The overseas internship program is an initiative of the Japanese Language Education Study Program at Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, in collaboration with Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa, providing a platform for students to gain work experience and hone their skills during their studies. This program runs for six months (September 2022 – February 2023) at Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa, with participation from eight selected students. The primary focus of the program is to provide work experience in the Food and Beverages Service Department (F&B) at the restaurants within Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa.

Picture 1. Group Photo with the General Manager of Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa

Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa not only has family-style restaurants to serve the general public, but it also features specialized banquet restaurants. These banquet restaurants are referred to as “enkai” in Japanese. One of the most memorable experiences I had during my internship program was when I was assigned to the enkai for a month, from January to February 2023.

Being assigned to the enkai was a significant experience for me. There were often formal events such as weddings as well as informal gatherings like alumni reunions and birthday parties held at the enkaijou (banquet hall). Through this opportunity, I was able to learn about Okinawan culture, one aspect of which is dance. This type of dance is frequently performed as a welcome or entertainment during events at the enkaijou. I had the chance to witness the yotsutake dance performed by guests during a birthday event at the enkaijou while I was fulfilling my duties.

Not only did I watch, but on one occasion, I had the opportunity to join the guests in dancing during a reunion held by alumni from a local high school in Okinawa. This happened because one of the guests invited me to dance on stage with them. They said it would be an incredible experience for me as someone from outside Okinawa. The dance was part of the ryukyu odoru, which the guests used to perform when they were in the same cohort. Initially, I felt nervous and hesitant to join the other guests on stage. However, my nervousness began to dissipate as I became immersed in the excitement shared with the guests. Eventually, I got used to the rhythm of the movements from the guests. This led to compliments and expressions of gratitude from the guests for my participation in their event.

Experiences like this are what I cherish about my internship at Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa. Not only was I able to learn about the working conditions, environment, and work ethic of the Japanese, particularly in the service sector, but I also gained significant insights into Japanese culture, especially that of Okinawa. Such valuable experiences would not have been possible if I had simply remained in the classroom during my studies. Therefore, I feel extremely grateful to have been a part of the internship program in Okinawa. (Andi Prasetya)