Labo Intern Program

The Labo Intern program offers young adults the
opportunity to live and work in Japan for ONE YEAR

Want to contact former interns about their experience
as a Labo intern? Click here for a list of alumni and to read some written testimonials

Dates

• US and Canadian Interns fly to Japan in early September and return home the following August.
• Australian and New Zealand Interns fly to Japan in early February and return home the following January.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be 18 years old at the time of application, and may not be over 25.
• Applicants must abe citizens of the USA, Canada, New Zealand or Australia.
• They should have a strong interest in Japan, in working with children, and in living with host families for one year.
• Prior knowledge of Japanese is not required, but applicants must be willing to work hard to master the Japanese language during their year in Japan.
• Previous participation on the Labo Homestay in Japan is highly encouraged.

Job Description

Ten months are spent working in Labo offices throughout Japan. Responsibilities vary from district to district, and person to person. But all include:
• Visiting Labo Parties at least twice per week -- working with young Labo members, making presentations about life overseas, and encouraging their use of English.
• Meeting with Labo Tutors and parents to discuss youth culture in Canada, the US, New Zealand and Australia.
• Attending College Mate (university students) meetings.
• Working at Labo's summer and winter camps.
• Taking a leadership role during Labo's winter and summer exchange programs.
• Assisting with English-language office work.

Language Study

Interns spend two months studying Japanese at Labo's NIHONGO Institute in Tokyo. This time is also used for orientation to Labo, and training Interns on their job responsibilities and duties.

Independent Study Project

Successful completion of an Independent Study Project is a visa requirement for this program. Interns are allotted one day per week to work on their project, which must be about some aspect of traditional Japanese culture. A final presentation, demonstration, or paper is required before the Intern leaves Japan.
Before coming to Japan, some Interns arrange to receive university credit for their independent study project.

Homestays

Interns live with about six host families throughout the year. They may request specific host families, or Labo will assign them to appropriate families.

Financial Considerations

• Labo provides round-trip airfare to Japan.
• Interns receive a stipend of 90,000 yen (net) per month. Labo pays the Japanese taxes, but Interns are responsible for any taxes in their home country.
• Labo provides host families for Interns, and hotel stays when traveling. Meals are taken with the host families, except for lunch, which is the responsibility of the Intern.
• All transportation costs in Japan are borne by Labo except for private travel.
• Interns are provided with medical insurance coverage.

Applications

U.S. Applications must be postmarked by December 14th, and must arrive at the Labo office in Sacramento no later than December 20th, for the program beginning the following September. Finalists will be interviewed in February. Click here for downloadable application.

Canadian Applications must be postmarked by December 10th, and must arrive at the Labo office in Sacramento no later than December 20th, for the program beginning the following September. Finalists will be interviewed in February. Click here for downloadable application.

Australia:   Applications are due on August 31 for the program beginning the following February. Click here for downloadable application.
Please mail your application to:
Ayako Mitsui at:
Mitsui Travel
147 King Street, Suite 403
Sydney, NSW2000
AUSTRALIA

New Zealand:   Applications are due on August 31 for the program beginning the following February. Click here for downloadable application.
Please mail your application to Stuart Cundy:
Let's Homestay  
P.O. Box 3129
Greerton, Tauranga
NEW ZEALAND
emai:l stuart@letshomestay.com

 

Contact the Labo office in Sacramento for more information

Click here for informational flyer on intern program.