This semester I volunteered at NPO Reframe, an alternative school offering children the opportunity to interact with each other and volunteers in an environment free from the pressure and expectations of a traditional school. Generally, I found it to be a relaxing place, and having the opportunity to speak to a number of different volunteers as well as the students themselves each week was a lot of fun. Developing these community bonds, as well as chatting with some of the kids about manga and art, was a highlight of my time at this CIP.

As NPO Reframe is a very low pressure environment, anyone looking to volunteer here should be prepared to spend time in silence with the kids, or watch them play games on their iPads. Some of the kids will not want to interact with you or other volunteers, and this isn’t something you have to fix or change. Roblox skills would probably be a plus.

For my Community Involvement Project this semester I volunteered at Ohara Gakuin, an elementary and middle school in Ohara, a small town north of Kyoto. After a scenic bus ride up to the town, I spent my Wednesdays having lunch with the school’s students, assisting with their English classes, and observing other classes on a variety of subjects. Ohara Gakuin provided me with a look into the Japanese education system and the inner workings of an ordinary school. Studying the way in which teachers approached students of drastically different age groups and learning about English instruction in Japan was fascinating, and getting to know some of the kids over the course of my short time at the school was a lot of fun.

I would advise students looking into this CIP to definitely check it out, as it was a truly unique experience, particularly if you’re interested in working with children in the future or looking into the JET program. Try to take every opportunity to chat with the kids and other teachers, even if it’s awkward or neither party fully understands what’s being said. The kids generally want to get to know you, but can be shy or unsure of how much Japanese you understand— don’t be afraid to go for it and mess up!