Jamila Zakaryayeva, 21, is studying to become a bilingual practical nurse at Omnia Vocational College. Her lifelong dream came true when she had the opportunity to participate in a work-based learning period in Japan through Omnia’s international programs.
Jamila became interested in Japanese culture at the age of six when she was fascinated by anime stories. At twelve, she began learning Japanese at school and continued her studies until graduating from high school in her hometown in Russia.
After high school, Jamila moved to Finland and applied for vocational studies at Omnia.
“I saw that Omnia offered the possibility to study in Japan, which was a huge advantage for me,” Jamila recalls.
After two years of practical nurse studies, Jamila submitted an application for an international exchange. She explained why she wanted to go to Japan, her interest in the country, and her level of Japanese language skills. Soon, she was invited for an interview by Omnia’s international affairs expert and received the happy news: she was selected for a one-month on-the-job learning period in Osaka.
On the wings of international exchange
After completing numerous formalities, such as sending her CV and résumé in English, she applied for a visa, which turned out to be surprisingly effortless.
Soon, the big moment arrived, and Jamila took the 13-hour flight from Helsinki to Osaka. The entire process—from the initial application to the start of the internship—took about eight months.
Jamila spent one month as a practical nurse trainee at Osaka Smile Yume’s senior care centers.
“Everything in Japan was very well organized. I received a lot of support from my Japanese supervisor. They provided me with a nice apartment and helped with transportation and other necessities. I even got a bicycle for short-distance trips.”
Basic Japanese is a must
Jamila is specializing in elderly care in her studies, so she was enthusiastic about working in Osaka Smile Yume’s four different senior care centers. Her tasks included supporting clients’ mental and physical well-being. For example, she played board games and did physical exercises with the clients.
“Both the elderly people and my Japanese colleagues were very kind to me. Everyone seemed very interested in Finland and Finnish culture.”
Jamila managed well at the workplace with her basic Japanese skills. Learning Japanese before the work-based learning period is essential for a successful internship. “Japanese people rarely speak English. There are also many unspoken rules in Japan that are important to understand—otherwise, you may be considered rude.”
Respecting rules is essential in Japan
Politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture. There is a strong sense of hierarchy, and it is important to know how to say thank you and greet others properly.
“Japanese people love giving gifts, and it is customary to receive a present with both hands. Even a small bow is appropriate when thanking or receiving something.”
One of the biggest differences compared to European habits is the silence in public transport. Japanese people never disturb others by speaking on mobile phones while traveling.
The working culture also differs in Japan. Japanese people are very hardworking and focused. This is good to know, even though Jamila’s working days as a trainee lasted only six hours, including a one-hour lunch break.
Food in Japan is healthy and very affordable, according to Jamila’s experience in Osaka. She could easily buy ready-made meals for lunch from convenience stores on her way to work.
And no—it is not mandatory to eat with chopsticks; one can also use a spoon or fork. But Jamila wanted to respect Japanese culture by following this tradition.
“Eating with chopsticks makes a good impression on the Japanese.”
Motivation to study further on
Jamila is very happy about her internship in Japan and is grateful to Omnia for helping her fulfill her lifelong dream of traveling to Japan and learning more about its culture. She recommends the experience to other students planning an internship abroad.
“At Omnia and with Osaka Smile Yume, everything was very well organized. Once you know the basics of the language and culture of the country, you don’t need to worry too much.”
Jamila received a lot of support from her Japanese supervisors during her international exchange.
After spending a wonderful time in Osaka’s warm and summery October, she feels motivated to continue her studies in Finland and pursue further education at university.
Being originally from Russia, Jamila was surprised to realize that she started missing Finland as her home country.
“After having this opportunity to go to Japan, I love and appreciate Finland even more.”
Screenshots from Jamila’s blog.