English Exchange

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Alder 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verificeret af Volunteer World
  Excellent Svarrate

Højdepunkter

  • Host conversation afternoons where locals can join on their own terms.
  • And for you it’s a chance to learn about their life and culture.
  • Expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours of conversation per day.

Højdepunkter

  • Host conversation afternoons where locals can join on their own terms.
  • And for you it’s a chance to learn about their life and culture.
  • Expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours of conversation per day.
  • Learn about local culture and explore the surroundings.


  • Særligt velegnet til

    Alder 18+
    Singler
    Par
    Grupper
    50+

    Om programmet

    Help locals in Otaki village gaining more confidence and practice in speaking English to foreigners.

    In a recently published English version of the Otaki tourist map, some shops and hotels are marked with a star to indicate that the owners speak some English. However, navigating without Japanese language skills remains challenging. Pride plays a significant role here. Hotels might refuse a ...

    Om programmet

    In a recently published English version of the Otaki tourist map, some shops and hotels are marked with a star to indicate that the owners speak some English. However, navigating without Japanese language skills remains challenging. Pride plays a significant role here. Hotels might refuse a foreigner’s booking rather than risk providing imperfect service due to the language barrier, which hampers the village’s efforts to attract more foreign travellers to its picturesque surroundings.

    To help the village develop, two simultaneous measures are needed:

    • Villagers and local business owners need to become accustomed to interacting with foreigners.
    • Locals need to gain more confidence and practice in speaking English.

    While Japanese students study English in primary school, the current education system emphasizes reading and writing over conversation. Therefore, if locals don’t speak English with you, it doesn’t mean they lack knowledge or education; they simply lack speaking practice. Without this practice, Japanese people often feel uncomfortable speaking English.

    This program aims to provide locals with a platform to practice English on their own terms. Participants are available at the community house in the afternoons and early evenings. Local students often visit to study, work, or hang out for a few hours. This is your opportunity to ask them about life in Japan and answer their questions about your home country. Be patient and understanding if it takes them a while to form complete sentences. The more you converse, the better they will understand you, and the more they will enjoy talking to you, encouraging others to join.

    Otaki village, a destination for local and foreign tourists, requires locals who interact with visitors to improve their conversational skills. You will meet and engage with them to help enhance their language abilities. Remember, for people who rarely encounter foreigners, you are more than just an English practice partner. You are an ambassador of your home country and culture. The impression you leave will shape their view of your compatriots and foreigners in general.

    Depending on the season and weather, expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours a day in conversation. Lesson planning might take up to 1 or 2 hours per day. This could occur at the community house or other locations in and around Otaki. Occasionally, the local primary school may invite you to practice English pronunciation through activities like singing songs or playing games.

    In addition to practicing English, you will join other participants in Otaki to learn about local culture and explore the surroundings. If you have a background in teaching and education, it will be especially helpful in instructing local children and adults.

    Tips before you go to Japan:

    • Learn basic phrases and greetings in Japanese.
    • Have a translator app on your phone.
    • Research Japanese culture and lifestyle.

    Location

    Your stay in Nagano Prefecture will immerse you in the tranquility of Otaki, a charming village nestled amidst breathtaking mountains, boasting a population of around 800 residents. Otaki transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland, attracting numerous visitors, particularly during the snowy season on Mt. Ontake. As Japan’s second highest volcano, Mt. Ontake not only features a ski resort but also serves as a spiritual hub, drawing various Buddhist groups and pilgrims. Surrounded by a diverse array of shrines and sacred sites, Mt. Ontake offers a serene destination for those seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty.

    Project Tasks

    • Give locals a chance to meet foreigners. If you leave a good impression, this will help them be more self-confident and open-minded when interacting with foreigners.
    • Give them a chance to practice their conversational English by talking to you.


