More photos from this internship may be found here.
Teach English and support cultural activities at Ibaraki Christian University, a fully-accredited, not-for-profit university in Japan. Interns have the opportunity to support activities in the Department of Contemporary English by assisting professors in the classroom, tutoring students, developing and leading English-speaking activities, and organizing fun events to promote cross-cultural understanding outside the classroom.
Japanese language is not required. Interns have the option to work four or five days a week, allowing for many weekend trips around Japan. This is a popular internship and interested students are encouraged to apply early.
Internship Start Dates:
Internship is not available during winter quarter
Duration of Internship:
Ibaraki Christian University is a fully accredited, not-for-profit university in Japan. Located in the Ibaraki Prefecture, the campus is just 65 miles north of Tokyo in a beautiful setting near the coast. The university is composed of four colleges: College of Literature, College of Life Sciences, College of Nursing, and College of Business Administration. The university prides itself on its welcoming and supportive environment to students and faculty from all backgrounds, regardless of religion or faith.
The internship is within the Department of Contemporary English, which focuses on developing students' English ability at the university. All faculty in this department are functionally bilingual in English and Japanese. Interns will also work with the Center for International Understanding on campus.
For more information, visit the webpage for the Ibaraki Christian University, Department of Contemporary English, or internship information. You can also view the DCE YouTube channel.
Interns will learn how to be effective educators in English as a foreign language settings and will learn how to plan, execute, and improve language learning activities through direct work with students and professors. Interns will be involved in four main activities within the Department of Contemporary English:
The Japanese school year has two sixteen-week semesters running from April-August and September-February. Internships are typically available for 90 days during spring quarter or fall term; from April 1 to mid-June or mid-September to late December. Interns interested in staying for two or three terms are encouraged to apply! Long-term internships are available year round (including winter term), preferably with an April start.
Summer internships are available but are very competitive and typically require an early application. IE3 Global students are encouraged to submit summer applications in November or December of the previous year. Summer internships must end by August 10th and therefore require a late May or early June start. Only interns available for at least the 10 weeks leading up to August 10th will be considered for summer.
Students from all academic fields and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Courses in Asian studies, Japanese studies/language, education, or ESL are recommended but not required.
All interns are expected to possess excellent communication and teamwork skills as well as an enthusiasm for learning and sharing intercultural experiences. Classroom, leadership, or cross-cultural experience is preferred.
Interns will be supporting English-language courses and activities, so excellent communication skills are required. Interns are expected to speak only English in the classroom and during activities. Japanese language is helpful while in Japan, but not required.
Interns are able to take part in free Japanese lessons on-campus, or for a fee community classes are available for more in-depth instruction. Those with N3 or higher capabilities may be able to audit language classes with exchange students on-campus.
Interested applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from professor or academic supervisors only.
Due to immigration restrictions, single term interns must hold a passport from the US or another country with a reciprocal visa exception agreement with Japan. Longer-term internships are available to all nationalities currently enrolled in a US university.
Please note that due to Japanese cultural norms, interns with visible tattoos may be turned away or asked to cover the tattoos when visiting public facilities like hot springs or public baths.
Estimated One-Time Expenses
IE3 Global Program Fee: $3,450
International Travel: $1,600
Visa Fees: $100 if longer than 90 days
Recommended Immunizations: $300
Estimated Monthly Expenses
Housing: $400-650
Food: $100-400
Local Transportation: $150
Recreation: $200
Personal Expenses: $100
Additional Expense Information
Interns must have liability insurance for housing. Interns may provide proof of insurance from the US or may purchase liability insurance in Japan for 1,500 JPY per month. Housing and food costs vary by accommodation choice (see housing section for more information). Interns staying longer than 90 days may also be required to purchase national health insurance at a cost of approximately 1,000 JPY per month.
Interns can choose between a local homestay (if available) or student apartment near campus. Multiple term interns may also choose to rent a regular apartment. Students may have the option to stay with multiple homestays of one month each. Homestays are located near the local train line and cost approximately 60,000 JPY per month, which includes breakfast and dinner, utilities, and internet. Student apartments are located within 30 minutes of campus by foot and typically come with heating/air conditioning and basic furnishings. Student apartments cost 25,000-40,000 JPY per month and require a partially-refundable deposit of 20,000 JPY.
Visit the Ibaraki Internship Testimonial page for more information from past participants.
Click here to see an intern’s video of their experience in Japan.
Summer: January 25
Fall: April 15
Spring: November 15
- Education-related background preferred
- Strong communication skills
- Passion for connecting with others and supporting cultural education