FAQ

These FAQ apply to all UNU internships, except that of the Office of the Rector, which has a separate FAQ subpage.

  1. Eligibility
  2. Application Questions
  3. Working Questions
  4. Moving to Tokyo
  5. Visas

Eligibility

I am a citizen of a non-UN member state. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, there are no nationality restrictions to the programs.

I am currently out of school. Will my application be considered?

Yes, matriculation in a university is not a requirement. Note however, that preference is normally given to applicants who are currently pursuing or who have recently completed their graduate studies (master’s or doctoral).

Do I need to be able to speak Japanese to participate in this programme?

No, Japanese language proficiency is not required although demonstrated proficiency in Japanese will be considered favourably in the selection process.

Can I receive academic credit for this internship?

This will depend on the institution from which one is applying. If an applicant wishes to receive credit for their internship, a completed form from the nominating institution is to be sent along with other application materials.

I am a graduate student in Japan on a government scholarship. Will this preclude me from participating as an intern?

This will depend on terms stipulated in your scholarship. As such, this will be a matter for the Student Affairs Office at your university. However, note that as the intern position is unpaid (i.e., there is no remuneration), one may participate in the programme on a student visa. While work permits restrict the number of hours that one may work for paid positions, an interns’ time at UNU does not apply to this restriction.

Application Questions

I have limited funding. Where can I seek scholarships or financial aid to participate in this programme?

The Internship Office at United Nations headquarters in New York has compiled a list of potential funding sources for interns.

How will I know the status of my application?

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified of the status of their application. Successful applicants will be given instructions on the next stage of the application process.

I have applied to another internship programme at UNU. Can my application documents be used for this programme?

If the application requirements are the same, one may submit the same documents as part of their application. Note however, that applicants are required to submit application documents for each internship programme separately to the target sections in question.

Working Questions

What languages are spoken at UNU?

The working language of UNU is English. Consequently, fluency in written and spoken English is essential. It is nonetheless advantageous to be proficient in one or more of the other languages commonly used in UNU, especially Japanese, French, and/or Spanish. Fluency in other UN languages is considered beneficial.

What is the dress code for interns?

UNU does not employ any strict guidelines for dress code however, in principle, interns like other employees are expected to dress professionally. This excludes shorts, jeans, sneakers and sandals. In accordance with Japan’s “cool-biz” campaign to reduce energy expended on air-conditioning at the workplace, many employees wear slacks, skirts, and short-sleeved dress shirts with no necktie during the summer months.

Do I get any time off from my regular working hours?

Interns are not required to work during official UNU holidays. In addition, interns are granted one personal day per month which may be taken at a time of the intern’s choosing with permission of the supervisor.

Am I allowed to attend conferences and other events open to the public during my internship?

Interns are encouraged to attend selected workshops, lectures and seminars that take place throughout the year. Should attendance at such an event stand in direct conflict with other previously agreed working duties, the intern will discuss the matter with the internship programme supervisor.

Moving to Tokyo

How much Japanese should I know to live in Tokyo?

One may get by in Tokyo with little or no Japanese language ability. The vast majority of public transportation facilities have information displayed in both Japanese and English. Similarly, transportation officials are more often than not capable of providing assistance in English. Knowledge of basic conversational Japanese is always helpful for daily living outside work.

Do I need to find my own apartment?

Yes, the applicant is required to secure accommodation on their own.

What are some affordable housing options in Tokyo?

Interns can find affordable, short-term accommodation in one of the many guesthouses in Tokyo. Also, dormitory style and shared rooms are significantly cheaper than individual apartments. The following English sites are good places to begin your search. Note that UNU is not affiliated with nor does it officially endorse any of the sites below.

What area should I choose to live in?

UNU is located in Shibuya Ward (渋谷区 in Chinese characters), very near Shibuya Station (train and subway) and Omotesando Station (subway only). Convenient locations to begin your search would be areas with access to train lines connecting to either of these two stations. For example, one may opt to find an apartment or guesthouse near Komazawa-daigaku Station which is located three stops west from Shibuya on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line (subway). The following pages provide useful information on using the train and subway systems in Tokyo.

How much should I expect to pay for accommodation in Tokyo?

Monthly rent at a guesthouse or dorm-style room typically runs from 30,000-90,000 JPY depending on its proximity to popular stations and areas. Visit the above sites to check for availability and prices.

What can I expect to pay for living expenses in Tokyo?

This will depend on the type of accommodation you secure, however in general one should expect their average monthly budget to be close to 150,000 JPY. This budget factors in the cost of accommodation, meals and other living expenses.

Visas

I am overseas applicant. Do I need a visa to come to Japan?

Yes, successful applicants applying from overseas will be required to apply for visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.

How do I get a visa?

Successful applicants who have applied from overseas will be provided additional instructions on the visa application process after the final selection stage.