Step into a future where tradition meets tech, and your ideas get global traction. From bullet trains to business brains—experience the speed, smarts, and spirit of Japan’s startup scene in a 2-week immersive internship that sets your future in motion.
Applications open until:Monday 15th December 2025
Applications Closed
The Global Internship Experience Program offers a unique opportunity for business owners, early careers, or early-stage founders to enhance your professional and personal development in the international city of your choice. Within the 2-week, you will be put through an immersive experience as a C-Suite of your own startup, solving real-world challenges.
On our intern abroad program, you will explore an amazing destination and fully immerse yourself in its culture, with peers from all over the world.
Ditch the lecture hall for a nomad learning and explore your passion. Learn skills outside of the textbooks; it's living, adapting, connecting—make a real impact, and forge a career path beyond the ordinary.
Navigating a career shift? Global Internship Experience is not just a change—it's a catalyst for personal growth, skill diversification, and renewed professional horizons. It's never too late for a reboot or if you need some inspiration.
Experience the quiet powerhouse of Japan’s startup scene.
Osaka blends deep-rooted tradition with cutting-edge innovation and is home to robotics trailblazers, gaming titans, and a fast-growing startup ecosystem driven by design, tech, and tenacity.
As Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka is earning its place on the global innovation map, drawing in founders, futurists, and investors who value its bold spirit and get-it-done energy.
Over 2 weeks, you’ll join a diverse cohort of future leaders to learn from local entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and creative problem-solvers, while working hands-on inside real startups shaping the future of Japan.
Fuel your days with business challenges and your nights with neon streets, sushi trains, and cultural discoveries.
Your startup journey begins in Osaka.
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It's gonna be a pack full 2 weeks. Learn about concept ideation, startup mentality, funding & finance, market & branding, startup culture and tech tours. Finally your pitches to investors, CEOs and government legends.
‼️ Agendas are subject to change based on your cohort's interest and the speakers' availability. This is a sample of our past programs.
Meet your fellow founders and the HEX team to learn more about what's in store for the next two weeks! Enjoy your first dinner with us as we settle in Osaka.
Race through the neon-lit streets and hidden alleyways of Osaka! decode clues, conquer team challenges, and uncover local gems in a fast-paced into to Japan's most vibrant city.
Known as Japan's kitchen, Osaka is a street food paradise. Get ready for a taste adventure, sampling local favorites like takoyaki, kushikatsu, and more! This culture is served hot (and probably on a stick).
This workshop explores the mindset of successful founders, teaches effective goal-setting strategies, and equips you with the resilience to overcome challenges on your journey.
Catch up with one of our government friends in Osaka, who can help advocate for the best policy settings to ensure companies remain competitive in global trading.
Collaboratively brainstorm innovative ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and identify critical assumptions that in this dynamic workshop to create your startup.
Decompose your business idea! This workshop helps guide you to break down your concept, identify core functions, and lay the groundwork for building a successful startup.
Hear from local legends! In an intimate fireside setting, gaining invaluable insights into their entrepreneurial journeys and career paths, to inspire your global internship future.
Understand the legal foundations of your business! This workshop explores different business structures, their legal and tax implications, and helps you choose the best option for your unique venture.
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Equips you with the tools and techniques to conduct effective market research, understand your target audience, and validate your business assumptions before you launch.
From globally-loved game developers to cult-favourite creative studios, this city knows how to craft a story that sticks. In this session, you'll hear from the minds behind some of Japan’s most innovative campaigns and IPs, and discover how storytelling can build not just brands, but movements.
Get professional headshots for LinkedIn, websites, and personal branding with an iconic Bangkok backdrop.
Visit one of the most iconic workplaces in Osaka. Think Microsoft, Sephora, Meta, Agoda, Line or Grab.
Build a strong brand identity. We're inviting an expert to show you the fundamentals of branding, from defining your brand story and values to creating a consistent visual identity.
We've invited one of Osaka's most influential serial entrepreneurs and creative legends to share how to sustain the lifestyle of a founder. How to maximise your opportunity, when to quit, when to start or when to grow.
It's time to bring your ideas to life! We'll be showing you ways to create rapid prototypes for your startup idea.
Master the art of networking in Osaka. Learn how to confidently introduce yourself, pitch your ideas, build rapport, and gracefully exit conversations.
Learn how to lead successfully. This workshop explores effective leadership styles, building high-performing teams, cultivating a growth mindset, and navigating challenges with resilience and agility.
Learn to optimise your profile, build your network, find dream jobs, and showcase your expertise to recruiters and potential clients.
Nothing gets you ready for your Shark Tank moment like the Unconference. This will have you laughing, not trembling. Prepare for your pitch with unexpected insights and newfound confidence.
Demystify venture capital! Join us for an intimate fireside chat with experienced VCs. Gain valuable insights into the investment process, fundraising strategies, and navigating the VC landscape.
We always strive to leave a positive impact on the cities we visit. You could participating in a language exchange, supporting local businesses, volunteering at an animal shelter, or finding other meaningful ways to contribute.
How about learning the art of sushi-making or mastering the perfect okonomiyaki flip? Join a hands-on cooking workshop or take part in a traditional tea ceremony. You’re not just visiting Japan, you’re living it.
HEX mentor provides personalised guidance to help you clarify your business idea, identify key challenges, and develop a robust roadmap for success. Or just a nice chat about your career.
