Japan English Exchange

Nagano, Japan

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WEEKLY STARTING EVERY MONDAY

MINIMUM

1 WEEK

PRICES FROM

£549

  • OVERVIEW

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The Community English Exchange Program in Otaki provides a unique opportunity to help locals improve their English conversational skills while participants immerse themselves in rural Japanese culture. With limited opportunities for villagers to interact with foreigners, this program addresses the language gap by creating a friendly environment for cultural exchange and English practice.You will engage in conversations with locals, primarily at the community house or occasionally at local schools. This program not only supports the development of conversational English but also builds confidence among locals in interacting with foreigners, contributing to the village’s goal of becoming more welcoming to international visitors.You will serve as an ambassador of your culture, providing an authentic exchange of ideas and fostering mutual understanding. Additionally, you’ll join cultural activities and explore the stunning natural surroundings of Otaki.

 

Program Highlights

  • Cultural Immersion: Experience rural Japanese life and traditions while sharing your culture with locals.
  • English Practice: Help locals, including students and professionals, improve their conversational English in a relaxed environment.
  • Cultural Exchange Activities: Participate in local crafts, cooking, and other traditions to build strong community connections.
  • Impactful Contribution: Your presence and interactions help the community become more confident in engaging with international visitors.

Your Role

  • Conversation Sessions: Spend 2–3 hours daily engaging locals in English conversations at the community house or other designated locations.
  • Lesson Planning: Dedicate 1–2 hours to preparing conversation topics, games, or activities to facilitate learning.
  • Primary School Visits (Occasional): Engage with children through songs, games, or simple conversational exercises.
  • Cultural Engagement: Participate in cultural activities alongside other program participants and community members.
  • Community Ambassador: Represent your country positively and inspire confidence among locals to interact with foreigners.

Aims & Objectives

  • 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.

Standard Shared Accommodation (2-4 pax) Sunday-Saturday noon of the last week

3 meals per day during weekdays and 2 meals per day during weekends

Pick up upon your arrival during the regular pick-up time (Sundays 4pm) and transportation during the program as per the scheduled activities

Program materials, tools and equipment needed

Tour of local area & Japanese language lesson

Training and supervision by experienced local project coordinators

24/7 local team support 

1 week : £549

Additional weeks : £549

Start Dates & Minimum Duration

2025 Start Dates: Every Monday

2026 Start Dates: Every Monday

 

This volunteer program runs all year round and starts every Monday. However, we recommend arriving on the Sunday to check into your accommodation and prepare for your program to start the following morning.

 

Please note that program start dates could be affected by local holidays. However, we will give you as much notice as possible if any days of your program may overlap with holidays.

 

The minimum duration of this program is 1 week.

What are the requirements to take part in this program?

Program Requirements:

  • Age limit: 18-65
  • Proof of DBS check required
  • Proof of travel insurance required
  • Copy of passport required
  • Minimum intermediate level of English
  • Basic English proficiency; teaching experience is a plus.
  • Enthusiasm for teaching and cultural exchange.
  • Patience and understanding to support English learners at their own pace.
  • Respect for Japanese customs and cultural nuances.

What is my working schedule?

Working Hours

  • Daily engagement includes approximately 3–5 hours, including conversation sessions and lesson planning.
  • Cultural activities and community events take place in the afternoons or evenings.

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

 

Monday to Friday Morning

  • School Visits: On select mornings, visit the local primary school to engage with children through songs, games, and simple English conversations.
  • Cultural or Outdoor Activities: Take part in enriching activities such as exploring Otaki’s scenic surroundings, learning local crafts, or participating in traditional Japanese rituals alongside fellow participants.

Afternoon

  • English Conversation Sessions: Be available at the community house for locals to stop by and practice their English. Chat with students, shopkeepers, and residents, helping them build confidence in a relaxed setting.

Evening

  • Cultural Exchange: Participate in group activities, like Japanese cooking lessons, traditional games, or evening strolls to deepen your connection with the community.

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

What's the accommodation like?

While in Otaki Town, Nagano Prefecture, you will be staying in local accommodation, sharing rooms with 2-4 other participants. Expect a basic standard, but clean accommodation.

 

Locals also often visit this accommodation. There are 13 chickens and a dog in the hosts garden. There is also a small farm where herbs and other crops are grown.

What meals are included?

Weekdays you will enjoy three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and two on weekends, during your stay. Meals will be local cuisine and you can expect that they will include rice and vegetables.

What can I do in my free time?

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

 

Besides your program you can join some cultural or outdoor activities every day. These depend on the season and local circumstances. Some examples:

  • Visit local neighbourhood house
  • Learn about Japanese bathing culture and how Japanese shower
  • Visit a natural hot spring
  • Take a traditional bath over a fire
  • Learn about local plants and flowers
  • Go to the river and cool down
  • Learn how to make origami
  • Join a Matcha tea ceremony
  • Trek up a hill to a viewpoint. Spot animal traces on the way.
  • Dye textiles with natural colours
  • Climb up to a sacred shrine above Otaki
  • Trek on the pilgrims trail leading up into the mountains
  • Join a traditional purification ceremony under a sacred waterfall
  • Make Japanese paper
  • Practice Kendo (Japanese sword fighting)
     

What facilities will I have access to?

  • Hot shower
  • WiFi 
  • Laundry facilities
  • Bed linen
  • Towels
  • 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.

Arrival Information

Pick up is on Sundays at 4pm from Shinjuku Bus Terminal (near the 4th floor information desk).

There are also a couple of local train options that can get you to Shinjuku station and from there you can walk to the Bus Terminal. Those are a bit more involved and might not be the best bet for a first-time traveler. Whichever route you decide, you must then go upstairs to the 4F information desk to meet the local team Transfer Coordinator at 16:00. 

 

Saturday pick ups can be arranged at an extra cost, and subject to one extra night at the accommodation.

 

Please note airport pickup is not available. You must either meet us at the above meeting point or make your own way to the accommodation. Airports you can book your flight are HND (Tokyo Haneda Airport) or NRT (Tokyo Narita Airport)

 

We'll send you full arrival details before your departure.

Secure your spot for only £99 deposit!

PRICES FROM ONLY £549

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