    Typisk dag

    Monday to Friday (2-5 hours a day)
    • Breakfast
    • You may occasionally be asked to join the local ‘primary school’
    • Lunch
    • Cultural or outdoor activities together wilt all participants in Otaki
    • Be available for locals to come by for conversation
    • Dinner
    • Be available for locals to come by for a conversation
    • Cultu

    Typisk dag

    Monday to Friday (2-5 hours a day)
    • Breakfast
    • You may occasionally be asked to join the local ‘primary school’
    • Lunch
    • Cultural or outdoor activities together wilt all participants in Otaki
    • Be available for locals to come by for conversation
    • Dinner
    • Be available for locals to come by for a conversation
    • Cultural or outdoor activities together will all participants in Otaki

    ***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

    *Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 


    Fritidsaktiviteter

    Near Otaki…

    Otaki is a nature lover’s paradise with many outdoor activities possible year round. Great place for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking and kayaking on the lake. Major points of interest include: Mt. Ontake, Shintaki Waterfall and Tanoharatenen Park.

    Hiking in Otaki Gorge: Embark on ...

    Fritidsaktiviteter

    Near Otaki…

    Otaki is a nature lover’s paradise with many outdoor activities possible year round. Great place for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking and kayaking on the lake. Major points of interest include: Mt. Ontake, Shintaki Waterfall and Tanoharatenen Park.

    Hiking in Otaki Gorge: Embark on a scenic hike through Otaki Gorge, surrounded by lush forests and pristine natural beauty. The gorge offers trails suitable for various skill levels, with opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

    Visit Otaki Shrine: Pay a visit to Otaki Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine nestled amidst tranquil surroundings. Experience the peaceful ambiance, admire the architecture, and learn about local customs and rituals.

    Cycling: Rent a bicycle and explore the picturesque countryside surrounding Otaki. Enjoy leisurely rides along quiet roads, past rice fields, and through charming villages, immersing yourself in rural Japanese life.

    Places to Visit In Japan…

    Tokyo: Japan’s bustling capital city, Tokyo, is a vibrant metropolis where tradition and modernity converge. Explore iconic landmarks such as the historic Senso-ji Temple and the futuristic Shibuya Crossing. Immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture in districts like Akihabara and Harajuku, and savor world-class cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants or local izakayas.

    Kyoto: Known as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is home to thousands of shrines, temples, and historic landmarks. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine, stroll through traditional neighborhoods such as Gion and Higashiyama, and experience the beauty of Japanese tea culture in tea houses and gardens.

    Hiroshima: A city with a profound history, Hiroshima is a symbol of peace and resilience. Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945. Explore the nearby Miyajima Island with its iconic floating torii gate and sacred deer.

    Hokkaido: Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience breathtaking landscapes in national parks like Daisetsuzan and Shikotsu-Toya, go skiing in world-class resorts like Niseko, and indulge in fresh seafood and dairy products in cities like Sapporo and Otaru.

    Nara: Step back in time in Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and a treasure trove of ancient history and culture. Marvel at the majestic Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, and wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. Explore traditional neighborhoods like Naramachi and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Isuien and Yoshikien Gardens.


    Krav

    Krav

    Minimumsalder: 18 år

    For at kunne deltage i programmet skal du være mindst 18 år gammel på programmets startdato. Der kan være undtagelser, hvis du kan give tilladelse fra din(e) værge(r), eller hvis du ledsages af dine forældre.

    Sprogfærdigheder

    Du skal kunne tale Engelsk (basic level)

    Uddannelseskrav

    på High School niveau

    Kontrol af kriminel baggrund

    påkrævet

    Nationalitetsrestriktioner

    Ingen begrænsninger. Hjælpende hænder fra hele verden er velkomne.

