Learning Omotenashi Firsthand in Japan: Applied Foreign Languages Student Secures Internship Opportunity at Nansei Rakuen Resort, Japan

Silvia F. Setyoningrum, a student of the Applied Foreign Languages Study Program with a concentration in English, has successfully embarked on a professional journey to learn omotenashi, Japan’s renowned philosophy of wholehearted hospitality. Through an international internship program at Nansei Rakuen Resort in Miyakojima, Japan, Silvia has taken her first step toward mastering international hospitality industry standards. This one-year internship is scheduled to run from June 2026 to June 2027 at one of the premier resorts located in Japan’s southernmost prefecture.

Silvia’s initial gateway to understanding omotenashi begins in the Housekeeping Division. In this department, her responsibilities extend beyond the operational aspects of room arrangement, cleaning, and maintenance.

Under the direct guidance of experienced staff members, Silvia is learning that every small detail within a guest room represents the highest form of respect and care for guests. The discipline, strong work ethic, and meticulous attention to detail that she practices daily serve as the foundation for creating the selfless comfort that lies at the heart of omotenashi.

She also gains a deeper understanding of this service philosophy through her direct involvement in the resort’s overall operational rhythm. This experience has enriched her perspective that exceptional and comprehensive service can only be achieved through harmonious coordination and synergy among all departments. The internship also provides Silvia with an invaluable opportunity to immerse herself authentically in Japanese culture. Through intensive communication in both the workplace and employee dormitory, she interacts closely with local staff who practice omotenashi as an integral part of their daily lives. These continuous interactions help shape Silvia’s character and enable her to internalize the values of sincerity, respect, and strong teamwork within a multicultural environment.

This comprehensive experience at Nansei Rakuen Resort Miyakojima not only broadens Silvia’s technical knowledge of international hotel management but also equips her with firsthand mastery of the omotenashi concept, an invaluable asset that will support her future global career opportunities. Her achievement further demonstrates that students of the Vocational School are capable of learning, adapting to, and implementing world-class hospitality standards in the international tourism industry.