Global Studies Program in Japan
Interested in volunteering abroad?
This program offers Group Leaders a once in a lifetime experience that provides them with a personal and enriching experience. They have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, make lifelong friendships, and learn a great deal about themselves along the way.
Update!
2023 Global Studies Program*
Applications for our 2023 Global Studies program are now closed. We received an overwhelming amount of interest and are grateful for all of you. Until next year!
*Note our new program name has changed from Japan Empowerment to Global Studies
Group Leader Role & Responsibilities
I am so happy that I was selected as a Group Leader for this program, as it taught me leadership, cultural, and professional communication and teaching skills that I know will be useful in my future career. Most importantly, I learned to be more intentional and present in my personal interactions, and I hope to share these values with others moving forward. Overall, it’s a wonderful program that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Andrew Nguyen
GROUP LEADER
Group Leader (GL) Role & Responsibilities
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Sharing from your own life experiences to teach, motivate, and empower students
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Guiding students with small group projects and facilitating discussions
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Familiarizing yourself on a range of topics by reviewing provided handouts and videos
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Participating in extra-curricular and club activities with students
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Being an ambassador for your community and university
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Complying with all rules and regulations established by ISA and GPI US
What to Expect
Accommodations
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GLs will be placed in a hotel near the airport for arrival to and departure from Japan
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Each week of the program you will live with a host family in towns and cities across Japan
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*GLs are occasionally placed in a hotel near their school depending on host family availability
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Daily Schedule
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GLs will spend full day (~9:00am - 3:00pm) at school during the week
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May include the opportunity to join in extracurricular and club activities outside the program!
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Afternoons are typically spent hanging out with your host “siblings” and their friends
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Each evening you will have dinner with your host family
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Saturdays will be a “free” day to spend time with your host family!
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Travel between program locations via train on Sundays
Travel
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Trains and stations are often heavily crowded
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GLs will need to be able to walk long distances with their luggage and carry it up multiple flights of stairs (pack light!)
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Expect to stand up for long periods of time when on trains and at the station
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It may be necessary to transfer quickly between trains and platforms to make connections
Expenses
Covered
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Airfare: Round trip ticket between Japan and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Flight details cannot be changed in any way (NO EXCEPTIONS).
Additional travel stipends provided as follows:
- up to $200 reimbursed if traveling between 250 - 499 miles of LAX
- up to $400 reimbursed if traveling 500+ miles of LAX
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Travel Insurance: Basic travel insurance provided while in Japan.
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Accommodations: Homestays, Hotels, Dorms.
* May share room with another Group Leader.
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Meals: Most meals
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Transportation in Japan: Daily school commute and weekly travel between program placements.
Not Covered
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Pre and Post-Program Travel: Expenses incurred from traveling to the designated departure airport and any additional travel accommodations are not covered.
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Personal Travel: Personal travel within Japan is not covered.
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Salary: No salary is provided.
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Any costs associated with missed, canceled, or delayed flights.
Program Dates
Term 1: July 13 – August 8, 2023***
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July 13: Departure from US
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July 14: Arrival
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July 15: Orientation
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July 16: Transfer to new location
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July 17 – August 5: Global Studies Program
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August 6–7: Free time
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August 8: Departure from Japan
Term 2: July 20 – August 15 2023***
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July 20: Departure from US
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July 21: Arrival
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July 22: Orientation
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July 23: Transfer to new location
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July 24 – August 12: Global Studies Program
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August 13–14: Free time
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August 15: Departure from Japan
GPI US cannot guarantee acceptance to the specific term dates requested by applications.
***Terms dates, schedule and availability are subject to change
*Due to COVID-19 and the residual impact it has caused on travel, any dates/information listed is tentative
How to Apply
Applicants must...
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Be visa exempt for visits up to 45 days in Japan.
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Currently be enrolled in a US 4-year college/university or graduate program, or be a recent graduate.
* Must be able to show a valid US college/university ID.
Recent graduates must satisfy one of the following requirements to qualify:
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Applicant graduated in May (2022) or after: admission to graduate school is not required.
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Applicant graduated before May 2022: must be accepted to a graduate program for Fall 2023 enrollment; must show proof in the form of an admission letter.
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Without proof of acceptance, application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
