Photo= International students listen to Kyoto manufacturers' presentations regarding paid internships (National Students Information Center, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto)

A networking event made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, which aim to accept international students for paid internships (work experience), and international students studying at universities in Kyoto, took place at the National Students Information Center Head Office in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, on July 2. A total of 16 manufacturers and restaurants headquartered in Kyoto took part in the meeting and the persons in charge explained details about their work and business to the international students.

This was the first time for the event to be held by the International Student Study Kyoto Network, which was established by Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, universities and other groups, last year. Its purpose is to expand local employment and retention of foreign exchange students in Kyoto, a central place for universities. A total of 78 exchange students coming from 12 countries and regions, such as China, South Korea, Vietnam and others, participated in the assembly.

The participating businesses include a metal processing company, which has expanded into overseas trade, a Western-style confectionery, which is aiming to expand its business for visitors coming to Japan, a publishing company and others. The international students listened the companies about their business activities and overseas strategies, and inquired about the types of personnel the business are looking for and so on.

A Chinese student of the Graduate School of Sociology at Ritsumeikan University said, "I can't decide whether to work in Japan or return to my country. I am interested in manufacturers and food-related companies. I would like to make up my mind after some internships."