Volunteer in Japan Information
If you are looking for a way to broaden your resume or just get more worldly experience under your belt, consider volunteer Japan programs that focus on an area of interest. From engineering to women’s studies, you may be able to find a program that fulfills your personal and academic goals. Programs may offer a range of benefits from internship placements to course credits. However, other programs may not have an academic or traditional work component at all. With so many options, you’re free to select the Volunteer in Japan program that most aligns with your personal interests, academic objectives and overall professional goals.
Study Your Favorite Subject or Niche
Do you want to study the behavior of butterflies in the grasslands adjacent to Mt. Fuji? Would you rather travel from industrial hub to industrial hub to learn how Japan approaches quality management and lean manufacturing? Do you want to study international relations in Okinawa? Whatever your interest or academic focus, you may be able to find a program that caters to the adventure you’re looking for. While volunteering in Japan, you may have the chance to earn valuable course credit at your home university or you could just enjoy the thrilling experience of living in another country. Whether you want to incorporate academics into your volunteer work is up to you, but you may certainly have the option!
Learn a New Language
If you’re planning to live and/or work in Japan, it may be a great idea to learn the language. While you may have studied hard at your home university, languages are meant to be spoken and used in a conversational way. It may be difficult to get a good grasp on those idioms when you switch back to your native tongue at the end of the class period, but when you live in Japan, it’s almost like immersing yourself in a 24-hour language lab. Total immersion in the language may improve your conversational Japanese significantly in a short amount of time. You may have the opportunity to practice on a daily basis with locals and/or within any academic pursuits you may take part in.
Enjoy a Complete Cultural Immersion
Volunteer in Japan work may give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture in a way rarely available to tourists. Living and working in an area may really give you a feel for the local life. You may get the opportunity to discover the restaurants only locals know about, which might mean some of the best meals of your life so far. Some volunteer programs offer internship or work placements that may help you stand out in the job market after graduation. If you might consider international work, having international volunteer experienced may help you get your foot in the door. Plus, you’d have an idea of what it’s like to live as an international citizen.
Stay as Long or Short as You Want
Volunteer opportunities in Japan may not be limited to a summer or Maymester session. Instead, you might be able to find yearlong or semester-long programs if you prefer a longer stay. However if you just want to dip your toes in the international waters, you may select from a range of program types during the summer months. Depending on your existing course commitments and thirst for adventure, a longer or shorter stay in Japan may be ideal for you. Keep in mind, many of the longer programs may offer transferable course credits and/or a living stipend to help with expenses. Additionally, financial aid may be available to you depending on your qualifications and personal details.
