pursuing her passion for the language and culture of the cherry blossom country.

On her days off, Thuong takes the opportunity to explore famous tourist attractions around Oita province – the land known as the “hot spring paradise” of Japan. With a working schedule mainly in the morning and 2 days off per week, Thuong easily balances work, study and enjoys the experience in this land of the rising sun.

HUFLIT – Solid preparation for the international environment

For Ngoc Thuong, the 12-month internship in Japan is not only a milestone of maturity but also a vivid proof of the value of studying at HUFLIT. As a student majoring in Japanese Studies, Thuong realizes that HUFLIT has fully prepared her for her confident integration. From professional knowledge to soft skills, from dedicated guidance from lecturers to diverse extracurricular activities, HUFLIT is not only a place to impart knowledge but also a launching pad to help students be ready to step out into the world.

“Just try it, and you will see yourself growing up every day” is the sincere message that Ngoc Thuong wants to send to HUFLIT students who are cherishing the dream of doing an internship or working abroad, especially in Japan. According to Thuong, the international environment can be challenging, but it is also a place that helps you overcome your limits and grow up faster than ever.