On 19 September 2024, the European Commission announced plans for a study on the production and use…
Following up on the interview with two Vulcanus in Europe* participants, published in June 2023, we are glad to share some updates from Yudai Morita, a student at Tohoku University - Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Management Science and Technology, who carried out an internship at the Spanish company Vector Renewables under the scope of Vulcanus in Europe 2023, now back in Japan.
By Yudai Morita, Vulcanus in Europe participant, April 2023 - March 2024
When looking back at your Vulcanus experience: did it fulfill your expectations?
-> Yes, it fulfilled my expectations. I was able to have a real life in a foreign country. Working in a company and earning money gave me a realistic view of life abroad. I came in thinking that working in a foreign country was better than working in Japan. Indeed, I learned about a different way of working through this internship, especially how to balance work and private life. However, I realized that there is no easy way to live. For example, one of my bosses had a baby and he often did remote work or left the office early to take care of the baby, but he was always working until late. I cannot forget his smile while looking at photos of his baby in the office. I also took advantage of the work flexibility and traveled a lot around Europe. These were indispensable moments but at the same time, I had to accomplish my tasks by the set deadlines. I would like to highlight that the company was willing to communicate about how I wanted to work, but also required me to contribute to the company according to our contract. My Vulcanus experience gave me a reasonable answer to work-life balance and what it is like to live in a foreign country. Therefore, it fulfilled my expectations.
Please describe your personal evolution.
-> I would say that my biggest evolution is having the courage to communicate directly. Especially, to say "No". As one can probably assume, the Spanish tend to say things more directly compared to many Japanese people. To presume and communicate indirectly is a great skill and I am honored to have that way of thinking. However, I was sometimes required to state things directly, to avoid misunderstandings. I needed to state clearly what I would like to do, and especially what I would not have been able to do. Tasks were otherwise assigned to me until I said no. Another example is when I lived in a shared house and one of my roommates doubted me taking his stuff. I directly told him that I did not do that. Later, he found it in his basket. It is important to say "No" directly. Now I have a switch to communicate in the "Japanese way" and "European way". It is not a question of which is better, but I think it is good to have both options.
Please describe your professional evolution.
-> First of all, I acquired the skill to speak Spanish for work. Furthermore, I mostly dedicated myself to assessments of solar power plants. There, I learned the process of constructing a new solar power plant and what are the obstacles. I also got to know more about Microsoft Office software.
What are your current goals and ambitions?
-> My current ambition is to get involved in renewable power plant development in Japan. Thanks to Vulcanus, I was able to have the experience of conducting an assessment of land in Spain for the purpose of constructing a power plant. I realized that many skills can be imported but there are also many features specific to Japan that require a different approach. I would like to become a bridge between global and local renewable energy development.
Any advice for other Japanese students willing to attend this programme?
-> You will face many difficulties. However, you will also face many pleasures. You will meet many people who might be your soulmate. Be optimistic and somehow manage difficulties. You can ask the Vulcanus staff at the EU-Japan Centre, teachers at the language school, supervisors in the company, or friends for help. You don't have to hesitate to ask for help.
Any funny or curious cultural shock anecdotes during your stay or after returning to Japan?
-> I mentioned that you don't have to hesitate to ask for help. Yes, people will listen to you and sympathize with you. But most will not help you. You must clearly state what you want from a person to do for your problem. Lastly, be careful with toilets. There is no toilet at train stations, if there is, you have to pay to use it. I was looking for a toilet at each place I went to. The first photo I shared with my friends after returning to Japan was a photo of a guide sign to a toilet.
* Vulcanus in Europe in a nutshell:
The Vulcanus in Europe programme offers EU companies an opportunity to host Japanese S&T university students as interns in R&D for 6 months. Vulcanus in Europe is a 1-year programme, taking place in Japan and Europe and is divided into two main parts:
Benefits for the Host Company
By taking part in the Vulcanus in Europe programme, the host company will have a valuable addition to its R&D team who can bring in a Japanese perspective and make contribution to the company's R&D projects and needs. Vulcanus interns could also assist the company in the development of its business and contact with Japan.
To know more about the “Vulcanus in Europe” and “Vulcanus in Japan” programmes please visit below links:
The EU-Japan Centre currently produces 5 newsletters :
Joint venture established in 1987 by the European Commission (DG GROW) and the Japanese Government (METI) for promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan.
The EU-Japan Centre’s activities are subject to the allocation of a Grant Agreement by the European Commission for 2024-2026
