Takuto Tamura, an Human Resources Staff from a corporation in Japan, was sent to Vietnam to join ABROADER’s 3-month internship program at PAYOO. His goals were to develop professional skills, improve his English, and gain hands-on experience in a global work environment. This was also his first time going abroad—marking the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey.
Embracing the Unknown: First Impressions
When I first arrived in Vietnam, I was nervous. It was my first time outside of Japan, and everything—from the culture to the daily routines—was completely new to me. I also started working right away at PAYOO, a company operating in a different industry from my current job in Japan. One of the first things I noticed was the difference in working styles. In Vietnam, companies tend to hire people with strong skills and experience in a specific field, while in Japan, we often prioritize personality and train employees from scratch.
On top of that, there were language challenges. Neither Vietnamese nor English is my strong suit, so I had to put extra effort into communicating effectively.
A Warm Welcome from ABROADER
Despite my initial concerns, the ABROADER team made me feel incredibly supported from day one. They welcomed me at the airport and treated me to a cozy welcome dinner. During that evening, they taught me some basic Vietnamese and shared fun and useful insights about the local culture and work environment, which helped ease my nerves.
Throughout my stay, the ABROADER staff regularly checked in with me and made sure my accommodation was comfortable. They were always quick to respond whenever I needed help, making me feel secure and cared for.
Celebrating Vietnamese Traditions
One of the highlights of my time in Vietnam was celebrating the Lunar New Year (Tết) holiday. I got to try traditional Vietnamese food and learn about Tết customs through conversations with the ABROADER team and some local buddies. I even received lucky money—which reminded me of the Japanese custom “Otoshidama”—a small but heartwarming moment that made me feel connected across cultures.
Learning and Growing at Work
At PAYOO, I worked as a Business Development Intern, where I was mainly involved in researching and planning new services, especially those related to HR. My supervisor and colleagues were incredibly supportive and provided guidance that helped me grow professionally.
Outside of work, I joined colleagues for running events and football matches, which helped build strong bonds and made the work experience even more fulfilling. These activities boosted my motivation and made me feel part of the team.
This internship taught me that I could contribute more than I initially expected. I realized the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and taking risks to grow—a mindset shift I truly value.
Reflecting on the Journey
As my internship came to an end, I felt more confident and mature, not only in terms of my work but also in navigating life in a different cultural setting. I discovered my strengths, clarified my career vision, and returned to Japan feeling much more prepared for my professional journey.
This experience has been incredibly valuable. I hope more Japanese will have the chance to join programs like this in the future.
A heartfelt thank you to the ABROADER and PAYOO teams for making this internship such a meaningful and memorable experience. I will always remember you and Vietnam!
Explore More Internship Opportunities with ABROADER
At ABROADER, we offer diverse and immersive internship opportunities that not only allow you to discover a new country but also help you uncover new aspects of yourself. Whether you’re interested in social work, education, business, or any other field, our programs are designed to provide you with valuable experiences that shape your personal and professional growth. Visit our website to learn more about our internship opportunities and start your own transformative journey in Vietnam!
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