Q: How does the One-World Washington Internship Program differ from its American counterpart?

1) The One-World Washington Internship Program is open to all students from abroad who reside in non-English speaking countries. Although students in the One-World Program must speak English well in order to be admitted, functioning professionally in another language is exceedingly difficult. Therefore, additional editing assistance is offered to people in the One-World Program during the application process and throughout the internship so that students can get and keep good placements.

Professional editors assist people for whom English is not a first language with every writing assignment given on the job. During the application process when you are writing to different companies and agencies, your editor will polish everything you draft - like resumes, cover letters, writing samples, and E-mails - so you will learn to write better and therefore be chosen by companies and organizations that might not otherwise consider you. Although Americans are also given editing assistance, the type of help they require is primarily a matter of correct usage and punctuation.

English-language classes are offered twice a week for all participants in the One-World Washington Internship Program. Even though a person may have been accepted at an internship, being assigned meaningful work depends on the student's ability to speak and write correctly. These language courses are taught by certified ESL (English as a Second Language) instructors and are reserved for people in the One-World Washington Internship Program. As your English improves, so will your performance on the job and hence the level of responsibility you will be given.

2) The One-World Washington Internship Program lasts longer, on average, than its American counterpart. Although students can start and end internships whenever they like, U.S. students typically come to Washington for a summer or a semester with three months being the most popular amount of time. By contrast, interns in the One-World Program usually stay in Washington from one year to eighteen months. Once foreign students come so far and expend money on visas and airline tickets, they tend to remain in the program for a longer period of time. Although participants in the One-World Program spend anywhere from triple to quadruple the time in our program as U.S. students, we don't charge foreign students three or four times what Americans pay. The One-World Washington Internship Program subsidizes foreign participants because we believe in the value of an international student body. Young people from abroad enrich the experience of American students, so we are willing to charge less to bring interns here from all around the world.

3) In the academic courses offered by the Washington Internship Program, liberal-arts education as featured in America stresses critical thinking, creativity, and synthetic analysis - which are often ignored among foreign universities that emphasize memorization, technical skills, and vocational training. For this reason, international students may have more difficulty writing press releases and memos, conducting research, drafting speeches, and evaluating opinions independently - compared to U.S. students who are accustomed to such activities. Our bright international students are exposed to both the content and style of American education within the context of comparative studies.

4) More guidance and attention are part of the One-World Washington Internship Program.

5) Visas, health insurance, and international flights are required for international students in the One-World Program whereas U.S. students don't need these services. American students are not changing cultures when they come to Washington, but international students are making adjustments to different customs, dress patterns, food, work environments, and other traditions in addition to a new language.

Q: How many years has your program been in operation?
A: The Washington Internship Program has been helping students find internship positions for twenty years. Although the Washington Internship Program has always accepted international students, more emphasis than ever is specifically geared toward helping students from non-English speaking countries to find high-quality internship positions while improving their English (although only students who speak English well are accepted in the first place).

Q: What is unique about the Washington Internship Program?
A: The One-World Washington Internship Program prides itself on placing students in quality professional positions related to a student's major or area of interest rather than in recreational jobs like running a ski lift. This achievement is only possible because of the outstanding reputation of the Washington Internship Program among D.C.-area employers. In addition, the One-World Washington Internship Program provides each student with access to a professional editor to ensure that students produce publishable-quality materials throughout their internships. The One-World Program offers international students a special opportunity to learn about American culture and network with the best and brightest young people from around the world. Our academic classes are taught only by full-professors with doctorates, not graduate students.

Q: Are there any paid internships?
A: Almost all internships are unpaid, which is normal in the U.S. However, in some cases the positions become paid based on the performance of the intern and the circumstances of the host company. Part-time paid jobs through the job-bank are often possible.

Q: How good does my English need to be to participate in the program?
A: High proficiency in both spoken and written English is absolutely crucial for obtaining a good internship. Your level of English will be determined during an initial personal interview with native English speakers from the Washington Internship Program. Even students who have been accepted into the program are encouraged to improve their English skills before coming to the U.S.

Q: What suggestions do you have for improving my English?
A: Take conversation classes with native English speakers, watch English television channels (like Arirang, CNN, BBC, etc.), listen to English radio stations, read English newspapers and books, practice with English tapes, record yourself to check your pronunciation, correspond with native-English speakers on the Internet, volunteer at a U.S. Army base if possible, etc.