    Tidsforpligtelse

    Der er brug for din hjælpende hånd Mandag, Tirsdag, Onsdag, Torsdag og Fredag

    Hvad er inkluderet

    Hvad er inkluderet

    Tjenester af Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Program fees include: 

    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
    • Arrival transfer from  Shinjuku Bus Terminal at 4pm on Sundays.
    • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
    • 1 day orientation
    • Daily transportation to project
    • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
    • Fundraising support
    • University course credits (where applicable)
    • Certificate of Completion

    Indkvartering

    You will be staying in local accommodation with 2-4 people per room, single gender. Wifi and hot showers are included. No laundry facilities but hand washing is available. There are 13 chickens and a dog at the accommodation. There is also a small farm where herbs and other crops are grown.

    The village of Otaki features an ATM, two convenience stores and a post office. These may not be in walking distance from your accommodation, but you’ll have the chance to stop by there several times during the week.

    *Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


    Mad og drikkevarer

    You will be served 3 meals a day on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends. Meals will be local cuisine and you can expect that they will include rice and vegetables.

    Internetadgang

    God adgang til projektområdet

    Hvad er IKKE inkluderet?

    Hvad er IKKE inkluderet?

    Afhentning i lufthavnen i Haneda Airport

    Afhentning i lufthavnen er heller ikke inkluderet i programgebyret.

    Flybilletter

    Den nærmeste lufthavn er Haneda Airport (HND) i Tokyo. Vi hjælper dig med at finde billige flybilletter til Japan. FINDE BILLIGE FLYBILLETTER

    Rejseforsikring

    At rejse til udlandet er et eventyr, og det er altid bedst at være forberedt. Pludselig sygdom eller skade, aflysning eller tyveri - en rejseforsikring til Japan giver sikkerhed og er en fordel at have. FÅ ET TILBUD

    Vacciner

    Hvis du har til hensigt at blive frivillig i Japan, bør du søge lægehjælp, før du begynder din sociale rejse. Tjek dine krævede vaccinationer for Japan. VACCINE CHECKER

    Oplysninger ved ankomst

    Arrival say is Sunday, if arriving Sat, and extra night is charged. 

    Tilgængelighed
    Jan. Febr. Marts April Maj Jun Jul Aug. Sept. Okt. Nov. Dec.

    Programgebyrer

    1 uge (min. ophold) 1.060€
    2 uger 1.780€
    3 uger 2.500€
    4 uger 3.221€
    8 uger 6.102€
    12 uger (max. ophold) 8.983€
    Gennemsnitligt gebyr 903€/uge

    Programgebyrer

    903€ pr. uge 1 - 12 weeks Alder 18 - 50+

    Betalingsmetoder

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    INGEN KREDITKORTGEBYRER


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Depositummet er blot for at reservere din plads som frivillig. Betalinger håndteres af PayPal, vores betroede globale betalingsudbyder. Hvis du ikke har en PayPal-konto, kan du også betale med et kreditkort.


    Final Payment

    Din endelige betaling vil blive aftalt med Involvement Volunteers IVI under ansøgningsprocessen. Almindelige løsninger er enten via bankoverførsel eller kontant betaling på projektstedet.


    Mød din vært

    Involvement Volunteers IVI

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 feltrapporter)

    Non-profit - grundlagt i 1989

    Verificeret af Volunteer World

      Excellent Svarrate

    Vært er

    Lauren

    Spoken languages: Engelsk

    Om projektet

    IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

    Mød din vært

    Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


    WHO WE ARE

    Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

    We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

    SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
    All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

    Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

    AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
    As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

    We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

    The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

    In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

    SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
    With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

    All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

    Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

    Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

    SUPPORT

    From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

    On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

    FUN!
    Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

    GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

    204 feltrapporter · rating4.7

    What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked ...
    The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
    What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...
    I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
    There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
    hannah rupp rating5

    2024 at Primary Teaching Support

    I had such a great time in Zanzibar. The accommodation is really good, it’s clean, you have a very sweet balcony and the bedrooms are good. Also the roommates and coordinators are were really nice 🥰 I really enjoyed my time at the school and I loved to work with the kids 🥰 I made so many ...

    Placering

    Asien > Østasien > Japan > Otaki

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