Zhi An
Engineering Science
The University of Toronto
Mitsubishi Chemical Group from May 2007 – April 2008
How much did I know about living and working in Japan did I know before applying through The Canada-Japan Co-op Program? Not very much. Of course, I had watched the wacky videos from Japan that have managed to make it to Youtube. I knew better than to expect more of the same, but at the same time, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. It all seemed like a grand adventure.
So, I began a few hurried months of Japanese language study and the long flight over the Pacific. It was exciting to arrive in a new country, use the bit of Japanese that I had learned, enter a company, and meet coworkers from a completely different culture. It was a struggle, but the exoticness only made it more fun and exciting to me.
I had a wonderful year in Japan. I had to work hard and persevere, but the effort was definitely worth it. In return for the long working hours and an earnest effort to integrate into their culture, I was given the opportunity to make contacts in Japanese industry and to experience the entire Japanese history, culture, and people.
I have several recommendations for people going on co-op to Japan.
Firstly, the drinking parties ("nomikai") are the best way to meet and talk to Japanese people because everyone is much more relaxed, and protocol is no longer as important. Secondly, I highly recommend going to the hotsprings ("onsen"). Thirdly, there is a very large difference between living in rural or small-town Japan and urban Japan, much larger than there exists in Canada. The experience will definitely be different. Finally, go out and try random things without preconceptions and expectations. The guidebooks will never have every adventure in Japan, so relax and see where the winds and trains take you.
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