Volunteer Programs in Fukuoka, Japan

Tropical weather, green coastlines merging with active volcanic peaks, welcoming locals, and dense history are just a few things that draw travelers to Fukuoka, Japan. It is the largest city in Kyushu, Japan’s main island in the southwest, and it continues to grow. While Fukuoka may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning to volunteer abroad, it is the perfect location for volunteers to make a difference off the beaten path. Instead of just Fukuoka sightseeing, volunteer abroad in this Eastern society, where you’ll fall in love with the people and their old traditions as you help the community thrive.

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1 Volunteer Programs in Fukuoka, Japan

Meiji Internships

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Fukuoka Internship with Meiji Internships

Experience Fukuoka, Japan's 'Startup City’! Fukuoka is the fastest growing city in Japan; its economy is flourishing, and this trend promises to continue. Named one of the world’s top 10 cities to live in, Fukuoka has it all: ・Subtropical climate with mild winters ・One of Japan's top 3 shopping

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A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Fukuoka

What You Need to Know About Volunteering Abroad in Fukuoka

While it may not be as popular to volunteer abroad in first world countries or Eastern societies, Fukuoka may be the perfect location for volunteers who want to volunteer off the tourist track. Not only does the city continue to seek improvement, but Fukuoka has also recently been voted one of the easiest cities to live in the world! This means you’ll find an excellent multicultural metropolis to call home while contributing to a truly unique society.

Popular causes in Fukuoka. Volunteers abroad in Fukuoka have many placement options, from art preservation and environmental research to elderly care and historic conservation, and everything in between. Some volunteer placements in Fukuoka are unique to Japan, as the culture and philosophies create distinct industries. Join WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) where you can cultivate shiitake mushrooms or produce wine, lend a hand in environmental conservation, or find placements in education and elderly care.

Short-term volunteer programs in Fukuoka. When you volunteer in Fukuoka, you can find placements as short as two or three weeks. Normally, short term programs are harder to come by in Japan, but if you have the time to do your research, the perfect program awaits. Stay with a host family and soak in the Japanese traditions for a summer holiday or career break.

Long-term volunteer programs in Fukuoka. Long term volunteer placements are always encouraged to maximize your impact as a volunteer, especially when volunteering abroad. Everything is new when you travel abroad: the language, work, and culture. Choose a longer placement so you have time to adjust to a new lifestyle and get to know and appreciate the culture. Stay for three months or three years – the longer the better!

Latest Program Reviews

Startup City Fukuoka is THE BEST

February 14, 2024by: Peter Brown - United States

Program: Fukuoka Internship with Meiji Internships

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.

So good I don’t even want to talk about it

May 13, 2022by: Sarah Cameron - Canada

Program: Fukuoka Internship with Meiji Internships

Ever been to a place so amazing you don’t want people to know about it? That’s Fukuoka for me! Before doing this internship I had no idea the place even existed. To be honest I had my eyes set on Tokyo and I was a little worried Fukuoka wouldn't match the hype, but boy was I in for a shock. The place is just… amazing. The people are great, the food is amazing, the city has everything you need, like to the extent I was seriously considering leaving Canada behind forever. I know I sound like one of those corny travel bloggers, but Fukuoka is a real hidden gem. Shout out to Meiji for introducing this place to me because I definitely would’ve never came here otherwise. In addition to being a place of dreams, the internship I did was pretty good too. I will admit sometimes it felt like I had a little too much work, but I guess that’s down to my laziness because an internship should be about work. I definitely still had a lot of time to explore Japan though so I really shouldn't complain. The accommodation was perfect too, something about it felt so wholesome, it was so “natsukashii”. If you’re considering Fukuoka for an internship, all I can say is do it, and just be aware I’m jealous of you because I’d love to do it all again.