The Canada-Japan Co-op Training Week

To help you gain greater confidence and understanding of Japanese work expectations, culture, language tips, business, economy, history and geography we have developed a unique one week program which is taken prior to your departure to Japan.

The objectives of the non-credit, five day full time program are to provide Canada-Japan Co-op students with:

• an orientation to their work placement in Japan;
• an overview of Japanese customs and culture;
• knowledge of Japanese business practices, etiquette and professional and social expectations; and
• an opportunity to get to know fellow students who will be departing at the same time and for the same/some of the same duration that you will be in Japan. The week program combined with four evening activities will help to create a group identity and promote strong feelings of friendship for the departing group. The importance of this bonding is that it results in the development of a strong support network for students in Japan .

Components of the program:

Language:
As all students who have been accepted into the program have completed at least one Japanese course prior to the training week, varying levels of language from beginner to advanced will be in the group. To allow for conversational Japanese tips to be given which will be effective for all members, the group will be divided into three groups beginner, intermediate and advanced; each group will work with a Japanese language teacher on conversational Japanese tips for business and social settings which will be beneficial based on their level of language ability. Only six hours will be dedicated to conversational Japanese tips with an emphasis on verbal skills (mandatory language course completion is required prior to the attendance of the training week), tips learnt will assist students in using language in various situations.

Various guest speakers will present information on: Japanese society and culture; history; geography; the work environment; orientations to the work place; transitioning from Canada to Japan; manners and etiquette. Guest speakers will describe the corporate and business culture in which you will find yourselves, as well as provide tips and advise for successful integration. At least one Canada-Japan Co-op Program Alumnus will be present for the duration of the training week; in addition, there will be other opportunities through the week to meet with previous program participants to learn more about their experiences. For more information or a full program outline, please contact The Canada-Japan Co-op Director at jenny.kagetsu@ubc.ca.

Surviving in Japan

• Aisatsu - Self Introduction
  Be prepared to introduce yourself in Japanese on your first day at work. You should tell people your name, university/college, degree program, the name of your home town in Canada and end by expressing your gratitude. In case you are feeling worried about this, please don't as you will have the opportunity to prepare an 'arrival speech' during the training week prior to departure. You should wear formal clothing on your first day of work.

• Gift Giving - Omiage
  On the first day of work, please be sure to take a small gift for your supervisor, your kacho and something for your work group. Food is a good present for the work group as it be shared by all, i.e. chocolates, smoked salmon, coffee or wine. In addition, taking a collection of small Canadian souvenirs will be handy when meeting new people, when invited to someone's home, etc. You may want to collect a number of items from your hometown before departing for Vancouver. Once source for free pins and flags are your local MP or MLA constituency office.

  You will lean in Japan that gift giving is an important custom in Japan. Co-workers almost always bring back souvenirs and small gifts, otherwise referred to as omiage for their work group after a trip. Almost every tourist orientated location in Japan is well equipped with omiage shops selling all sorts of assorted goodies. Should you have the opportunity to travel on business or take a vacation during your work term remember to bring back some omiage for your friends at work.

• Business Card Exchange
  With regard to introductions, the use and care of business cards is extremely important in Japan. Generally speaking, business cards are presented using both hands, while at the same time stating your company name, project group, name and greeting. Studying each business card briefly as you receive them is a sign of respect and courtesy. After the exchange, both people usually give a small bow.

  The Canada-Japan Co-op Program will print and distribute 50 bilingual business cards to each Canada-Japan Co-op student prior to departure; the cards will have your permanent address in Canada and your email address. These cards will be useful for handing out to people with whom you hope to keep in contact after you return to Canada. When being introduced in a formal setting, please be aware that the most senior person initiates the introduction and offers his/her business card first. Your host company may also have company business cards made for you upon arrival.

  It is considered polite to line up business cards you have received, in front of you during a meeting in order to avoid having to remember names. Do not write any comments on a business card this is considered very disrespectful.