Involvement Volunteers International

For 2 weeks, I volunteered in Otaki Village, a rural town hidden near Kiso-Fukushima in Nagano Prefecture. For the 2 weeks, I worked with the team, helping local students in...Read more

For 2 weeks, I volunteered in Otaki Village, a rural town hidden near Kiso-Fukushima in Nagano Prefecture. For the 2 weeks, I worked with the team, helping local students in Kiso learn English through conversation and cultural exchange. It was such a refreshing break from city life. There was no noise, no rush, just quiet mountains, fresh air, and time that moved a little slower. Outside of teaching, I got to explore beautiful temples and shrines, eat home-cooked Japanese meals, and even made a few local friends who showed me the ruralparts of Japan I never would’ve noticed. It was my first time in Japan, and I’m glad that I was able to experience such first with Otaki Village!! The local team was honestly one of the best parts of the experience. Everyone was kind, patient, and friendly. They allowed me to settle down in a foreign place quickly and made me geel safe. Our accommodation was a small, traditional inn with tatami floors and futons, which took a bit of getting used to, but ended up feeling like home. It felt like I was truly experiencing the Japanese culture. Meals were cooked by the chef of the inn and were always something to look forward to. They were simple, fresh, and delicious. I feel as if focusing more on the “meeting with local students” would’ve made me enjoy the volunteer even further. As a highschooler, it was very cool for me to get to meet highschoolers in a different country. Getting to know them was one of my favorite experiences throughout the volunteer!

Volunteering in Fiji was the most amazing experience. I throughly enjoyed each and every moment! The local team were friendly and welcoming, providing great food and company throughout my stay....Read more

Volunteering in Fiji was the most amazing experience. I throughly enjoyed each and every moment! The local team were friendly and welcoming, providing great food and company throughout my stay. The accommodation was basic, yet comfortable and had everything you needed.

Yanuya island is a special place for me. Since this my second visit this year, I can see the children are growing into such brilliant and capable people. I taught...Read more

Yanuya island is a special place for me. Since this my second visit this year, I can see the children are growing into such brilliant and capable people. I taught them to paint, some English, a little bit of French and we played games and talked a lot. They are funny, well-mannered, smart and interesting kids that looked after me from the minute I arrived. Everyone on the island has taught me so much about the history of Fiji as we sat under the stars - always make me feel welcomed. Tima and Lemeki’s family had me for Sunday lunch which was special for me as I stayed with them last year. I was invited to a Methodist church celebration which was fascinating and moving. I got to go to cast away island and many other trips that Josh’s son took me on as that is in their generous nature. I also love the cheeky side of Fijian culture, the songs they sing always move me and saying goodbye is always hard. So we say until next time! Great people, great food and the accommodation had everything we needed. It’s the people I go back for, nothing else ! Josh is an incredible host and I have always felt safe with him and wanted. His children and wife Lotte are fantastic and they make a great team.

Is was great, the local team make sure that I had the veste expérience ever. While I was there we experienced some huge flooding so we helped the community to...Read more

Is was great, the local team make sure that I had the veste expérience ever. While I was there we experienced some huge flooding so we helped the community to recover from it and it was a really strong experience. I never thought before in front of the class but I really enjoyed, the children were adorable The local team was really great !! Always nice and welcoming. The food also was really really good and the accommodation was perfect.