Japan Central Railways Internships

Japan, Tokyo

You must apply through the International Internship Database.

Central Japan Railway Company (also known as JR Central or JR Tokai) operates the Tokaido Shinkansen, the main transportation artery linking Japan's principal metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, and a network of conventional lines centered on the Nagoya and Shizuoka areas.

This program has 6-8 students total, coming from UW-Madison and other universities. Interns are first required to understand the Shinkansen, the high-speed rail system in Japan, and the business environment and corporate culture of Central Japan Railway Company (JRC) through lectures and site-visits.

In the latter half of the program, interns are expected to engage in some group and individual projects assigned by several sections of JRC. The program comprises the following components:

Lectures: Technology Planning Division, Marketing Division, Personnel Department, Affiliated Business Promotion Division, Shinkansen Operations Division, JRC's Subsidiaries, etc.
Site visits: Shinkansen General Control Center, Station, Train Crew Depot, Maintenance Depot (Trains, Tracks and Structures), Education Center, etc.
Projects: JRC asks interns to prepare proposals and make presentations on several business issues the company is facing. Past examples include "Improvement of customer service for foreign travelers," "Applicability of AI and IoT technology to JRC's business," "Research on effective marketing methods using SNS," etc.
Weekly Reports: Two-page weekly reports on what the intern thinks and feels during the week
Final presentation: Presentation to summarize the intern's overall internship experience

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

Experience and understand Japanese business culture in a large corporate setting
Learn about high-speed rail technology and applications in Japan and possibilities for US markets
Apply perspective and language skills to improvement of information and services for foreign clients

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

2.5 cumulative GPA
Some knowledge of Japanese recommended but not required.
Sophomore, Junior, Senior
Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
Good academic and disciplinary standing
At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

A group internship with Japan Central Railway Company (JR Central). A required online course focuses on internship reflection and cross-cultural studies in a global work setting.

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hotels

Program Duration

The internship will be four weeks total, with two weeks virtual in June and two weeks in Japan in July

Application Deadline(s)

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

Students are enrolled in a 3-credit Directed Study

Affiliate Institution(s)

JR Central

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Location

Not sure where Tokyo is? See it on a map here.

With a population of about 14 million, rising to nearly 20 million during workdays, Tokyo is the quintessential metropolis. The city boasts an outstanding art and cultural scene, including libraries, museums, and art galleries, as well as movies, theater, and drama from all over the world. The city is a center of government and business, with the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Japanese Diet (National Legislature) making Tokyo their home. You can also find cultural landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo. Tokyo's location provides ready access to nearby Mt. Fuji, the historic shrines and temples of Nikko and Kamakura, and the hot springs of Hakone, as well as international destinations in South Korea, China, and further afield in Asia.

Housing

JR Central provides hotel accommodations for interns participating in the program.

Program Considerations

In a physical sense, the on-site experience may be very different from life on the UW campus. You may walk or take public transportation more than you are used to in Madison. The physical activity level will vary by program, but in general you should be prepared for extended periods of time walking, potentially on uneven terrain.

For many students, discovering and experiencing new foods is a part of the experience. It is important to consider any dietary restrictions, whether they are due to health conditions, religious beliefs, or individual needs, and look into whether you can get the foods you need locally.

How you identify yourself in Madison may differ from how people will view you on-site. Consider exploring our Identity Resources to reflect on how your identities may impact your experience. Students with disabilities should keep in mind that attitudes and laws related to disabilities vary by country, and these differences may impact the level of accommodation available in a particular location. More details are available on our page on Study Abroad for Students with Disabilities.

We encourage you to contact your Study Abroad Advisor and share your accommodation needs with us as early as possible. This will allow us to help you explore your options in advance.

Excursions and Activities

JR-Central will provide some opportunities for you to explore the Tokyo area and beyond as part of the internship program by riding on the shinkansen (bullet train) which they operate between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka.

On-Site Support

The International Department of JR Central supervises for the internship program and there will be an assigned contact providing on-site support.

Handbooks

Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
IIP Handbook (2019)

Orientation

The International Internships team expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your internship abroad. You are required to attend an Intern Abroad pre-departure orientation and an IAP health and safety orientation. The International Internships team will provide additional information on the orientation sessions upon acceptance to the program.

Upon arrival, students will attend orientation meetings with various staff members at JR Central.

Visa

You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your time abroad. You are responsible for obtaining your own visa, if required, for the time you are abroad. Your Intern Abroad Advisor can provide guidance. Visa requirements may vary based on internship and your citizenship.

Getting to Your Program

You are responsible for arranging round-trip transportation to the program site.

Insurance

You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in the program fee.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the United States and will remain/study in, or travel to your country of record (the location of your permanent residence), the insurance provided for you is the same as the “study away” insurance provided to U.S. citizens studying on domestic U.S. programs. You may want to explore alternative or additional international health and medical insurance that will cover your needs both while in and during any period of transit to/from your country of record. This may include participation in a national healthcare plan or coverage provided under a personal healthcare plan in your country of record. If you have questions about the coverage of the “study away” plan, please speak with your Study Abroad Advisor.

All other students participating on an international program will automatically be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), the university's international health, medical and repatriation insurance policy.

Program cost information includes program fees, as well as out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Once accepted, you will receive a cost sheet that includes confirmed program fees and additional out-of-pocket expenses. "The IAP Program Fee" and all processes and policies stated on this cost sheet apply to all participants on programs managed by International Academic Programs (IAP) and in partnership with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the College of Engineering, and Wisconsin School of Business. All students participating on approved programs are all eligible to apply for scholarships administered through IAP when they meet the scholarship eligibility and selection criteria.

