June 2010 Archives

We have introduced websites, books, and schools for studying Japanese before (see also: How to study Japanese, JLPT-The Japanse Proficiency Test). This time we're going to take a look at those useful websites for Japanese proficiency test study.
There are plenty of Japanese-language learning sites specialized in JLPT created by foreigners who have already experienced JLPT.

Here is the list of the websites created for JLPT study.

Japanese Language Proficiency Test Vocabulary lists

JLPT vocabulary lists

JLPT vocabulary

JLPT Kanji Project

MLC Japanese Language School in Meguro, Tokyo Japanese Lesson for English Speakers.
Lots of Japanese Language Free Study Material, Download Work Sheets, Word Lists, Japanese Language Proficiency Test Aid, AV Learning Aid

The JLPT Study page (N4-N2)

renshuu.org.

Using a professional career support consulting service can be a good way to get to know your strong / weak points.

ei2 Career Support provides everything you need on your job search from resume consultation to interview coaching. They also hold group workshops that cover basic, hands-on techniques on one of the job search skills.
Chief Consultant, Connie Sim, started her recruitment-related career with an employment counseling program in Canada. Later, she worked as a Recruitment Consultant at an agency specialized in seeking bilingual talents for foreign firms in Tokyo. Before joining ei2, she was the Recruitment Assistant Manager managing all recruitment needs of a global foreign IT consulting company in Tokyo.
The interesting advices for job-seekers on the website originate from her wide experience in recruiting field. See Advice for job-seeker.

For further details, please check out their web site (The service is available for both Japanese and foreigners) .

We have said that it would be very difficult to find internships in Japan. Most of the very few Japanese companies who do accept interns still consider it as a burden on their normal business operation. Having said that, there are still some websites providing internship programs in Japan.
As we get many inquiries about internships in Japan, we will introduce some of the websites.

KOPRA

KOPRA is the abbreviation of the German term "KOordinationsstelle fuer PRAktika" (International Internship Platform). It strives for improving mutual understanding between Europe and the region of East Asia through international internship exchange.
This European organization provides free informational assistance about visa, housing, living costs etc. for companies and interns. This supporting system reduces the administrative load of internships from companies. The assistance also eases candidates' anxiety from moving abroad.
Due to the financial crisis which has been spreading worldwide, it is now more difficult to find an intern job in Japan. Nevertheless, this organization seems to be still able to provide many internships. Check the website.

Intrax Internships abroad

For students in the US, the American organization Intrax is a leader in work-based cultural exchange programs. Since 1980, Intrax has consistently delivered innovative quality programs through their dedication to operational excellence and outstanding participant experiences. For over 25 years, Intrax has been an official sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State to administer the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa program.
They provide internship programs in Europe and Asia. There are still some jobs in Japan available for this summer. Hurry up and check the website!

Pasona Internship Program

The Pasona Internship Program is a non-profit organization which allows outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to participate in a two month internship at a Japanese company. The internship provides the student with valuable opportunities to learn Japanese business practices and to receive on-the-job-training. Since the start of the program in 1987, over 300 students have had the unique experience of working for a Japanese company.

Labo Intern program

The Labo Intern program offers young adults the opportunity to live and work in Japan for ONE YEAR.
Labo is a family-based Japanese youth organization. Children in Japan between the ages of 3 and 18 join Labo in order to improve their English-language ability as well as to learn about other cultures and expand their personal horizons. Using international bilingual songs, stories and games from around the world, members learn about the world and about working with one another.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application, and may not be over 25. Applicants also must be citizens of the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia.
Ten months are spent working in Labo offices throughout Japan. Responsibilities vary from district to district, and from person to person. Interns spend two months studying Japanese at Labo's NIHONGO Institute in Tokyo.