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Ing. Roman Adámek, Brno University of Technology,

ročník 5

Faculty

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

Field of study

Mechatronics

Field of internship

Engineering, Other

Specialization of Internship

Mechanical Engineering

Internship period (from - to)

1.7.2019 - 30.8.2019

Internship duration (weeks)

Transport (means, price)

Airplane - direct flight from Vienna 18 000 CZK

Insurance/Insurance company

ČPZP - 3 000 CZK

Visa/Work permit (yes/no)

Price of Visa

City of Internship

Japan, Furukawa, Osaki City

Internship reference number

JP-2019-02

About the country

Location of the place

The company is located in Furukawa, Miyagi prefecture about 400 km north of Tokio and 50 km from Sendai.

City

The workplace is located in the part of Osaki city called Furukawa around 200 m from the shinkansen and local train station.
The population of Furuwaka is around 80 000. You can find there many shops, restaurants and bars.
There is also a swimming pool (with a discount for ALPS ALPINE employees), bouldering, bowling and cycling lanes along the river. There are not many historical sights, just some shrines and old buildings.

Surroundings (possible trips, ...)

There are many possibilities for trips around the city. I would recommend Naruko Onsen, Onikobe (hot spring towns, mountains), Matshushima bay and Sendai. If you don´t mind travelling a bit further, there is a lot more to see.

Employer

Alps Alpine is an international company based in Japan with factories and sales offices all around the world. The main focus of the company is on electronic components, automotive industry, IoT, touch screens and more.

Work description

I worked in a group developing a mechanical part of a steering wheel module (SWM). At first, I learnt about the module itself, development process and customer requirements. After this introduction period, I was dealing with quality issues and developed SW for designing a specific part of the SWM.

Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)

The salary was 80 000 JPY which is around 16 000 CZK. This salary is sufficient enough to survive and some small trips. If you want to travel and eat more, you will have to use your own pocket money.

Language requirements

Good English was sufficient enough at work. However, it is recommended to learn at least the basic words and phrases in Japanese because most people don't speak English or they are shy to speak.

Accommodation (price, who provided it)

The accommodation was paid by the employer. It was a nice small apartment with private bathroom, kitchen and washing machine located around 7 minutes of walk from the company.

Social life

Meeting IAESTE members (pick-up at the airport, organized events...)

Since I was working outside Tokio, I met IAESTE members only at my arrival and they accompanied us to the HQ in Tokio next day.

Meeting other foreign students

I was working in the company with another Czech trainee and we met many foreign and Czech employees.

Sport and culture

You can go running, cycling, go to the gym or swimming pool (discount for Alps employees) or hike in the mountains.
In term of culture, I highly recommend visiting summer festivals which are held in almost every city.

Food, local specialties

You can try normal Japanese meals every day in the canteen.
Every region has its own specialities. If you want to try them, you have to go to restaurants.
Must-try meals are ramen (different types), udon, soba, sushi, sashimi, yakiniku, takoyaki, yakitori, rice bowls, curry, omelettes, okonomiyaki, yakisoba, ...

Other information

Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic

There was free wifi at the apartment and at work. So there was no issue with communication.

Recommendations for students who will go to the same place

There is a possibility to rent a bike from the company, so don't hesitate to ask for it.
Go shopping around 7 pm to get meals and fruit in discount.
As long as you have a temporary visa, you can buy Japan rail pass for unlimited travelling on trains and buses.
You don't need formal clothes, you will get a uniform.

What not to forget with you

Don't forget to take comfortable shoes. You can buy anything in Japan if you forget it.

Benefits of the internship

I learnt a lot about specifics of the automotive industry and steering wheel module assembly.
This internship was a great opportunity to learn about Japanese life and culture and also to demystify all the common stereotypes you hear about Japan.
I was happy to meet new friends, discover new places and try all the delicious food.