Intern – Language Center

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1907, Japan Society in New York City presents sophisticated, topical and accessible experiences of Japanese art and culture, and facilitates the exchange of ideas, knowledge and innovation between the U.S. and Japan. More than 200 events annually encompass world-class exhibitions, dynamic classical and cutting-edge contemporary performing arts, film premieres and retrospectives, workshops and demonstrations, tastings, family activities, language classes, and a range of high-profile talks and expert panels that present open, critical dialogue on issues of vital importance to the U.S., Japan and East Asia.

The Language Center Intern is an actively integration into our daily operations of Japan Society’s Japanese Language Programs. The Intern will step directly into the administrative architecture of the Language Program-managing public inquiries, calibrating class schedules, and ensuring a seamless experience for our attendees. The ideal candidate for this internship will provide proactive engagement and meticulous attention to detail. In return, we provide a platform for you to lead independent initiatives, optimize our organizational systems, and immerse yourself in the mechanics of high-level cultural exchange.

Responsibilities:
• Administrative duties for the Language Program
• Answer inquiries regarding classes and events by email
• Assist with scheduling classes
• Monitor and correspond with attendees of our events
• Proofing and evaluating our public facing materials
• Occasional help with research or ongoing projects

Requirements:
• Must be pro-active, able to work independently, and follow through on tasks
• Strong communication, writing and proofreading skills in English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; Internet; familiarity with databases and social media a plus
• Superior organizational skills, including ability to accurately keep track of many details at once, and ability to work in fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with and interest in language education and cultural exchange
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); Japanese language skills a plus

Internship Dates and Time Commitment:
• Ideally attends a few half-days for initial training in early/mid August 2026 (or if not, late September).
• Begins on a regular schedule in late August (or if not, late September), continuing ideally through early February 2027 (there is a holiday break from Dec. 21-Jan. 3).
• A total of 14 hours a week, on weekdays between the hours of 11:00 am – 6:30 pm ET. Ideally two days a week for 7 hours each day, or possibly across three days a week.
• Intern work can be in-person entirely, or partially in-person and partially remote.

Learning Opportunities:

Interns can gain a better understanding of how the largest Japanese language school in the US is run. They will practice professional communication with the public, create content for announcements and newsletters, and research potential new programs. Interns have an opportunity to lead on Language Center related projects of interest to them (past examples include creating and/or presenting about unique cultural topics during language exchange events, taking the initiative to develop more efficient organizational systems, etc.) In addition, they have opportunities to take classes in the Language Center.

This is an unpaid internship position, however, Japan Society values its interns and provides the following benefits:

• Commuting cost from tri-state area will be reimbursed
• Free admission for intern and a guest to New York City’s museums, zoos and gardens with Japan Society ID
• Free or reduced-priced admission to Japan Society’s programs and events
• Tuition discount for Japanese language classes at Japan Society’s Language Center