We’re now recruiting volunteers to teach English in the 2025 LELP Fall Semester. Check the details below and apply by August 14!
What Is LELP?
The LiNK English Language Program (LELP) is a biannual English conversation program. It connects North Korean students with global volunteers for 1:1 English sessions held online, with in-person activities.
By meeting two hours a week for 12 weeks, volunteers help students improve their speaking skills, build confidence, and prepare for academic and career opportunities. Many students also go on to use their English to amplify their voices and advocate for change.
To ensure meaningful conversations, the program is open to students with at least a solid basic level of English proficiency. Each student takes a level test and is matched with a tutor and textbook that best suit their learning needs, making LELP a personalized and impactful learning experience for all.
Why Does LELP Exist?
For many North Korean students, learning English isn’t just about language. It's a path to confidence, opportunity, and global connection. Unlike their South Korean peers, most didn’t have the chance to study English before resettling. That’s why we created LELP to help them catch up, speak out, and step forward as agents of change for their communities and beyond.
Program impact over the past 4.5 years
Since 2021, the LELP program has created meaningful, one-on-one learning experiences between North Korean students and global volunteers. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:
Our volunteers bring diverse motivations—from supporting human rights to pursuing personal growth—and the program continues to foster cross-cultural exchange, confidence in English, and career readiness for North Korean students. Learn More (PDF)
<Fall Semester Timeline>
Program Period: Sep 1 - Nov 29
Session Format: 2 hours/week (schedule can be flexible)
Location: Online (Zoom or Google Meet)
Events
Mandatory
Orientation: Wed, Aug 27 (evening, via ZOOM)
Optional
Hangout Day - Sep 20
Cultural Exchange Workshop - Oct 25
(Online) Book Talk Club - Sep - Nov, 4 sessions total)
(Online) Identity Dialogue Workshop - Nov 12
Graduation Party - Nov 29
Application & Selection Timeline
Application Period: July 28 - Aug 14
Interview Invitation: Aug 8 - Aug 18
Interview Dates: Aug 12 - Aug 19
Final Selection Announcement: Aug 20
Mandatory Orientation (Online): Aug 27
Selected applicants will be contacted via email with further instructions. Returning volunteers are kindly exempt from the interview process. Please note that due to limited capacity, we may not be able to accept all applicants.
Benefits
Be part of a global exchange: Connect with North Korean students and volunteers from around the world. Share culture, explore identity, and build your global network.
Grow your teaching skills: Teach with Oxford’s Smart Choice curriculum. Get online training and gain real teaching experience.
Get recognized: Receive a volunteer certificate and/or recommendation letter upon request.
Testimonials from our past volunteers
“Volunteering with LELP taught me that people from North Korea are just like anyone else. Kindness exists everywhere; what shapes our bias is politics, not people.”
“Thanks to my buddy and our conversations, I realized how many misconceptions still exist about North Korean people. Meeting in person helped me understand that escaping doesn’t guarantee freedom - adjusting to a new way of life takes time and courage.”
“As a student of Korean Studies focused on peacebuilding, this experience meant the world to me. It reminded me that behind all the politics and theory are real people with real stories. I didn’t just teach English - I built trust and created a space where someone felt safe to grow.”
📚 Support a Student’s Journey through LELP
Yukyung has always been one to dream big, and most recently she’s set her sights on attending grad school in the US . The LiNK English Language Program (LELP) is helping her make strides towards that goal!
You can become an English tutor for someone like Yukyung—a North Korean student chasing big dreams. Let’s grow together and make a difference!
We’re now recruiting volunteers to teach English in the 2025 LELP Fall Semester. Check the details below and apply by August 14!
What Is LELP?
The LiNK English Language Program (LELP) is a biannual English conversation program. It connects North Korean students with global volunteers for 1:1 English sessions held online, with in-person activities.
By meeting two hours a week for 12 weeks, volunteers help students improve their speaking skills, build confidence, and prepare for academic and career opportunities. Many students also go on to use their English to amplify their voices and advocate for change.
To ensure meaningful conversations, the program is open to students with at least a solid basic level of English proficiency. Each student takes a level test and is matched with a tutor and textbook that best suit their learning needs, making LELP a personalized and impactful learning experience for all.
Why Does LELP Exist?
For many North Korean students, learning English isn’t just about language. It's a path to confidence, opportunity, and global connection. Unlike their South Korean peers, most didn’t have the chance to study English before resettling. That’s why we created LELP to help them catch up, speak out, and step forward as agents of change for their communities and beyond.
Program impact over the past 4.5 years
Since 2021, the LELP program has created meaningful, one-on-one learning experiences between North Korean students and global volunteers. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:
Our volunteers bring diverse motivations—from supporting human rights to pursuing personal growth—and the program continues to foster cross-cultural exchange, confidence in English, and career readiness for North Korean students. Learn More (PDF)
<Fall Semester Timeline>
Events
Application & Selection Timeline
Selected applicants will be contacted via email with further instructions.
Returning volunteers are kindly exempt from the interview process. Please note that due to limited capacity, we may not be able to accept all applicants.
Benefits
Testimonials from our past volunteers
📚 Support a Student’s Journey through LELP
Yukyung has always been one to dream big, and most recently she’s set her sights on attending grad school in the US . The LiNK English Language Program (LELP) is helping her make strides towards that goal!
You can become an English tutor for someone like Yukyung—a North Korean student chasing big dreams. Let’s grow together and make a difference!