It’s your time to roam! Get lost (on purpose) in the neon glow of Dotonbori, ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, explore Osaka Castle, or chill out at a manga café. This city’s got centuries of culture and a lot of character, go find your slice of it.
Checking out your dream job workplace. Lift the curtain and come on a behind-the-scenes tour of a leading tech company, exploring the culture and gaining valuable insights into the industry.
Industry Fireside connects you with inspiring individuals making a significant impact. Learn their stories, discover their unique journeys, and gain valuable perspectives on success
Learn insights into expanding your business across Asia, covering market entry strategies, cultural nuances, and key considerations for success.
Connect with fellow founders and relax.
Connect with industry leaders, expand your network, and discover new opportunities at this dynamic networking event. Enjoy engaging conversations, build valuable relationships, and explore potential collaborations.
Master the art of persuasion! Learn presentation techniques honed by top VCs. Deliver compelling pitches, confidently answer questions, and secure funding for your venture in this impactful workshop.
It's the night before your big pitch. We provides a safe space to practice your elevator pitch, receive constructive criticism, and build your confidence before presenting to investors.
Let's get your pitch deck ready to go! Submit it beforehand and get expert advice to make it the best it can be.
Unlock your inner resilience with iced bath mentoring. Overcome mental barriers, and experience the transformative power of cold water immersion.
Let's launch your idea. Pitch your idea to 3 esteemed judges from diverse industries. Experience the thrill of a live pitch competition, receive expert feedback, and potentially secure valuable connections.
Let's celebrate your journey. This session is dedicated to expressing gratitude to fellow cohort members, reflecting on the past two weeks, and sharing words of encouragement as you embark on the next phase of your entrepreneurial journey
What's next after this? Share your feedback, discuss your key learnings, and connect with fellow participants before embarking on your next adventure after the HEX Global Internship Experience.
All good things must come to an end. How about the last hurrah before we part ways?
The 2-week Global Internship program covers various career fields, from finance, tech, sustainability, e-commerce, space tech, creative literature, community to fashion and more. The Global Internship will help you advance your career in any field you venture into.
Learn about concept ideation, startup mentality, funding & finance, market research & validation, startup culture and tours plus an intro to branding and marketing. Learn about growth hacking, pitching 101, UI and prototyping, product design, financial modelling, tech tours and finally your pitches to investors, CEOs and government legends.
Culture
Explore Bangkok alongside your cohort
Culture
Street food, night markets, bbq skewers, and coconut drink?
Activity
For yourself, your career, and your startup.
Activity
Become the leader you and your team needs
Networking
Meet organisations that can support your startup
Activity
Get your LinkedIn Roast and improve
Networking
Meet the locals and network your idea
Activity
Create your UI prototype
Culture
Visit world's leading companies and ask any burning questions
Activity
Launch yourself as a brand and become the most hireable person in any space
Activity
Learn the art of convincing your audience through storytelling
Networking
Create connections over a beer or fizzy
Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to explore Bangkok in all its glory.
Night markets, Robust shopping malls, Temples and more...
We believe in a cohort vibe!
A part of the HEX program experience is to be in a space where it allows maximum collaboration and is compact while enabling you to work (study table). Your accommodation situated in Osaka's city centre and is the perfect place to experience its surroundings. The accommodation provides a range services and amenities to help make your stay more comfortable. Never be out of touch with your contacts, with free Wi-Fi offered throughout your stay.
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You are gonna be diving head-first into the ever-growing ends of our innovation ecosystem. So, you will not be alone over the two weeks.
We have scored Osaka's finest, cultivating a growing list of mentors, leaders and facilitators from a cross-section of industries.
These are some of the cool kids you will meet. From founders, CEOs, investors, industry legends who all have their finger on the pulse for innovation, tech and the future.
Sunday 01 February - Saturday 14 February, 2026To secure your spot, put down a payment of $590 today and the rest of your fee due 60 days before departure.
Lock in your spot early and save—secure exclusive discounts. Application must submitted before the 11th of September 2025.
Apply by the 24th of November 2025 to lock in this exclusive price and save on your future adventure.
Final chance to join the program. Application must submitted before the 15th of December 2025.
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You're invited to the experience of a lifetime.
With HEX, we bring the industry's exclusivity to you. Our programs are not only designed to enhance your mindset and skills, but we will also connect you to the experience you need to have, the right mentor or maybe, even your future employer.
Anything you need to get you ready to take the next step!
Do not worry, here are some questions we always get for our international programs.
Sadly, no.
We strongly believe in cohort living. Being in the same location facilitates friendships, coworking, and better collaboration. It also allows us to fulfill our duty of care towards you.
We have over $1 million AUD in funding from various universities who are able to sponsor or subsidise your program cost. View our list of current available funding here.
We also recommend chatting with your Study Abroad or Global Mobility office for all enquiries regarding program funding.
YES! HEX has been approved for undergraduate and postgraduate academic credit at universities around the world. It's best to confirm credit with your university, but we can help you navigate the system.
You can arrive any time on Saturday before the program as we'll officially kick-off on Sunday.The program officially ends on Friday of the second week, so you can check-out anytime on the Saturday.
Once you're enrolled, our pre-departure guide will have all the info you'll need.
A monthly snapshot of the latest HEX news, articles, and resources.
The HEX team is based across Australia & India and we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, meet, teach and play. We pay our respects to Elders, the Indigenous people of these lands, and Indigenous community leaders – past and present.
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