Volunteer: Bridging Cultures Through English Conversation in Japan

Description

Location: Nagano, Japan
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, maximum 6 months commitment
Start Dates: Project is ongoing, placements start each Monday

Benefits

• Boost English Confidence: Provide opportunities for real-life practice.
• Cultural Exchange: Engage in conversation afternoons where both you and the participants can learn from each other’s unique experiences, fostering mutual understanding.
• Empower Local Residents: As locals gain confidence speaking English, they become better equipped to communicate with international visitors, enhancing their ability to engage in a globalizing world.

Includes

• All food
• Accommodation
• Airport pickup
• Orientation
• All project related activities

Does Not Include

• Flights
• Travel insurance
• Visas and vaccinations

Introduction

Our mission is to help local residents in Japan gain confidence in speaking English, especially when interacting with foreigners. While many Japanese students excel in reading and writing English, conversational fluency and pronunciation often don’t get enough attention. The focus of this project is to provide practice, not just teach new skills—because the key to fluency is consistent speaking.

Daily Life

In the charming village of Otaki, language can be a barrier for both locals and international visitors. While many businesses are marked with a star on the tourist map to indicate English proficiency, navigating the village without Japanese can still be tricky. Some hotels even decline foreign bookings, fearing they can’t provide perfect service due to the language gap. To help Otaki attract more international tourists, two things need to happen: locals must feel more comfortable interacting with foreigners, and they need more practice speaking English.

Though English is taught in Japanese schools, the focus is often on reading and writing rather than conversation. The result? Many locals have the knowledge but lack the confidence to speak fluently. That’s where you come in! This program provides a relaxed environment for locals to practice their English. You’ll meet at the community house in the afternoons and early evenings, where students, business owners, and residents gather to study, socialize, and practice their language skills. It’s a chance for you to chat about life in Japan, answer their questions about your country, and help them improve their conversational English.

You’ll spend 1-4 hours per day engaging in friendly conversations, helping locals feel more comfortable speaking English and building connections across cultures. From chatting in the community house to participating in fun activities like singing with kindergarteners to practice pronunciation, you’ll be making a real impact. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful surroundings of Otaki and immerse yourself in the local culture alongside fellow volunteers.

Travel & Accommodation

Upon your arrival, a friendly project representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and accompany you to the project headquarters.

During your stay, you will have the option to experience authentic local hospitality by staying in a cozy Homestay or at our designated participant accommodation. For those seeking an adventurous twist, there may be opportunities to enjoy the incredible experience of camping in a tent during the warmer months. The accommodation is conveniently located just 10-25 minutes outside of the village, accessible by car.

Please note that at the Green House location near the restaurant and campsite, the toilet and shower facilities are separate from the sleeping accommodation. However, if you opt for the homestay at the house, you will have the convenience of an indoor toilet and shower. Additionally, you may encounter a friendly pet dog during your time at the Green House location, adding an extra touch of warmth and companionship to your stay.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18
• Passion and enthusiasm for working with people, lots of energy and creativity – and not scared to get involved!
• No previous skills are necessary, however you will need to speak English at a native or near-native level
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
• Necessary vaccinations, flight & visas
• Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.

Costs

£900 GBP per week
* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit

What’s Included

• Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.
• Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

What’s not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas (if applicable) and vaccinations

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there's a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.