JICE International Exchange Program

Ms. Munkhchimeg Erdenebileg, who visited Japan through the JENESYS program in 2009, is studying abroad in UK. In the summer of 2019 she visited Japan again to work for a month in Osaka on an internship. As finished internship, she visited JICE.

―Why did you participate in the JENESYS program 2009?

Since age of five or six years old, which is around the same time I entered my 1st grade, I started being interested in Japanese culture and language. My high school provided with an extra language course, apart native and main foreign languages. I had choose between German and Japanese, and without hesitation my decision was Japanese, which I started being taught since 5th grade. I have been familiar with JENESYS Program during my studies, thus I always dreamed and aimed to achieve a grant for JENESYS 2009 Participant. Accomplishing this endeavor was my first and last time being proud of myself, until now- the reason I came back after ten years. Likewise, going to Japan in 2009 was my first time traveling abroad and being on myself.

―What is the most impressive part in the JENESYS?

I received this amazing recognition with highest respect and emotional gratefulness. Every day and every minute was so meaningful to me that I did not wanted to sleep until late night, or I used to wake up very early in the morning to experience Japanese daily life.
Undeniably meeting Japanese Host Family-Fujimura Family is one of the highlights. Also, going to the Chuo University, where I met the Students Union President, who is non-Japanese and works part-time at Soft Bank along with his studies. He bought me a Chuo University branded gift and shared about his student life abroad. Listening to his talk and looking around the Japanese University culture encouraged my willingness to study abroad even more. Moreover, I felt quite nervous and honored to attend a meeting at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. I remember everything, food, places, smell and occasions, because every moment was so special. On another note, I think the testimony of a “Hibakusha” – an atomic bomb survivor – in Hiroshima was a very memorable moment. It really moved me and provided me a more profound understanding on how it affected the Japanese collective memory and their relationship with technology.

―How was the support from JICE staff and coordinator through the project? If there is more to improve, please kindly advise.

I would like to show my gratitude again and again for the two program coordinators Umino Mikio san and Yamana Tomoko san. They were always empathetic and enthusiastic. It was my mistake that I have lost my JENESYS 2009 handbook, which included all itinerary and places with locations that we visited.
I would be thankful if it would be able to get online or paper copy by anyway. Also, I would like to show my appreciation for JICE officials for their diligent professionalism and attitude for helping me to find the contact and reach the Host Family of ten years ago, now ten years later. Without JICE help and connection it was impossible for us to meet each other again.
I would kindly advice to develop and expand the networking ways and connection with different platforms. Probably through social media and online communication.

―Why did you want to do internship in Japan? And how did you find out the internship information?

I am an international student at Swansea University in UK, obtaining master’s degree in MSc Management (Business Analytics) for 2018/19 Academic Year. My school was introducing about Internship abroad opportunities in the beginning of the academic year. Since then I wanted to get and achieve this opportunity. However, I was not sure whether I would get that, but was sure where I would like to challenge myself, which was Japan, probably because of my interest in Japanese culture which I got in my childhood time.
And among many companies that provide same Internship abroad programs, I chose CRCC Asia Company. Likewise, CRCC Asia provided interns to connect with industry firm aligning the interested sector we would like to do the placement abroad. I have chosen Osaka because I believed it would be easier for me and Fujimura Family to meet each other, and actually it helped. The sector that I was mostly interested was Greentech, it is closely related to the field that I am planning and would like to fulfill my potential PhD research study, which is energy efficiency and investment management.

―How was your internship life in Japan?

The company I did my internship was Andeco Inc. This company is a Japanese Greentech and smart city company based in Osaka, and was founded in 2014 by Dr.Yoshiaki Hayakawa. I accomplished this internship along with my Dissertation time, I wanted to use my placement experience in my Consultancy Report that I would hand in September to my University, thus every minute was much correlated to the next task or job. But my placement experience abroad was different from what I expected and I could imagine.
This experience was quite challenging, it is not because of difference in expectation, but seeing even closer the reality of how someone works sincerely hard every minute in very detailed in order to build up the company and the value of the firm. Hence, for someone like me, who is planning to launch own company, it was a good lesson to learn and reflect.
Moreover, I think I am fortunate to experience a real classical Japanese SME business culture, which maybe, I could never be able to experience in my life if I did not do this internship abroad.
Therefore, I would like to say ‘Many thanks’ to Mr. Hayakawa san for his enormous support and enthusiasm. I am sure and looking forward that Andeco Inc. will achieve even more success in the future!

―Do you have any advice for future participants of JICE exchange programs?

I would highly recommend to study Japanese, and being prepared for traveling abroad. Also, please do not hesitate to introduce your own country culture and customs. I am sure that any JICE Exchange Program participant would always get a precious and memorable experience, just like me.
Thank you very much Dear JICE Team, I am always grateful. And ‘Best of Luck’ for all past, current and future JICE Exchange Program Participants!