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Bachelor Kristína Kissíková, UCT Prague,

ročník 4

Faculty

Faculty of Chemical Technology

Field of study

Production of Pharmaceuticals

Field of internship

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Specialization of Internship

Pharmacology

Internship period (from - to)

04/09/2023 - 02/11/2023

Internship duration (weeks)

Transport (means, price)

airplane (Finnair) around 28 630 CZK

Insurance/Insurance company

Uniqa

Visa/Work permit (yes/no)

Price of Visa

City of Internship

Japan, Noda

Internship reference number

JP/2023-6102TUS

About the country

Location of the place

I lived near Asakusa in a quieter part of the neighborhood. It was close to many stations (max waiting time of 15 minutes), a lot of shops and restaurants were also near. It is a big city and it takes about an hour to get to some place. The transportation is expensive, but it gets you everywhere.

City

I lived in Tokyo. It is a big city with many things to do. Everyone can find their own thing there, visit museums, shrines, go to a party,... The only minus is that the last trains set off between midnight and 1am and there is no transport till 5am. There are no trashcans.

Surroundings (possible trips, ...)

I really liked Hakone and Odawara, Enoshima, Kamakura. There are so many places to go to, that it is nice to make a list of things to see, but also you have to accept that you won't be able to do it all :) Also for Ghibli fans, Totoro's forrest

Employer

I worked for Tokyo University of Science, Noda campus in Professor Aoki's lab. There were many Japanese people working there. They are really helpful and try to help you as much as possible. However, there is still a language barrier.

Work description

I worked on my own project. I synthesize molecules. The professor asked me what I would like to work on. It was mostly independent. The equipment was in Japanese, so it's important to take notes on how to use it, but after some time it will come naturally.

Salary (sufficient for local conditions?)

I got around 270 000 yen, which was enough to cover accommodation, transportation and lunch at the uni canteen. For fun outside the lab, it is not enough and I had to cover it with my own money.

Language requirements

English was enough with some Japanese phrases here and there. However, to make connections and friends with Japanese people, I recommend learning Japanese. People generally don't speak English, but you can get around it.

Accommodation (price, who provided it)

Accommodation for one month was around 90 000 yen, but I also had a balcony. It was a bit expensive. It was only a women's building. There were 3 of us and the 3 of us shared a bathroom, toilet and kitchen. There was a common area where you could spend some time together. It was close to everything. We paid a cleaning fee, even though no one came to our flat to clean.

Social life

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

IAESTE picked me up not directly at the airport, but at my transfer station. It was a bit stressful, but in the end everything was okay. They organise events once a month for different places in Tokyo and if you become friends with them, they will show you around or at least give tips on where to go.

Meeting other foreign students

We were a big group of IAESTE interns here. We visited many places outside Tokyo and also had dinner after lunch. It's really helpful to have them here as they can also give tips and show you around and help with the basic things.

Sport and culture

I don't do any sports here apart from a lot of walking. But you can try golf, baseball and other sports. There are a lot of interesting shrines to visit, museums to go to or even go to a cinema. There is no time to be bored here.

Food, local specialties

You will eat a lot of rice and noodles. Sushi is amazing. Try to go to Izakaya. The translator is your best friend here. But don't be afraid and try things, even though most of the time you won't even know what it is. And sometimes they put sugar into things where sugar should be and don't sweet things that should be sweet.

Other information

Possibilites to communicate with the Czech Republic

It is possible to use Messenger, Whatsapp, Instagram and every app. The best time is in the evening to talk to your people or after 14:00 (Japanese time), when it is morning in Europe. In Japan they have their own app for communication. It's called Line.

Recommendations for students who will go to the same place

Learn some Japanese, people here love it and it will help you. Their working hours don't have to apply to you, enjoy Japan. Try as many things as possible.

What not to forget with you

Adapter, summer clothes (even in November it's up to 25 degrees in Tokyo), suncream, sunglasses

Benefits of the internship

Learning how to be independent, exploring new cultures, trying how it is to work in different environments, living like a local

Cooperation with IAESTE in the foreign country

I didn't communicate with IAESTE Japan that much, but they quickly answered my questions and I spoke with some members at the events and they always gave tips on what to do in Japan.