Japan – Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Immersion

I appreciated working along side many other volunteers as well as being near the monk and his wife on Sado island. A very authentic experience additionally influenced by the good and supportive staff.

Being able to meet other volunteers from around the world with similar values. Being able to stay at the temple in Sado was such a unique experience and I’m glad I got to see a side of Japan that is not commonly seen by tourists.

I had many memorable experiences. But what was most memorable to me was the time spent with local people, and having the opportunity to experience their friendliness and hospitality. As well as the connection they have to the toki bird, which gave me more perspective on the importance of recovery efforts we were contributing to.

I loved working in most of the activities especially the ones that I had to do the most work in. rice paddy and ocean clean up where the best. But biking and exploring by myself was one of the best things i’ve ever done in my life. i felt so free and was in heaven.

This fully funded volunteer trip was one of the best experiences of my life. At 16, I never imagined working with people from different cultures and learning so much about responsibility and teamwork. Everything was well-organized, and I felt supported every step of the way. This experience truly opened my eyes and changed me in a positive way. I highly recommend it to any young person – it's more than just travel, it's the start of something amazing.

It’s really difficult to choose between memorable experiences because I’ve had so many good ones. I really liked one of the first nights that I first got to shadow, it was the first group that arrived to the temple and we were all getting to know each other through a card tournament. It was a lot of fun because we got to know each other and came out seeing as many of us are very competitive and wanted to win. I thought that it was a great way to get to know everybody and a time that I think about fondly.

So hard to pick... memories relating to the bond found between members of the group in the first week is something I'll remember dearly forever. <br>My highest memory is playing dodgeball and tag in the gym with the elementary school kids and community, connecting with each other through laughter and sweat dripping from everywhere, as we chased the children and got to free our inner child.

The rice puddy maintenance event is the most attractive for me. As a city grow up boy, it is not easy to have farming experience. Each step in the mud is not easy :D. Also, we can taste the herb and vegetables as well which quite different with the restaurant.

Wonderful experience to work/learn with local people variety of workshops to let me know more about Japan Nozmi is well prepaing to arrange many different activities and working experience to lead us have a depth knowing about Japan. Besides, she is kind and very helpful. She take care of us everything we need.I definitely will recommend this program to Hongkongers

My most memorable experience was rice harvesting with locals. I really got a glimpse into life on Sado as a farmer and the locals were always super nice. We worked hard and they were always very appreciative and I will always remember that.

I had visited japan 9 months ago for world youth form which took place in national Olympic youth center in japan Kyoto , I was selected based on my excellent communication skills and good GPA along with my great work skills based on the Skype interview conducted by students at national Olympic youth center. Once selected, I received my confirmation letter and was completely excited to travel japan as I had always loved the culture as seen on tv and heard by my colleagues who had travelled before. My experience in japan was amazing as I had met other students who had been selected like me and were super talented in coordinating and organizing the field trip. The Japanese students were so warm and welcoming as they were so friendly and helpful; I was amazed with the culture and friendliness of people there. The country is vibrant, colorful and historical. The student president took us to many towns and cities like Koyoto, Shinjuku, Shibuya-Ku Yoyogikamizonocho, Chiyoda, Kanda Myojin, Sumida Yokoami, Taito Asakusa, University of Tokyo Hongo campus, Nishishinjuku, Roppongi festival, Meiji Jingu, Odawara etc. studying about Tokyo culture was quite interesting and I was so excited to introduce UAE culture to Japanese students in schools

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I loved the great hiking, community engagements such as picking vegetables, weeding, evening parties and making origami with children in a classroom. I was made to feel very welcome and this priceless experience will stay with me always. A written calendar of events and times for each day, and even the week, would have been helpful. Also, there were 2 afternoons where the lull in the day created some restlessness in me and I would have appreciated knowing in advance so I could plan.

It was such an amazing experience being able to talk and interact with all the locals in the village. They were all so nice and welcoming, it was truly an amazing trip! This trip was filled with to many amazing moments, it was all so amazing!