A Study on Internship Program as an Educational Tool by the Business- Academia cooperation -An analysis of the Questionnaires by DTS -

The internship program has become an integral part of the academic program by the Department of Tourism Sciences of the University of the Ryukyus since year 2007. This study is a pilot research examining the effects of the program through the evaluation form collected over a four year period given by both students and industries who took part in the internship. The purpose of the internship program is to provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in an authentic workplace setting where they can develop new skills and knowledge while gaining a deeper understanding of their discipline and the professional working environment. This paper explores the challenges being faced by both students and industries and some necessary and practical suggestions are given at the same time on how to develop internship opportunities with due recognition of competing demands between the both parties. Based on this analysis, one of the many challenges identified related to the employers comments of which, most of the administrative staff were also supportive but identified a range of challenges inherent in the operation and implementation of training program such as pedagogy, resources, roles, and workload. Also, there needs to be careful consideration of the risks and costs involved by the employer during the internship program into which students are placed. In conclusion, feedback from the evaluations can be used to assess areas of strength and weakness of the internship program. Changes can then be made to the curriculum and for the preparation of students to improve workplace performance. To help to overcome these challenges, the university needs to seek closer cooperation and take effective partnership with industries and business associates to develop and adopt a more student oriented and authentic learning approach as required. And as a result, for the student who participate in the program will be an opportunity to clarify their future goals and be ready a seamlessly transition into the workplace