​Intern Voices...

LEX World Internship Project (WIP)
​A Gap Year for All

LEX offers a unique overseas internship program to recent high school graduates looking to explore during a gap year; folks who would like to take a semester or year off during their college career; as well as adults of all ages who would benefit from a life-changing exchange experience in another country. WIP interns spend 1-12 months volunteering with LEX in Japan, Mexico, South Korea, or the U.S. while living with a host family and absorbing the rhythms of daily life. Interns will be immersed in the language of the host country as well as in many other languages through LEX / Hippo Family Club - community-based language clubs at the heart of our programs. Key characteristics of a LEX intern are flexibility and an openness toward all languages and all people. Read what our past interns have written about their experiences on our intern blog here!  Click to download a detailed brochure on programs in Japan/Mexico/USA  or Korea.

Program Dates
Join a small cohort departing September or February, or choose your own start date. 

​COVID-19
We are pleased to be able to resume programs in Japan and Mexico.  Gatherings in Korea are still very limited.  We can offer a shorter homestay exchange experience in Korea rather than a full internship.  Please inquire for more information.  Actual program availability may be affected by any changes in international travel restrictions and the ability to provide a safe experience for interns and host families.  We will continue to offer an extra flexible cancelation policy.

Program
​Enthusiastic participation in language clubs and being a cultural and friendship ambassador will be important parts of the internship. Other activities will depend on the intern's interests and skills as well as the needs of the hosting organization, but might include language club promotion, cultural presentations, and administrative work. Interns are expected to be flexible and ready to jump into new tasks and activities. 

Eligibility
Any flexible, curious person (age 18-99 at time of application) who has a genuine interest in LEX may be eligible to intern with LEX in Japan, Mexico, South Korea, ​or the U.S. LEX members and members of our partner organizations, such as ERDT, MAY, PAX, People to People, Premium International Exchange, States' 4-H, and TGE, are particularly encouraged to apply.  Young people age 18 and up who are considering a gap year before or during college are also strongly encouraged to apply.

​​Note: 2024 Participants are strongly recommended to be fully vaccinated for Covid19.

Program Fees
Below is a breakdown of WIP costs by destination country and length of internship. WIP interns will generally enter the host country on a tourist visa and stay a maximum of 90 days. In some cases, it may be possible to arrange an internship of 3-12 months with a cultural or volunteer visa. Please inquire about costs and availability if you are interested in a longer program, and please note that visa requirements to enter Japan have tightened due to COVID-19.
Japan
4 weeks $2595
8 weeks $3195
​12 weeks ​$3795
Mexico
4 weeks $2195
8 weeks $2595
​12 weeks ​$2995
South Korea
4 weeks $2595
8 weeks $3195
​12 weeks ​$3795
U.S.A.
4 weeks $2595
8 weeks $3195
​12 weeks ​$3795
Program Fees Include:
  • Predeparture orientation and support throughout the program
  • Accomodations with one or more carefully selected host families
  • Meals taken at home with the host family
  • A host family stipend of approximately $100 per week (varies according to receiving country)
  • Admin fees

Program Fees DO NOT Include:
  • Airfare
  • Medical insurance and travel insurance (required)
  • Passport or visa fees
  • Transportation to and from departure airport and arrival airports
  • Hotel nights, if necessary due to flight schedules
  • Living expenses in the host country (meals taken away from the host family, transportation, spending money, etc.)

COVID Cancellation Policy -- If LEX delays or cancels the program due to COVID-19
  • ​All deposits and program fees, with the exception of a $200 non-refundable deposit, are fully refundable if the program is delayed or cancelled by LEX due to ongoing COVID-19 issues.  All deposits and program fees, including the $200 non-refundable deposit, are fully transferable to a future program if the program is delayed or cancelled by LEX due to ongoing COVID-19 issues.

To Apply
All citizens and residents of the U.S. and Canada must apply through LEX Language Project. Citizens and residents of Japan must apply through the LEX Institute in Japan; citizens and residents of Mexico must apply through LEX Mexico; citizens and residents of South Korea must apply through Hippo Korea. Others should apply directly to the LEX office in their destination country.  Please visit the appropriate website for more information and application materials (see below for links.)

Applications for WIP must be received at least four months before the requested start date of the internship / gap year program.

Funding
LEX is able to offer a limited number of need-based scholarships for interns traveling overseas from the U.S..  Many universities offer internship funding and we recommend that students consult their career centers for potential grants.  In addition, we have compiled a list of external funding sources that both student and non-student applicants may utilize to cover the program fees. Please click here for the list.