Korea WEST

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is the WEST Program?
The Work, English Study and Travel (WEST) Program was created jointly by the governments of the United States and the Republic of Korea to foster positive relationships and promote mutual understanding between our two countries. The program seeks to invest in future leaders by providing Korean university students the opportunity to improve their English skills, reinforce their academic studies, and learn U.S. business practices through classroom instruction and internships in the United States.

Who is AIPT?
The Association for International Practical Training (AIPT) is a premier not-for-profit cultural exchange provider with 60 years of leadership in the field of international career training programs. AIPT was chosen by the U.S. Department of State and the Republic of Korea to implement the WEST Program and provide a rich learning program to increase the global competencies of Korean students.

Where is the program offered in the U.S.?
WEST has two program components.

The English language and American business practices portion of the program will take place at specially selected facilities in San Diego, California; and Washington, DC.
The professional internship portion can take place anywhere in the U.S. depending on the location of your internship host company.

How long can I stay in the U.S.?
The WEST Program can last up to 18 months. However, most universities want their students to return to Korea within 12 months. We cannot guarantee the length of your internship, as each host employer will offer different lengths.

Application Requirements

How do I apply with AIPT?
Please download the AIPT Korea West application from the Application section of this website. Applications are due to AIPT by June 17, 2010. To be complete an application must include:

Signed and completed AIPT Korea West application
Photocopy of a valid passport photo page and name/issuance page (name and birth date must be clear and legible)
Proof of English ability (copies of any test scores)
A statement of motivation
If you are a currently enrolled student:

A letter from school confirming full-time student status (translated in English) AND
A letter of reference from a professor or past employer (translated in English)

If you are a recent graduate:

A copy of your certificate or diploma (translated in English) AND
A letter of reference from a professor or past employer (translated in English)

A copy of your 4-year university transcripts (translated in English)
A list of classes and descriptions for those classes related to your major
Resume or CV
A recent digital photograph of your face (headshot). AIPT will be using this for the profiles we send to potential employers.

All submissions can be made via email.
What is the Timeline?
Please refer to the WEST Participant Application

Room and Board payments and Airport Pickup
AIPT will announce your English language location assignment during the second week of July. When that announcement is made, you will receive instructions on how to make payments for room and board, and information regarding airport pickup upon arrival in the U.S.

How do I apply for a U.S. visa?
If you are accepted to the AIPT WEST Program, AIPT will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need to apply for a visa to the U.S. As a J-1 visa sponsor designated by the Department of State, AIPT will issue the necessary forms (DS-2019 and DS-7002) for your in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Korea. AIPT and GISC will provide detailed instructions upon your acceptance to the program.

What are the fees for the program?
Click Here to view program fees.

Internships

What kind of internship will I get?
AIPT will place you in an internship based on your background, interests and field of study. You may indicate your preferences in your AIPT application, and we will try to match you with the most appropriate placement. AIPT has a wide network of organizations throughout the U.S. on which we will draw to find an internship placement just for you.

Will I get paid during my internship?
Unless you agree to an unpaid internship, AIPT placements are paid. Interns earn a wage or stipend equivalent to what an American intern would earn in a similar position, but generally between $8-$10 per hour. This varies between internships, host companies and geographic regions. There are some special opportunities for non-paid internships working for a prestigious not-for-profits, charities, museums, governmental agencies or universities. Please let us know if we should consider those special placements for you.

Can I change internships or have more than one?
No. An intern will not be able to change his or her internship location. You will only be authorized to intern at one location as approved by AIPT.

Can I extend my program?
No. In most cases, programs will be for 12 months. The maximum period of stay for the WEST Program is 18 months, and you will need to return to Korea upon completion of the program. This is an important requirement of the U.S. government.

What is the internship process?

Once you have arrived in the U.S. for your English language training, AIPT will begin looking for an internship program and will contact you when we have found an employer interested in interviewing you.
Next, we will work with you to schedule your phone or in-person interview (depending on where you are located).
Once an employer has chosen you, we will make an official offer to you that will give you the details of your internship.
You will need to sign this offer form and return it to AIPT. Once we have your signed offer, we will arrange your transportation to your internship.

Please don’t worry! Some of your friends might have interviews before you, but that does not mean that AIPT isn’t working to find a placement for you. Everyone will be offered an opportunity.

AIPT Support

Who do I contact if I need assistance?
AIPT will provide you with contact information so you can reach us in an emergency 24 hours a day. We will provide you with ongoing support during your program in the U.S. for any questions, concerns, requests for assistance on housing, insurance and other matters related to living in the U.S. Remember, AIPT is here to help you throughout your experience in the U.S.

What happens if I get sick or hurt? Do I have insurance?
Comprehensive medical insurance is included in the AIPT WEST Program fee. You will receive a medical insurance card in your acceptance package along with the coverage description and instructions. You may always contact AIPT 24 hours a day using the emergency number we provide.

What are my responsibilities during the program?
Upon acceptance to the AIPT WEST Program we will provide you with a comprehensive package of information detailing what you need to know in order to have a successful program.