Financial Aid

Sources of available funding for study abroad include scholarships, grants and loans. To increase your chances of receiving financial aid, we recommend filling out your FAFSA to begin the financial planning process early.

For detailed information on financial resources, visit our Funding Study Abroad.

Scholarships

This scholarship list includes scholarships we know are relevant to this program. It is not an exhaustive list of all available scholarship opportunities for study abroad. Although we make our best effort to ensure the list is up-to-date, this information changes frequently, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to verify information. For additional scholarship information, please visit our scholarship page.

IAP Administered
Dorothy E. Paull Fund
IAP Early Bird Scholarship
Study Abroad Scholars

UW-Madison
L&S SuccessWorks Summer Internship Scholarship
CALS Study Abroad Scholarships
History Department Global Perspectives Scholarship

National Scholarships
Fund for Education Abroad
Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship Prgm

Returned Student Network

View the Returned Student Network to contact a returned student

Student Reflections

Check out blogs and reflections of current or recently returned program students and alumni! Read student experiences on this program

Student Quotes

"Through my internship with JR Central I was able to build upon my Japanese language skills, experience translating/interpreting in a business setting, and also met some of the most inspiring people. The International Department was always full of smiles and so kind to us interns and I could not thank them enough for all of the wonderful memories." (Kanna, Japanese & Art)

"First and foremost – apply! It may seem time consuming to write a cover letter, but it is completely worth it and it is the primary deciding factor along with your resume. Be sure to highlight your interest in not only Japan or trains, rather how you have developed the international side of you or where your interest in Japan come from. During the internship, everything was so well-planned and organized that I cannot find anything negative." (Max, Industrial Engineering & Technical Japanese Certificate)

Photos

Program photo album

Blogs

Read about current & past students’ adventures. Celebrating 20 years of JR Central Internship in September 2019

How to Apply

Please apply through the International Internship Database. Internship details will be confirmed by January and with applications due by late-February.

After the Deadline

IAP completes a review of all applications to determine if students meet minimum eligibility requirements.

Session

Application Status

Disclosure

Students Requiring Accommodations: Consult and register with the McBurney Disability Resource Center McBurney Services if you will need academic, housing, and/or other disability-related accommodations or services abroad.

International Students: Talk with International Student Services about your visa status and study abroad.

Military-Connected Students with Veteran’s Benefits: Talk with University Veteran Services about how your benefits can be used for study abroad.

This program is offered by International Academic Programs. We have a team that works with each program. Each member of this program team is able to help students with different kinds of questions. Visit the advising webpage to learn how to schedule an appointment.

Enrollment Manager

For questions on application advising, program eligibility, course equivalency request process, grade processing.

Nathaniel Liedl (Make an appointment with Nathaniel Liedl, or email ncliedl@wisc.edu)

Study Abroad Advisor

For questions on program experience, academics, housing, visa, health safety, student identity, funding and scholarships, returned student resources.

Nathaniel Liedl (Make an appointment with Nathaniel Liedl, or email ncliedl@wisc.edu)

Financial Specialist

For questions on billing, funding and scholarships, financial policies.

Judy Humphrey (judy.humphrey@wisc.edu)

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History Department Global Perspectives Scholarship

Description
History majors at UW-Madison are eager to study and intern abroad and bring what they learn in the classroom to life. The Department of History’s Global Perspectives Scholarship hopes to make this possible for History Majors and those pursuing a Certificate in History. This scholarship provides students with financial awards starting with $1500 towards short term study abroad and intern abroad programs, $3000 towards semester programs, and $4000 towards year-long programs. The scholarship can be used toward the eligible study or intern abroad program of your choice. Award Amount
$1500-$4000

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Department of History Global Perspective Scholarship, an applicant must be:
1. a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student at UW-Madison in good academic and disciplinary standing
2. a History Major or pursuing a Certificate in History
3. Be in the process of applying, or have already applied, to a UW-Madison Study or Intern Abroad program for Summer, Fall, Winter Intersession Spring, or Academic Year. International Internship participants must be enrolled in the Worldwide Internship Program (WIP) online course.

Additional consideration will be given to:

-Members of traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education: African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, and Southeast Asian (i.e., Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese)
-Students with financial need (EFC of $12,000 or lower preferred)
-Students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds (educational or social disadvantage, such as coming from a low-income family, an underserved rural or farming community, attending a school with a limited college preparatory curriculum, or other family circumstances that have affected your educational opportunities)
-First generation college students
-Students traveling abroad for the first time
-Additional funding may be available for students completing internships in Africa while enrolled in the Worldwide Internship Program (WIP).

How to Apply
This scholarship is an auto-match application. Students who submit an application for the IAP Study Abroad Conditional Application in the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) will be automatically considered if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Benjamin A. Gilman Int'l Scholarship Prgm

Description

The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman Internatonal Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.

Award Amount
Varies (up to $5,000)

Eligibility Criteria

Scholarships available for undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grant funding. Scholarships up to $5,000 for a semester/year in addition to a possible $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement.

The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to support a diverse range of students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad, including but not limited to:
1. Students with high financial need
2. Students studying in non-traditional countries, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand (Note: Students may not study in a country currently on the Department of State's travel warning list)
3. Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds
4. All recipients are required to carry out a Follow-on Service Project that promotes international education and the Gilman Scholarship Program at the students' home institution or in their home community.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Study Abroad Advisor for assistance with the application essays.