Term dates

Fall 2012
21 August to 21 December 2012
Application Deadline: 10 June 2012

Spring 2013
4 February to 31 May 2013
Application Deadline: 18 November 2012

Application Process

The application process is conducted in two stages. Instructions for each stage are detailed below (for other internships at UNU Centre, Tokyo, see the Apply page). In principle, a candidate may submit an application at any time before the deadline of the period for which they are applying. Note however, that applications are considered only during the screening period of the term indicated on the application form.

Stage 1

The first stage of the application process is designed to measure the applicant’s motivation and background and assess how the applicant’s qualifications meet the criteria for selection. Stage 1 requires submission of the documents listed below (a-e).

Documents

a)  Application form — Download and complete the application form. The form may be completed using MS Word or printed and filled in by hand.

b)  Cover letter — Address your letter to the attention of the Office of the Rector Internship Committee. Your cover letter should include the following:

i. your motivations for applying to the programme;
ii. how you feel you may contribute to the work being done at the Office of the Rector;
iii. how this programme relates to your future career goals.

c) Résumé or c.v. — Provide detailed descriptions of education history, work history, and leadership or extracurricular activities. Use your résumé or c.v. to present, in further detail, the education and work history listed in the application form.

d) Two letters of recommendation — Arrange for two letters of recommendation from referees who are familiar with your character and who have agreed to write a recommendation on your behalf. UNU reserves the right to contact your referees.

Certain candidates may have difficulty obtaining academic references and it may be more appropriate to get references from professionals or supervisors. Of the two referees issuing letters of recommendation, it is expected that at least one is a professor acquainted with your academic abilities. Referees should not be family members or friends. See the “How to submit” section below on the rules governing the submission of letters of recommendation.

e) Funding plan — Download and complete the “Funding plan”, outlining the source, amount, and duration of actual and/or projected funding while in Tokyo. Visit the FAQ page for information on financial assistance and average monthly expenses for living in Tokyo.

f) Language certification — Applicants must provide certification in English if they do not meet either of the two following criteria:

i. the applicant’s native language is English, or
ii. the applicant completed an undergraduate programme or is enrolled in a graduate program with English as the medium of instruction.

In the case that the applicant does not meet either of the above criteria, a valid TOEFL, IELTS or TOEIC score report is required. The original certificate or photocopy is accepted. Preferred score ranges for each test are:

How to submit

Documents (a), (b), (c), (e) and, where applicable, (f) should be submitted together by the applicant in one of the following methods:

1. For electronic submissions, e-mail the Office of the Rector Internship Committee at [with the subject line “Internship Application – (Applicant’s Name)”]. Attach a scanned copy of the signed and dated application form, your cover letter, résumé or c.v., funding form and language certification (where applicable). Electronic submissions must be sent no later than 11:59 p.m. (Tokyo time) on the day of the deadline as specified for the period of application.
2. For hard copy submissions, mail documents to the address indicated on the form. All application documents must be received by the Internship Committee by the application deadline.

Letters of recommendation (d) must be submitted in one of the following ways:

1. For electronic submissions, the referee e-mails the completed Referee Form and an attached reference letter to the Office of the Rector Internship Committee [subject line: “Letter of Recommendation for (Applicant’s Name)”]. The e-mail must come from an institutional address. Reference letters from public e-mail providers (e.g. Hotmail, Google, etc.) will not be accepted.
2. The referee prepares hard copies of the signed and completed Referee Form and the letter of recommendation on institutional letterhead in a sealed and stamped official company or school envelope. This envelope may be submitted by the applicant along with other application materials or sent directly to the Office of the Rector Internship Committee at the address indicated on the Recommendation Form.

Stage 2

The second and final stage consists of a telephone or Skype interview that will be arranged in advance with each applicant. The purpose of the interview is to help the Internship Committee better understand the applicant’s motivations, expectations, and goals vis-à-vis participation in the Junior Fellows Internship Programme at the Office of the Rector. The interview will also assess the applicant’s communication skills, interpersonal skills and proficiency in English. Further details and an appointment schedule will be provided at the closing of Stage 1.

Acceptance

Successful applicants will be required to sign an Agreement Form that will act as the working contract between the junior fellow and the Office of the Rector for the duration of the internship. This form will be mailed to those selected to join the programme. A signed and dated form must be returned to the Office of the Rector in order for the application to be complete. Once completed, the selected applicants will begin their application for a Japanese visa. See the FAQ visa section for details on this procedure.