U.S. Embassy tokyo Commercial Services Section Foreign National Student Intern

Internship Description:

The Commercial Service Section at the U.S. Embassy, Tokyo is seeking highly motivated and qualified students for a three to six-month internship opportunity. This internship offers students a unique chance to gain valuable experience in global business, trade and commercial diplomacy. We focus on business deals, not policy. Through your focus on U.S.-Japan business relations, you will build your network by meeting international business professionals. This is an unpaid internship.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum Age: Students must be at least 18 years old at the time of program participation in the program.

• Citizenship/Legal Residence: The Foreign National Student Internship Program (FNSIP) is open to students who are either citizens or permanent legal residents of Japan. Permanent legal residents must submit a copy of their Residence Card for verification. U.S. citizens, including U.S. dual citizens, are not eligible to participate in the FNSIP.

• Meet Definition of Student: Applicants must meet the definition of student, as defined in 5 CFR 308.101: “A student is an individual who is enrolled not less than half-time in a high school*, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university or other accredited educational institution. An individual who is a student is deemed not to have ceased to be a student during an interim between school years if the interim is not more than 5 months and if such individual shows to the satisfaction of the agency that the individual has a bona fide intention of continuing to pursue a course of study or training in the same or different educational institution during the school semester (or other period into which the school year is divided) immediately after the interim.” *NOTE: To be considered for the FNSIP, students must have graduated from high school or equivalent secondary school prior to beginning the program and must be at least 18 years old. Also, there is not a break of service for purposes of this requirement if an individual is receiving academic credit for the internship, even if not otherwise taking classes.

• Transcript and Permission: Applicants must be in good academic standing at their current educational institution and must provide a certified transcript verifying this. Applications must also provide written permission from the educational institution at which they are currently enrolled to participate in the FNSIP.

• Security Certification: Applicants must receive a successful security certification from the Regional Security Office prior to beginning the program.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with administrative and logistics aspects of official visits by U.S. government officials, including accommodations, transportations, communications, and other tasks.

• Support the planning and execution of representational events, including working on venue setup, invitations, guest lists, and menus, as needed.

• Help facilitate the welcoming of visitors to the Embassy by processing access requests, preparing name tents, escorting guests, and providing refreshments.

• Organize transportation for meetings outside the Embassy for Political officers.

• Help with other administrative tasks, including, but not limited to, handling incoming correspondence, processing expense reimbursements, and maintaining event venue resources.

• Assist with substantive tasks as necessary, such as conducting research, attending events and taking notes, summarizing official documents.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Power Point).

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written). Level III* (Good Working Knowledge) English and Level IV* (Fluent) Japanese.

• (Information on Language Testing Requirements)

What You Will Gain:

• Professional Experience: Apply academic knowledge to real-world situations and gain hands-on experience in a professional environment.

• Skill Development: Strengthen skills such as research, analysis, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

• Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with professionals in your field, which can lead to future career opportunities and mentorship.

• Understanding of Government Operations: Gain insight into the workings of the U.S. government, foreign policy, and international relations.

• Career Exploration: Explore potential career paths and clarify your professional interests and goals.

• Personalized career development advice and resume writing reviews.

• Cultural Competence: Work in a diverse environment and develop a greater understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Working Location: U.S. Embassy Tokyo, Japan

Internship Period: Three to Six months from the date of hire

Working Hours Per Week: Part-time, minimum 16 hours/week (may be scheduled as either two full days or three partial days)

Languages Required: Business-level proficiency in either English or Japanese

How to apply: 

Applicants must submit the following documents to HROTokyo@state.gov to be considered. Please include the Internship Announcement Number in the subject line.

1. FNSIP Statement of Interest Form

2. FNSIP Gratuitous Service Agreement

3. Official transcript, demonstrating good academic standing.

4. Written Permission from the Educational Institution

5. Language test score

Application Deadline: April 20, 2026