This program has been specifically designed for US and Canadian Culinary students and recent graduates interested in gaining work experience in Japan for 12 weeks. For other nationalities, please ask AIW.
Duration: 12 weeks
Program Fee: From US$5,250 (round trip to Japan not included) until December 15, 2026 and from US$5,400 after that date. Other prices may be available for non-US citizens.
Program Start Dates:
2027 : 01/11, 02/08, 03/08, 04/05, 05/03, 06/07, 07/05, 08/02, 09/06, 10/04, 11/01 and 11/29 (arrival in Tokyo the Friday prior to the indicated start dates)
Location:
Tokyo, Sado island and other parts of Japan
Compensation:
Unpaid
The program begins with a 4-week Intensive language course in Tokyo with 2 cooking lessons per week. Accommodations will be at a shared house (4- to 8- shared dorm rooms). Same location as the language classes. After this introduction to Japanese language, culture, and cuisine, program participants will intern for 8 weeks at a restaurant. Internships are unpaid and take place 4-5 days a week, 4-8 hours a day. Accommodations during internship will be at a rental apartment or in a shared house too. Possibility to participate in the first part of the program only for a total cost of US$2,900.
Must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen, culinary student or recent graduate, aged 18 to 35, with a minimum of 12 months of education in the field. Other nationalities may apply.
Please complete AIW’s inquiry form. A pre-screening will be organized by our Japanese partner. Once you are selected, a portfolio or videos of your culinary skills will be requested to show potential host companies in Japan.
Arrival pickup, 4-week Japanese course and housing (self-catering), cooking workshops, local transfers and transport, 8-week unpaid internship and housing (self catering). Meals on duty during the internship may be provided.
