What is PCEP ?
		Benefits to Host Organization
		Background of Interns
		Internship Fields
		Community Service and Health Care Internship
		Cultural Homestay
		Frequently Asked Questions
		Success Stories

What is PCEP?

The Professional and Cultural Exchange Program (PCEP) is designed for business and organizations wishing to gain insights from interns about business ideas and practices, and culture-related matters in Japan.  PCEP is geared towards providing opportunity for various organizations and communities to learn from their counterparts in Japan.

Benefits to Host Organization

		Valuable resource for linkage to Japan
		Access to a foreign perspective
		Gain insight into Japanese business and cultural practices and techniques
		Daily operations support in the host organization
		Communication with Japanese clients
		Promoting trade with Japan
		Editing and translating information written in Japanese
		Exchange of ideas on differences between Japan and host country
		Providing opportunities of internationalization within your community

Background of Interns

PCEP interns are typical professionals in their 20’s and 30’s, though mid-career or young retirees are increasing in number. Most have completed two to four years of higher education, and a few are currently enrolled in college or university. Many have several years of work experience in Japan.

Interns are highly motivated and committed to meeting the expectations of their host organizations. Some of the reasons they join PCEP are to:

		Learn how their counterparts abroad conduct their work
		Enhance knowledge and skills in their areas of expertise
		Expand their professional network
		Improve communication and foreign language skills
		Widen career horizons and strengthen employment opportunities
		Eager to experience a different way of living in foreign country

Each participant is carefully screened and selected based on professional/educational background, personality, language ability, and purpose of participation. Assigned internship placement depends on individual abilities, skills, interests, and the needs of the host company/organization.

Community Service & Health Care Internship

IIP offers the internship opportunity in the field of volunteer work within Nursing Homes, Facilities or physically/mentally handicapped, Elderly Care Facilities, Child Care Organizations and Hospital.

	Benefit to Host
		Receive practical assistance in administration works and its daily operations
		Gain insight Japan and its culture
		Experience sharing information regarding social care and health care
	Intern’s expectation
		Learn the high standard of care system in the host country
		Gain skills, knowledge and experience for the future career

Cultural Homestay

Some Japanese interns prefer a more personal style of culture exchange. Interns are interest in learning about specific cultural fields, such as gardening, flower arranging, cooking, aromatherapy, dong training, crafts and music, through assisting hosts and sharing culture in daily life.

	Benefit to Host
		Gain valuable contacts and friends in Japan
		Receive practical assistance in the activities related to the chosen field
		Learn how your profession or hobby is practiced overseas
	Intern’s expectation
		Gain and enhance knowledge and skills in their chosen field
		Improve their communication and foreign language skills

Frequently Asked Questions

       Q: Is this a paid internship?
A: No. The interns contribute their time and skills in exchange for the opportunity to receive further practical experience without any expectation of compensation. However, we appreciate your consideration for allowance/stipend of housing, meal, transportation and learning opportunity to the interns. 

       Q: How long does an internship period lasts?
 A: Internships are basically arranged for 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. However, this can be adjusted based on the intern's availability, and the needs of the host organization.

       Q: Where do interns stay? Who shoulder their expenses?
 A: Typical housing arrangements include: homestay, private apartment, shared private apartment, company housing, and on-campus housing. The most preferred housing accommodation is homestay.
For all of the above arrangements, the intern is responsible for paying the agreed rent/housing fees.

       Q: What types of insurance does an intern carry?
 A: Interns carry a limited amount of insurance for injury, sickness and liability such as: death or residual disability due to injury, death due to illness, medical expenses due to injury, medical expenses due to illness, liability (personal and property), household goods & personal belongings, and rescuer’s expenses, etc.
 

       Q: How can we apply as Host Organization?
 A: Download and send a Host Application Form to IIP in Tokyo, Japan. IIP will try to find a suitable intern for your organization as soon as possible. There is no application fee required.

Please click the picture for the application forms