Volunteer in Japan with IVI - Unique Experiences

As a recent graduate planning to work in hospitality management, I found this project awesome! I got to experience first hand by staying in a super cool country, with the nicest people and food. Otaki was a really unique traditional Japanese village so got to mix with the locals and learn some of the language, even though they mostly were keen to practice their English with me. The weekend trips to Nagano and onsens were also a highlight and caught the bullet train to Kyoto one weekend. I made friends for life on the program as we got to mix with volunteers on all the programs - English teaching and farming and agriculture volunteers. Overall, this trip has been a highlight of my life.

Great it was so fun and I loved connecting with all the kids on the trip, I loved waking up and being able to go somewhere new each day, it got me super excited each day and I loved being able to walk and talk and chill with all the kids there it really shaped me in a positive way and helped me in my love for traveling I also loved being able to eat new things and go to new restaurants as well as shop since this helped me express myself and enjoy my time on the trip and it was all really great when I got to be with my new friends on this life changing journey

For 2 weeks, I volunteered in Otaki Village, a rural town hidden near Kiso-Fukushima in Nagano Prefecture. For the 2 weeks, I worked with the team, helping local students in Kiso learn English through conversation and cultural exchange. It was such a refreshing break from city life. There was no noise, no rush, just quiet mountains, fresh air, and time that moved a little slower. Outside of teaching, I got to explore beautiful temples and shrines, eat home-cooked Japanese meals, and even made a few local friends who showed me the ruralparts of Japan I never would’ve noticed. It was my first time in Japan, and I’m glad that I was able to experience such first with Otaki Village!!

The local team was honestly one of the best parts of the experience. Everyone was kind, patient, and friendly. They allowed me to settle down in a foreign place quickly and made me geel safe. Our accommodation was a small, traditional inn with tatami floors and futons, which took a bit of getting used to, but ended up feeling like home. It felt like I was truly experiencing the Japanese culture. Meals were cooked by the chef of the inn and were always something to look forward to. They were simple, fresh, and delicious.

I feel as if focusing more on the “meeting with local students” would’ve made me enjoy the volunteer even further. As a highschooler, it was very cool for me to get to meet highschoolers in a different country. Getting to know them was one of my favorite experiences throughout the volunteer!