IB internship or study abroad?

Hi everyone,

I'm a current sophomore and finance major looking at study abroad options for my junior spring (2021). I'm highly interested in studying abroad in Tokyo for a semester; however, the Japanese academic system means that my program would run until mid-July. This will leave me with only 5-6 weeks between the end of the program and the start of senior year, disqualifying me from most IB internships. Will missing junior year internships be a black mark against me, or will I be able to find an offer for after graduation?

If it helps, here are some of my reasons for choosing this study abroad program:
1) Study abroad is a must for me in college; it's why I chose to attend my university.
2) I don't speak Japanese, and want to learn. I already speak fluent French and Spanish, and want to learn a non-Romance language.
3) Japan has an incredibly unique business culture, and I think studying business there will give me relevant industry knowledge.
4) I don't see myself ever being able to live or work in Japan without previous experience, such as this study abroad.

I'm not super well-connected in IB, but have a few contacts at my top firms and attend a target school. I'm also looking to work in boutique and restructuring, if that affects your opinion. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

 
 

Can’t you study abroad Junior fall or Senior fall and still do the internship?

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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