Adaptation of Work Culture of Student Internship from Manado State Polytechnic at Gensen Holdings Company, Japan

Abstract

International internship programs are a strategic means of developing vocational students' competencies in facing the demands of the global job market. However, the success of these programs is not solely determined by the students' technical abilities, but also by their ability to adapt to the work culture of the host country. This study aims to analyze in-depth the adaptation process of work culture of Manado State Polytechnic interns at Gensen Holdings, Japan, covering six main aspects: cross-cultural communication, internalization of Japanese work culture values, psychological flexibility, team integration, work discipline, and the development of performance and work ethic. The study used a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design. Data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews with three informants selected purposively: a female intern, a field supervisor (Head Chef) from Gensen Holdings, and a supervising lecturer from Manado State Polytechnic. Data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model and validated through source and technique triangulation. The results show that the adaptation process occurs in three relatively consistent phases: a passive observation phase in the first month, an active adjustment phase in the second to third months, and an integration phase in the fourth month until the end of the internship. Japanese language barriers and differences in communication styles are the biggest obstacles to initial adaptation, while psychological flexibility and interpersonal initiative are key drivers of success. This study recommends strengthening pre-departure training programs, including functional Japanese language training in a work context, simulations of the Japanese work environment, and a more structured psychological support system during the internship.