Global Lex is a multilingual, multidisciplinary center where local residents and our foreign-born population obtain information, access programs and services, meet to celebrate cultural events and visit our international art gallery. Global Lex is available to facilitate strategic partnerships in a wide variety of fields in order to meet both our city’s, and our growing international community’s needs.
The multicultural affairs coordinator is charged with assessing the service needs of Lexington’s limited English proficient individuals. The office provides the government with Title VI assistance, cross-cultural communication training and outreach to our international communities. It is also available to provide this assistance to the community-at-large on request.
COVID-19 information for non-English speakers
Internships
Global Lex has rolling applications for internships. University students with an interest in international affairs, cross-cultural communication, etc. are encouraged to apply. Interns are expected to continue the program for one academic year. Fall to spring or spring to fall. Interns intending to work only one semester or for the summer are expected to have increased hours.
To apply, please send a resume to itaylor@lexingtonky.gov with the subject line "INTERNSHIP REQUEST." In the body of the email, please write a brief cover letter.
About Lexington’s international population
- Based on 2019 FCPS ELL student enrollment, local estimates are that 22% of the total Lexington population are foreign language speakers
- Approximately 185 languages from all parts of the world are spoken in Lexington
- The top 10 foreign languages spoken/represented in Lexington are Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, Japanese, Nepali, French, Mandarin, Kinyarwanda, Korean and Portuguese
- Lexington is following a national trend towards Asian immigration and foreign language growth.
Exports
- Kentucky’s number one export is a 10+ billion dollar industry, aerospace products
- Kentucky is number two in the nation in aerospace product exports
Presentations
Cross-Cultural Communication Training
For the international community: presentations available on American cultures and laws, financial literacy, Emergency Preparedness and domestic violence prevention.
International Community Information
For the local community: presentations to learn more about the international population in Lexington, including subgroups, languages, and demographic information.
Resources
Kentucky Refugee Ministries
Maxwell Street Legal Clinic
Lexington Public Library Multicultural
Mango Languages
Village Branch
Lexington Human Rights Commission
Kentucky Interpreter and Translator Association (interpreter training)
Lexington Human Trafficking Task Force
International and multicultural university higher and adult education links:
University of Kentucky International Center
International Admissions
International Student & Scholar Services
Education Abroad & Exchanges
Office of China Initiatives
UK Center for English as a Second Language
Bluegrass Community & Technical College Cooper Campus
Multicultural office
Hispanic outreach
Bluegrass Community & Technical College Newtown Campus / Carnegie Operation Read
English as a Second Language