“Promoting global awareness through international cultural exchange and professional business training programs.”

Located in the heart of the Aoyama, STEP UP JAPAN is a leading provider of career-developing training programs to people from around the world.

Established in 2020, Step Up Japan invites individuals keen on exploring the inner workings of Japanese businesses, associations, and professional groups within the global community. We consistently welcome new participants, aiming to enrich our student body diversity. Discover a wealth of experiential learning opportunities with Step Up Japan.

Step Up Japan provides tailor-made programs for both early- and mid-career professionals, as well as recent college graduates. Our seasoned instructors impart essential business skills through guided self-study, equipping participants for impactful training opportunities with premier organizations. According to feedback from participants and host organizations, a significant majority of trainees not only met but exceeded their training objectives. Many of our participants have leveraged their experience to secure higher positions within their current fields or transition to new, targeted domains. Join Step Up Japan today and take your career to new heights.

” We need to increase the numbers of young people from other countries who can have an opportunity to study here and increase the numbers of Americans who will have the chance to know other cultures.”

— Patricia de Stacy Harrison. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs 

Streamlined Programs for Your Journey 

1. 12-Month Self-Placement Program: Ideal for those with strong English skills and substantial career experience. No classroom training; requires a pre-existing offer from a Host Organization. Total: 12 months.
2. 3-Month Professional Training + 9-Month Host Program: Designed for proficient English speakers. 3 months of intensive business training followed by 9 months with a chosen organization. Total: 12 months.

III. 6-Month Professional Training + 6-Month Host Program: Tailored for skill enhancement. 6 months of classroom-based training, improving both professional and language abilities, and then 6 months with a chosen organization. Total: 12 months.

Step into your future with Step Up Japan. Clarity. Progress. Success.

Potential for Extended Learning:

Should you meet the requirements, the training program has the potential to extend for an extra six months. Eligibility for extension is evaluated on an individual basis. Maximum duration, including extension: 18 months.

Internships through STEP UP JAPAN  allows participants to:

• Gain hands-on training in a U.S. organization
• Interact with American peers in a targeted professional field
• Pursue success in an intensive teamwork environment
• Establish professional and business contacts in the U.S.
• Strengthen their resumes with international credentials and references
• Develop English language skills and knowledge of American culture

“Promoting global awareness through international cultural exchange and professional business training programs.”

Training allows participants to prepare for their successful internships through: 

1. Introduction to American business and management practices, and American business culture and work environments
2. Effective communication and negotiation techniques
3. Stress management and adapting to new cultures
4. Occupational/career fields and interests
5. Using the Internet and other methods to research US organizations and internship possibilities
6. Tips for effective interviews and networking 
7. Developing effective business correspondence, resumes and other writing samples
8. Secrets of effective training programs
9. Project presentations 

STEP UP JAPAN  services for participants include:

• Assistance in obtaining J-1 visa in the Trainee category  
• Information about housing arrangements
• Cultural orientation
• Professional business and language instruction, as wells as leadership training
• Workshops and lectures with a variety of prominent people drawn from the area’s businesses, non-profits, think tanks and government communities
• Networking events and career fairs as well as site-visits to targeted organizations and companies
• Individual and group career counseling
• Assistance with training program placements in organizations around the country
• Monitoring and evaluating participants’ progress throughout their stay in the U.S.

Host Organizations – STEP UP JAPAN  has a strong record of successful relationships with host organizations all over the country. We do our utmost to establish the best contacts for participants. 

Host Organizations:

• Provide practical training in an interactive, comfortable work environment
• Engage participants in various aspects of its organization and industry
• Provide supervision and performance feedback
• Share its expertise and knowledge as a mentor/ supervisor
• Submit initial-, midterm- and final evaluations

STEP UP JAPAN  welcomes comments and expressions of interest. Please contact us to receive our application package and more information about, visa procedures, training courses, time frames, fees, and becoming a Host Organization.