Air NZ internship reignites passion for Japanese language and culture

Grace visiting Shigisan Chogosonshi-ji "Tiger" Temple on Mount Shigi in Heguri city, in Nara prefecture

When I applied for the internship at Air New Zealand’s Japan office, I felt a wave of nerves—but not because I was moving to Tokyo.

I’d been studying Japanese since high school and had already lived in Japan as an exchange student during both high school and university, so I was confident about slipping back into life in Japan's capital city. What made me anxious wasn’t the move—it was the job itself.

As an arts student, I wasn’t sure how well I would fit into a marketing role within a corporate environment, especially one in a country with a work culture vastly different to New Zealand’s. However, my time in Japan surprised me in so many ways, both at work and in my personal life.

Unlike previous times living in Japan — where I had been able to enjoy Tokyo with the unique freedoms that come with being an exchange student — this time, I truly experienced the rhythms and challenges of big city life.

This meant navigating packed rush-hour trains, long commutes, and the stressful task of apartment hunting. Where my student life was relaxed and flexible, my new life as an intern came with the routine and responsibility of working life in the world’s biggest city.

At times, this could be exhausting. But it also opened my eyes to a side of Japan I’d never really known before — the day-to-day experience that most locals live. In many way, this new perspective reignited my desire to continue immersing myself in Japanese language and culture.

Grace: "Japan is such a fascinating mix of old and new, and one of the most magical things about a city as rich in history as Tokyo is that there is always more to discover."

On the weekends, I spent my time getting to know my local area — hopping on the local train or setting out on foot to see what hidden gems I might come across.

One afternoon, I stumbled upon a local museum that showcased the area’s history, where I discovered all sorts of fascinating facts — from its role as the birthplace of the anime industry to its fame for the Nerima daikon, a unique variety of radish.

I got chatting with the museum staff, some of whom had lived in the area their whole lives, and learned about how rapidly Tokyo has changed over the years.

Japan is such a fascinating mix of old and new, and one of the most magical things about a city as rich in history as Tokyo is that there is always more to discover. The fact that I will never be able to know every part of sprawling Tokyo is overwhelming, but at the same time, endlessly exciting.

Grace: "I spent my weekends and evenings exploring the quieter, lesser-known parts of the city ..."

In my work, I also encountered many surprises.

I had heard a lot about Japan’s intense work culture and strict hierarchies, but what I experienced at Air New Zealand Japan couldn’t have been more different. The team were incredibly welcoming and kind, creating a warm, open environment where I felt genuinely included.

Even through small daily interactions ,such as eating meals together in the break room or being invited to various external meetings, they consistently made an effort to ensure I had a fulfilling experience. They also tailored my tasks to align with my academic background and personal interests, which gave me the confidence to contribute in a more meaningful way.

Every day brought a new challenge — from translating press releases into Japanese to smaller tasks like re-recording the automated phone message. Each project gave me the chance to collaborate with different team members and expand my knowledge.

Some of my most memorable workdays were spent at Narita Airport, where I had the opportunity to tour various operations — from cargo handling to customer service — and see firsthand how Air New Zealand ensures a seamless experience, even in one of the world’s busiest airports.

Being in Japan in Spring, Grace got to experience the Japan's iconic cherry blossoms in full bloom

One of the tastier tasks was being invited along to Air New Zealand's catering meal presentation, in which we got to sample and help decide the upcoming menu for the Japan route’s in-flight meals. I was so impressed by the level of careful consideration that went into every small decision, and experiences such as this gave me a newfound appreciation for how much work and effort goes into keeping the whole aviation system running.

In the office, everything was in Japanese — meetings, emails, conversations with colleagues — which was intimidating at first. However, the full language immersion experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to improve quicker than ever.

When it comes to learning a foreign language, there are still always good days and tough days, but I felt like I was finally putting my years of study into practice and gaining real-life confidence.

Grace: " It can be a daunting task moving across the world...but the kindness I received from the Air New Zealand team made the experience a memorable one."

Working with the Air New Zealand team, I came to realise that the job is about far more than just business — it’s fundamentally about people. As New Zealand’s national airline, Air New Zealand’s mission goes beyond selling flights; it’s about connecting cultures.

Once I had that realisation, I began to see how my humanities background was not only relevant but incredibly valuable in a field I’d initially assumed had little overlap with my studies.

Looking back, the most valuable part of this internship was the connections I made with the incredible people I met. Moving across the world — especially to a city as overwhelming as Tokyo — can be daunting, but the warmth and support of the Air New Zealand team made the experience truly unforgettable.

More than ever, I am so glad I had the opportunity to start studying Japanese and set my sights on a career related to Asia. This internship has given me invaluable experience that I know will benefit me greatly for years to come.

The Foundation's Business Programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. It also supports to grow the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.

Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers.