Environment Volunteering in Japan

Had a great trip to Italy. I met a ton of people from all over the world and we worked together educating about issues around refugees. We worked during the day and had fun at night and on the weekends. I am still in touch with many of the people I volunteered with. Thanks

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.

This was the first volunteer experience for my daughter and me — and we absolutely loved it!<br>The World Unite! team took care of everything with great attention and kindness. Each activity was thoughtfully explained, so we understood its purpose and impact. Safety was always a priority, the camp was clean and well-organized, and we were treated to delicious meals throughout the week.<br><br>The meaningful engagement with the local community added so much depth to the experience — something we never would have had on a regular trip. Visiting Sado Island on our own wouldn’t have given us nearly as much insight or connection.<br><br>This has truly been our best holiday so far. Volunteering is, in our opinion, the most rewarding way to learn about a country and its people.

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 enjoyed some of the activites , but not others. The rivre walk and the walk to the koppies was 10/10. No intrenet was challenging , so 7/10. Jane , Precious , Patrick and Lucas were 10/10. I woul recommend this project to anyone who needs a detox from Social media.

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.

New culture, new people, New Life. When we exchange our perspectives, ideas and plans to make a world better place for everyone. It's good to go different places it helps me view life in many directions

Hice 5 años en haiti, me se su idioma, se toda su cultura, me gustaría volver y apoyarlos en todas las dificultades que tienen, ya que ameritan mucha ayuda de todos nosotros, para ellos poder sobrevivir

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

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.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization responded to this reviewMay 21, 2025

Thank you so much for this lovely review Maroua! We're beyond happy to hear how impactful the experience was for you, especially at just 16! It’s incredible to see young volunteers stepping out of their comfort zones, embracing new cultures, and growing through teamwork and responsibility. We're so glad you felt supported throughout, and we couldn’t agree more, it's not just a trip, it’s the beginning of something truly meaningful. Thanks again for being part of it! - GoEco Team

This an increasingly popular way for individuals to make a meaningful impact in communities around the world. With numerous organizations offering volunteer programs, it's essential to review and research these opportunities to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. *Pros:* 1. *Cultural Immersion*: Living and working with local communities provides an immersive cultural experience. 2. *Skill Development*: Volunteers can develop new skills and gain experience in areas such as teaching, conservation, and community development. 3. *Networking Opportunities*: Volunteers can connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. 4. *Personal Growth*: Volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. *Cons:* 1. *Cost*: Many volunteer programs come with a hefty price tag, which can be a barrier for some. 2. *Safety Concerns*: Volunteers may face safety risks, such as health concerns or political instability, depending on the destination. 3. *Cultural Differences*: Adapting to local customs and way of life can be challenging for some volunteers. 4. *Quality of Programs*: Some volunteer programs may lack structure, support, or meaningful work, leading to a disappointing experience. *Recommendations:* 1. *Research Thoroughly*: Investigate the organization, program, and destination to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. 2. *Read Reviews*: Look for reviews from past volunteers to gain insight into the program's quality and challenges. 3. *Choose a Reputable Organization*: Select an organization with a proven track record, transparent policies, and adequate support for volunteers. 4. *Prepare Yourself*: Culturally, emotionally, and physically prepare yourself for the experience to ensure a smooth transition. By being aware of the pros and cons, doing thorough research, and choosing a reputable organization, volunteers can have a safe, rewarding, and life-changing experience abroad.

As a Social worker i often meet with clients to assess their needs, provide counseling, and develop individualized plans to address their challenges. This could involve sessions with individuals, families, or groups.

I love helping the old people , and I love those who do this because it gives them a spirit of life and enhances their psychology for the better. I also love animals and playing with them gently and I hope that I will enjoy this volunteering because it will have a great impact on my psychological state

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.

My experience with VFP way back in 2009 was remarkable. Living in Germany and building a labyrinth at a World Heritage Site as the only native English speaker in my group was a truly immersive experience. I didn't feel like I was coming into a place from the outside so much as I felt part of a community. Our group really bonded and while we had a primary task, many of the day to day decisions were made by the group, one of my first experiences with really being responsible for myself.

This was absolutely the best internship I could have dreamt of! Robert made this journey unforgettable and offered me the best internship in a local IT company. I had a very intense two months that exposed me to so much learning and coding with Phyton, C++ and Java. THANK YOU for the great work you did!!!

Just finished my 6-Month internship in Tokyo and it was simply amazing. Great people, great food and the lifestyle is a rollercoaster of fun, excitement and adrenaline all the time. They say Tokyo never sleeps and I can approve that 100%! Meiji did a great job in placing me at a great IT startup that helped me developing their European business branch from zero. At the beginning I was like, "Hold on, you want what?" and then I ended up bringing in the first clients after 4 months which sounds like a long time but considering the whole marketing campaign I made together with their designer team it was actually quick. The highlight of my internship was the trading convention the boss took me together to Okinawa, which I will never forget. Now looking back after this great time it is time to get back to my business degree as these people decided to hire me after my studies are done! I can't thank everybody more than enough and I recommend anybody to consider the Meiji experience as it changed my life! Literally!!! I should mention with a grain of salt that we had in the same host company at least 4 other Meiji interns at my time and two of them didn't work well with the working culture and stress in Japan... so before you choose to come to Japan I do recommend to know what you want as Tokyo can become sometimes quite extreme. For me I loved every second and would do it anytime again! Arigatou to Yanagida-shacho for your kind and strict guidance throughout my journey. Can't wait to be back!

I don't know where to start but this IT internship for the past three months was a game-changer for me! I have made so many contacts, developed my Java Script and C++ coding skills to the next level while networking with the local entrepreneurial crowd filled with international IT geeks, locals business man and even a few angel investors, Fukuoka just blew my mind! The best thing about Meiji was how much of a grip and connection they have in Kyushu and really know the whole local companies pretty much. I have hung out with the staff and fellow interns for a couple of dinners and food gatherings and I cannot intensify how much it is important to get out of your comfort zone.