Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Freshman or Above
Location: Asia, Japan
GPA: 2.75
Program Overview

Location Overview:

As the capital city of Japan, Tokyo and the surrounding metropolis constitute one of the largest cities in the world by population. From humble beginnings as a fishing village named Edo, and the capital of Japan since 1868, Tokyo now is an innovative city that is beloved by travelers and locals alike. It has a thriving business industry, and is renowned for its culinary delights (holding the most Michelin starred-restaurants in the world), has the most neon signs in the world, and the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world – Shibuya Crossing, which sees over two and a half thousand people crossing at once. Often touted for it’s futuristic stylings and technology, students visiting Tokyo will have an array of experiences to try and are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

What is GlobalWorks?

GlobalWorks is an internship program that connects academic study with real-world experiences by providing international internship opportunities to UO students in a wide variety of career sectors. Students work with local professional internship providers in over 20 countries around the world who will provide individualized placements for UO students to meet their career and personal goals. Students can expect to work full-time in a new culture, and still earn UO credits at the same time.

Students apply through University of Oregon before being matched with a provider. Then, they interview with the provider to ensure the program is a good fit. Finally, they are matched with a company and organization within a chosen field or industry. Organizations tend to be smaller or start-up sized, and students will need to be flexible with the type of work they are doing to get the most out of the program.

Internship Duties & Sectors:

  • Art + Design
  • Business + Accounting
  • Data Science
  • Education
  • Environment + Sustainability
  • Journalism + Communications
  • NGO + Nonprofits
  • Social Science
  • STEM + Healthcare
Dates and Deadlines
 
Term Year Priority Deadline Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Winter 2025 May 1 1/9/25 3/7/25  

 

Hear from Our Students

A young woman stands on a busy street in Tokyo at night

Coming Back from the Dream


My time in Japan was a dream, with each day offering something new. In Tokyo, I explored ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines that have stood for over a thousand years, enjoyed the lively… read more

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Application process

Apply to the UO GlobalWorks program by completing the online application. You can open an application to view all the materials you’ll need before you submit. Late applications may be accepted based on position availability, but note that for some terms and locations the program can be very competitive. After provisional acceptance by the UO, students will need to interview with our third party provider for final acceptance.

This program is less than 90 days. Students with a US passport will be traveling to Japan do not require a travel visa for this program, and GlobalWorks is unable to assist US citizens in obtaining a visa.

If you are not a US Citizen: Notify your GlobalWorks Advisor. Students who are not US citizens should contact the consulate in their country of residence about visa requirements, no matter the duration of the program of study.

Applying for a GlobalWorks International Internship is pretty simple if you follow these steps. Once you are accepted, GlobalWorks typically guarantees placement in your preferred location and sector(s). The approval and interview process takes roughly 3-4 months from when you apply to when you are notified of your internship placement.

1. UO APPLICATION

Apply to the UO GlobalWorks program by completing the online application. You can open an application to view all the materials you’ll need before you submit. Late applications may be accepted based on position availability.

What You’ll Need:

  • Online application form
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Contact info for one reference (for scholarship applicants)

2. INTERVIEW + ACCEPTANCE

Once you’ve applied, you will receive an email from a GlobalWorks program coordinator at the UO if you have submitted all application materials. You will typically meet or interview with our third-party provider for your location. The goal of the interview with the provider is for them to ensure they can accept you, and to give them a sense of your interests and career goals so they can place you with the company that will provide the best fit. If offered acceptance, you will then confirm your acceptance by signing a deposit agreement form after carefully reading through the cancellation policy. Although we can typically guarantee placement in students’ preferred location and sector, students don’t know their specific placement when they sign the deposit and cancellation agreement.

3. Pre-Departure 

Once you’ve been accepted, you will complete onboarding documentation and forms within the GEO portal and will attend a UO pre-departure orientation. Your site-specific provider may also have a portal or onboarding documents. If you do not already have a passport, make sure to apply for one ASAP. Some locations may require a visa, please check with your program coordinator if you are unsure.

You may also need to schedule health evaluation appointments. You can now make travel arrangements as well.

You don’t need to register for the two required courses (we will register you).

4. INTERNSHIP INTERVIEWS

Your internship provider will work to match you with businesses or organizations within your sector. You will then interview with host companies that the provider has matched you with. You usually don’t get to choose a company from multiple choices; you will interview with one at a time. The majority of students will have one to three interviews before being placed.

5. INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT

You will be notified of your final internship placement! Students are typically placed with their internship a month or two prior to departure, individual timelines may vary.