
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 (GL) Role & Responsibilities
-
Sharing from your own life experiences to teach, motivate, and empower students
-
Guiding students with small group projects and facilitating discussions
-
Familiarizing yourself on a range of topics by reviewing provided handouts and videos
-
Participating in extra-curricular and club activities with students
-
Being an ambassador for your community and university
-
Complying with all rules and regulations established by ISA and GPI US
What to Expect
Accommodations
-
GLs will be placed in a hotel near the airport for arrival to and departure from Japan
-
Each week of the program you will live with a host family in towns and cities across Japan
-
*GLs are occasionally placed in a hotel near their school depending on host family availability
-
Daily Schedule
-
GLs will spend full day (~9:00am - 3:00pm) at school during the week
-
May include the opportunity to join in extracurricular and club activities outside the program!
-
-
Afternoons are typically spent hanging out with your host “siblings” and their friends
-
Each evening you will have dinner with your host family
-
Saturdays will be a “free” day to spend time with your host family!
-
Travel between program locations via train on Sundays
Travel
-
Trains and stations are often heavily crowded
-
GLs will need to be able to walk long distances with their luggage and carry it up multiple flights of stairs (pack light!)
-
Expect to stand up for long periods of time when on trains and at the station
-
It may be necessary to transfer quickly between trains and platforms to make connections

Expenses
Covered
-
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
-
Travel Insurance: Basic travel insurance provided while in Japan.
-
Accommodations: Homestays, Hotels, Dorms.
* May share room with another Group Leader.
-
Meals: Most meals
-
Transportation in Japan: Daily school commute and weekly travel between program placements.
Not Covered
-
Pre and Post-Program Travel: Expenses incurred from traveling to the designated departure airport and any additional travel accommodations are not covered.
-
Personal Travel: Personal travel within Japan is not covered.
-
Salary: No salary is provided.
-
Any costs associated with missed, canceled, or delayed flights.
Program Dates
Term 1: July 13 – August 8, 2023***
-
July 13: Departure from US
-
July 14: Arrival
-
July 15: Orientation
-
July 16: Transfer to new location
-
July 17 – August 5: Global Studies Program
-
August 6–7: Free time
-
August 8: Departure from Japan
Term 2: July 20 – August 15 2023***
-
July 20: Departure from US
-
July 21: Arrival
-
July 22: Orientation
-
July 23: Transfer to new location
-
July 24 – August 12: Global Studies Program
-
August 13–14: Free time
-
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...
-
Be visa exempt for visits up to 45 days in Japan.
-
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:
-
Applicant graduated in May (2022) or after: admission to graduate school is not required.
-
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.
-
Without proof of acceptance, application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
