ASO College Group Awarding Day Event

Studying abroad has always been one of my dreams, but I was especially interested in experiencing an overseas internship. I wanted to understand how people work in another country, adapt to a different culture, and apply what I had learned at university in a real professional environment.

When I learned that BINUS ASO School of Engineering had a partnership with ASO College Group in Japan and offered a one-year internship program, I immediately became interested. The program opened a path for me to experience the Japanese professional world firsthand while meeting new people and developing myself both professionally and personally.

Through this opportunity, I joined ASO College Group in Fukuoka as a Business Development intern. Living and working in Japan for one year has given me experiences that I could not have gained only through classroom learning.

Learning from the Japanese Workplace

Company Visit to ASO Iizuka Hospital

During my internship, I learned many technical and non-technical skills. Beyond completing projects and supporting business activities, I also learned about Japanese workplace etiquette, communication, punctuality, responsibility, and professional manners.

One of the most valuable things I observed was how Japanese professionals approach problems. They usually do not rush to make decisions. Instead, they carefully identify the problem, organize the available information, confirm important details, and discuss possible solutions with the people involved.

This approach taught me that problem-solving is not only about finding the fastest answer. It is also about understanding the root cause, considering the impact of each decision, and creating a solution that can be implemented effectively. Working in Japan also made me appreciate time more. Meetings, deadlines, and daily responsibilities are managed carefully. I gradually learned to prepare my work in advance, provide clear updates, and complete tasks in a more structured manner.

Applying Business Engineering Knowledge to Real Projects

6th Semester Final Project Presentation

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was the opportunity to contribute to projects related to a joint venture between BINUS and ASO College Group.

As a Business Engineering student at BINUS ASO School of Engineering, I had previously studied topics such as business processes, data analysis, project management, technology, and systematic problem-solving. During the internship, I was able to apply this knowledge directly to real organizational needs.

This experience helped me understand the connection between business and technology more clearly. A successful project does not only depend on technical skills. It also requires an understanding of users, business objectives, communication, collaboration, and the ability to adjust a solution according to actual conditions.

Seeing my academic knowledge become useful in a professional environment was an important experience for me. It made me realize that the concepts learned at university can create a real contribution when they are combined with practical experience.

Overcoming the Language Challenge

Study Japanese language, books are provided by the company

The biggest challenge I faced was my Japanese-language ability. Since Japanese was used in the workplace and in daily life, I had to adapt quickly.

At first, understanding conversations, instructions, and professional expressions was not always easy. Sometimes, I needed more time to process information or confirm whether I had understood an instruction correctly.

Fortunately, the internship program also provided Japanese-language classes every day. These classes helped me improve my vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking abilities. I could learn new expressions in class and then try to use them directly in daily conversations.

Being surrounded by Japanese speakers also encouraged me to communicate more actively. Although I still make mistakes, I have become more confident and more willing to express myself in Japanese.

Meeting People from Around the World

Japanese School Sports Day

The Japanese-language school also gave me the opportunity to meet students from many countries, including China, Taiwan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Meeting people from different cultural backgrounds became one of the most enjoyable parts of my experience in Japan. We exchanged stories about our home countries, languages, food, traditions, and daily lives. I also participated in school activities such as Sports Day. Through these activities, students from different countries could work together, communicate, and enjoy the experience as one community.

These interactions showed me that studying abroad is not only about learning the culture of the host country. It is also an opportunity to understand many other cultures and become more open-minded.

Supporting International Activities

MC for Global Citizenship Event

My internship experience was not limited to office projects. Together with other interns, I also participated in activities designed for employees and students at ASO College Group. One of these activities was the Global Citizenship event. Through this event, we encouraged Japanese participants to become more interested and confident in communicating in English. Organizing the event required planning, teamwork, creativity, and communication. We had to think about activities that were enjoyable while still supporting the main purpose of the program.

There is also a program called English Café, from the ASO Foreign Language, Tourism and Bridal College (AFTC). This extracurricular program is designed to help AFTC students improve their English skills in a relaxed and interactive environment. I participated in the program as a lecturer, supporting the students by guiding English conversations, encouraging them to speak more confidently, and helping them express their ideas more naturally. Through English Café, I also had the opportunity to meet many Japanese students and build new friendships. This experience taught me that effective communication does not always require perfect grammar. Listening carefully, responding sincerely, and having the courage to begin a conversation are equally important.

Exploring Japan Beyond the Workplace

Holiday Documentations and Trip Photos

During holidays, I also had opportunities to explore different parts of Japan. During Golden Week, I visited Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, and Kyoto. Each destination had its own atmosphere, culture, architecture, food, and traditions. These journeys allowed me to see that every area of Japan has its own characteristics and unique ways of preserving its local identity.

Trip Documentations and Holiday Photos

On weekends, whenever I had free time, I would sometimes visit nearby places such as Itoshima and other areas around Fukuoka. These short trips gave me the chance to enjoy the scenery, discover new places, and experience Japan beyond my daily routine at work and school.

Living in Japan also gave me many memorable everyday experiences. The environment felt welcoming and positive. One habit that strongly influenced me was greeting people every day. Simple expressions such as saying good morning, thanking others, and acknowledging the people around us can create a respectful and comfortable environment. Over time, this habit became a natural part of my daily life.

Growing Professionally and Personally

Picture collages of friends and people in Japan

This one-year internship has changed the way I work, communicate, and solve problems. I have learned to respect time, organize tasks more carefully, and approach challenges systematically. I have also developed a deeper understanding of Japanese workplace culture, professional manners, and communication practices. Being immersed in a Japanese-speaking environment has gradually improved my language ability and confidence. Most importantly, this experience has taught me that learning does not only happen in classrooms. Learning can come from projects, mistakes, conversations, cultural differences, new friendships, and everyday challenges.

My internship at ASO College Group has been more than a professional program. It has been a journey of adaptation, discovery, and personal growth.Through this experience, I have gained a clearer understanding of the professional world in Japan and learned how to work with people from different cultural backgrounds. I believe the knowledge, habits, and perspectives I gained during this internship will become valuable foundations for my future career.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Benedictus Rahardjo, S.T., M.B.A., Ph.D., my Faculty Supervisor, and Cecilia Aurellica Sandjojo, my Site Supervisor, for their continuous guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the internship program.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Yamato Masahiro, my team leader, and Muhammad Hisyam Azhari, my senior colleague, for their valuable guidance, assistance, and support during my internship in Japan. Their encouragement and direction played an important role in making this experience meaningful and memorable.