Volunteer Programs in Nagano, Japan

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

Although Japanese students learn English in primary school, the education system places more emphasis on reading and writing than on speaking. So if locals don’t engage in English conversation with you, it’s not a sign of a lack of education—it usually means they haven’t had the chance to practice speaking. Without regular use, many Japanese people feel uncomfortable speaking English. This program gives locals a chance to practice conversational English in a relaxed, informal setting. You’ll be based at a community house, where participants usually stop by in the afternoons and early evenings. Local students may come to study, work, or just hang out, offering a great chance for cultural exchange. You can ask them about life in Japan and answer their questions about your own country. Depending on the season and weather, you’ll spend around 2 to 3 hours daily in conversation. You may also need up to 1–2 hours a day for lesson planning. Activities take place at the community house and other locations in and around Otaki. Occasionally, the local primary school may invite you to help with pronunciation through songs, games, or other fun activities.