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The One-World Washington Internship Program costs $3,400 which is due in three installments: admission, placement, and internship fees.

Q: Do all internships involve substantive work?
A: Yes. Every intern is given a contract signed by the supervisor at the internship, the intern, and the director of the One-World Washington Internship Program. This document describes the work in detail. Meaningless clerical work is not permitted. Internships may involve training in specific areas, conducting research, observing and job-shadowing, practicing through hands-on activities, attending office meetings, etc. Interns are given tasks that challenge their abilities and provide the basis for future employment. Interns are encouraged to communicate with their supervisors and request the type of work they most enjoy doing.

Q: What if I am unhappy with my internship?
A: If a student is unhappy with an internship after a reasonable period of time, arrangements can be made to find a new, more suitable placement.

Q: When can I start?
A: Interns can start and end the program on whatever dates they like. For overseas candidates, the application and placement process can take four to six months -
especially given the time required for visa processing. Therefore, applicants should try to plan well in advance. Many interns apply even a year ahead of time, but you are not required to do so.

Q: How do I apply?
A: An application is available on the website at http://www.washingtoninternship.com/oneworldnew, or you can call  and ask to have one mailed to you. Interns from other countries can contact the One-World Washington Internship Program in Washington, D.C. at phone number: (202) 829-5364 or E-mail address: washinternships@aol.com.

Q: How difficult is the process of getting a visa?
A: Since the One-World Washington Internship Program places students individually in high-quality positions.

Q: How long does getting a visa take?
A: The J1 visa process is complex and involves several steps. Therefore, on average the whole process will take around two months.

Q: Can you help with housing suggestions?
A: Yes, the One-World Washington Internship Program is affiliated with a number of organizations that provide furnished housing for both American and overseas interns. Every effort is made to mix nationalities and cultures within apartments so you can get to know students from other backgrounds. You may also request to live with a particular person if you like, and friends will surely be able to room together. (Married housing is available, too.)

Q: How much does the housing cost?
A: Depending on whether you have your own room or share with another intern, housing costs range between $550 (USD) and $900 (USD) per month.

Q: Are there other benefits to joining the program?
A: The One-World Washington Internship Program introduces overseas interns to American culture, lifestyle, management practices, and workplace culture. A variety of cultural activities and trips are planned to major American sites on the Eastern seaboard. In addition, the opportunity to make life-long friends with like-minded students from all over the world can establish an important international network for future career development. Upon completion of the One-World Washington Internship Program, all students receive written evaluations from supervisors, and the Washington Internship Program provides a personalized report that will be invaluable for future job applications.

Q: What personal items do I need to supply?
A: You should bring clothing appropriate for your internship. Washington is a "dressy" city so professional clothing is required. To class, you can come in casual clothing or work attire. Also be sure to pack toiletries and any personal items you choose, like a camera, laptop computer (if you have one), and perhaps a sleeping bag. Most Washington Internship Program housing is fully furnished (but unfurnished housing can be provided upon request.).

Q: How can I get health insurance?
A: Health insurance is offered in conjugation with the visa.

Q: Can I bring my spouse if I am married?
A: Yes. However, visa arrangements should be discussed with the Korean Division.

Q: Can I reduce the cost of the program in anyway?
A: Students can receive a discount of $200 (USD) for every additional student they refer to the program who then applies, is accepted, and participates in the Washington Internship Program. (This deduction is not paid until the referred individual pays all of his/her fees). Multiple referrals are welcome if you would like to compound your discount.

Q: If I encounter a problem in Washington, whom do I call?
A: You should contact staff and/or faculty at the Washington Internship Program whenever you need help. Our employees, teachers, and counselors are ready to assist with any problems you may encounter during your stay in Washington, D.C.

Q: What airline or airport do you suggest for students coming to Washington, D.C.?
A: The closest airport to the center of Washington, D.C. is Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is a domestic airport serviced by several major airlines. Two major airports located forty-five minutes away are: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI).

Q: What happens if I can't participate in the program after applying?
A: Anyone accepted into the Washington Internship Program who becomes ill, or needs to change plans for any reason, can defer their internship until another time in the future when their candidacy will be reactivated.