Internship:
Sports Performance
Tokyo, Japan
Highlights
Our Sports Performance Internship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain immersive international experience while continuing to train for their sport, develop lasting friendships with fellow interns from across the U.S., and enjoy a life-changing experience abroad.
Interns will complete an internship in Athletic Training, exposing them to various methodologies in the context of Judo training and other team sports. In addition, students can take on an independent project to deepen their understanding of the field. We help students align these projects with their career goals in order to gain hands-on experience that will boost their resumes.
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Internships are available to both athletes and non-athletes of all majors. This internship is particularly catered to students with the following career interests:
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Athletic Training
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Sports Medicine
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Exercise Science
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Sports Psychology
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Nutrition
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Internship Description
​​Students will have the opportunity to shadow professional athletic trainers who work specifically with Judo athletes and other team sports in areas such as sports medicine, nutrition, rehabilitation, and sports-specific conditioning. Throughout the internship, students will be exposed to new tools, techniques, and methodologies in athletic training and medicine. Under the guidance of their supervisor, they will have the chance to apply these new skills in a practical setting, gaining hands-on experience in real-world sports training and/or competition environments.​
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Independent Project: Students have the option to take on an additional independent project to deepen their understanding of the field. Example projects include:
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Off-season performance & nutrition plan (e.g. manual or video drill library)
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Injury-prevention protocol & load management strategy
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Research on innovative technologies
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Volunteer coach onboarding & training manual
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Viability plan for a new offering or service
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Case study on the impact of your organization's methodology on athlete development
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A pilot program for mental health practices
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Our local staff will guide students through the placement process and provide on-site support throughout the duration of the program. For students seeking academic credit, we will work with them to meet university requirements. The average internship credit accrued for this program is 30 hours.
Life in Tokyo
Lodging & Meals
Students will reside in a centrally-located dorm-style housing with fellow interns. Each accommodation includes:​
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Twin bedroom with essential furnishings: bed, linens, bath towels, closet, dresser, desk & nightstand
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Shared bathroom
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Fully fitted kitchen
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Laundry, available on site​
After enrollment, students will complete a housing questionnaire to help our local team match them with the most suitable roommate, based on their preferences and needs.
Sports Abroad
Students will be given access to a centrally located gym, allowing them to maintain their individual fitness routines with 4-5 workouts per week.
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In addition, students will have opportunities to engage with local sports teams and participate in training sessions alongside U.S. and international athletes, depending on their sport and location.
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Our team is committed to supporting each student’s athletic goals. We will work closely with students to craft a personalized training plan, based on availability, which can be discussed during the interview process.
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We will ensure the best possible facilities that a location can offer.
Excursions
Daily cultural activities and field trips are included. These include hiking around Mt. Fuji national park and numerous visits to gardens and temples in Tokyo. ​
Program Details
Dates: June 13 - July 3, 2026
Tuition: $4995
Included:
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Housing in a shared apartment, with fully-equipped kitchen
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Welcome & farewell meals
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Round-trip airport transfers (on arrival & departure days)
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Weekly cultural activities & tours
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Gym membership
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Sport-specific training opportunities (varies by sport)
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International Health Insurance
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SAA Program T-Shirt
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Internship placement & set-up
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Additional professional development opportunities
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Full pre-departure support & orientation
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Local Support Staff 24/7​
Not Included:
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Roundtrip airfare to Tokyo, Japan (HND)
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Passport/associated fees, if applicable
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Daily meals/groceries
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Snacks, souvenirs, & optional entertainment expenses
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Card fees associated with tuition payments (ranging from 3-5%, varies by card). Card fees can be avoided by paying with a US Checking Account.
Payment:
​If accepted, a $250 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remaining balance will be paid in installments. Exact payment dates and amounts are outlined in registration. ​
Capacity:
This program is capped at 16 students. Programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Admission Process
1. Apply
Fill out a free application form. We are looking for students who are invested in their professional and personal growth.
2. Interview
Applicants selected to move forward will receive an email to schedule a 20-minute phone interview with our admissions team.
3. Register
If selected, you'll receive the link to register for your program. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Questions?
Schedule a call with our team or check out the additional resources on our website!
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