GoAbroad
VerifiedProvider
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
2Reviews
2005Year established

Program Overview

Join GoEco in a small, traditional village in Nagano, Japan! Famous for hosting the 1993 Winter Olympics, the area of Nagano has seen a growth in tourists. Many members of the community wish to improve their English language speaking skills. Volunteers on this program will meet members at a local community center and practice speaking with them in a casual, comfortable way.

In addition to these tasks, volunteers will take part in cultural activities throughout each week. On their first Monday, volunteers will take an introductory Japanese language class and have a culture lesson. Weekly cultural activities range from sushi and origami-making lessons to visiting the nearby hot springs! In addition to these activities, depending on availability, volunteers may have the opportunity to live with a local family during their placement

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Program Highlights

Experience traditional, authentic Japanese village culture
Help the local community members improve their English language skills
Gain experience teaching English as a foreign language
Enjoy weekly cultural activities, such as making origami and sushi or venturing to the hot springs
Visit the local ski resorts and other magnificent travel highlights of Nagano

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
In-Country Orientation

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Nagano, Japan

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Disciplinary Clearance Form

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 1-3 Months
  • After College
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • During College
  • Post High School

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

5.0
2 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
2
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0
Program Administration
4.5
Living Situation
4.5
Community Engagement
4.5
Health & Safety
4.5

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Diego CarrascoJanuary 2026

Moments That Made Otaki Home

I did so much! From helping create a cafe to teaching English daily, there was never a dull moment. I loved the atmosphere, food, and most of all learning about the deep Japanese traditions in Otaki village.

DavidJune 2024

I learned the Japanese culture that is a big part of my own heritage.

I got to meet many different people from different parts of the world. I learned the Japanese culture that is a big part of my own heritage. I also taught english and where I am from to the villagers.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Intern Abroad Program
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Notable Mention
Innovation in Sustainability Finalist 2022
Innovation in Sustainability 2021 Finalist
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
GoAbroad Innovative New Program - Volunteer Abroad
GoAbroad Top Rated Organization 2017 (Notable Mention)
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018
World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation

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