Our Mission
To foster appreciation for the importance of a global mindset.
Come On Out creates life-changing experiences for university students to teach abroad, for students to develop self-confidence and language skills, and for all to become global citizens and grow as individuals. By connecting diverse university students and young professionals with fulfilling opportunities in Japan, we provide meaningful experiences rooted in cultural connections, progressive mentalities, and worldly education. We want to allow aspiring teachers to achieve their goals of mentoring and teaching English abroad.
Robert vilkelis, program director
“My life mission is to transform education. I am full-time apprenticeship coach, author and RuneScape player. Since originally joining as a coach in 2018, Come On Out - Japan has become a big part of that. I never dreamed that I’d be the one steering the ship! This program struck a chord with me six years ago; I can’t wait to see what you get out of it, too.”
Jennifer hua, Director of Community Engagement
“Having been both a coach and a leader, I am happy to be returning for my fourth year with Global English Camp. I love teaching and have been a teaching assistant in Montreal for the past year. I look forward to creating and facilitating your training, and being one of your go-to people for the duration of the program.”
CHRIS BECKER, DIRECTOR of DIGITAL infrastructure
“My two greatest loves are tech and games - Magic: The Gathering in particular! Until recently, I was the ‘IT Guy’ for a network of vet clinics spanning the central North Island of New Zealand; now I am the face and voice of our Discord server. My mission is to build things that make the lives of those around me easier, and I make it happen behind the scenes.”
lisa stephens, director of housing
“This is my second year with Come On UP working to ensure that you all get the housing you feel comfortable in. I’ve just travelled solo in South America, and skiing on mountains & swimming in the ocean is where I’m happiest. My life mission is to try as many new things as possible, and I’m excited to share what Japan has to offer with you!”
MIRANDA MAGAñA, CO-ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
“This is my second year working with the international team at Come on UP to make sure that you have a place to stay and a way to get there. My passion is traveling, and my goal is to visit every national park in the US (10 down so far)! I’ve lived in Spain and Korea before as an English teacher I earned my black belt in taekwondo.”
alyssa stember, co-administrative director
“I’m returning as Co-Administrative Director to help oversee our housing, transportation, and accounting operations. I love meandering the seemingly endless cityscape of Tokyo and having lived in Japan for a cumulative 3.5 years; I hope your time this summer makes you love this country as much as I do.”
ELAINE MA, DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING
“I oversee the accounting operations for this year’s program, so look forward to hearing from me down the line when it comes to reimbursements! Two of my biggest hobbies are baking and specialty coffee, so in my downtime there’s a good chance you’ll catch me meandering my way to the best local cafe.”
JOCELYN TRIPOLI, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
“This is my third year with the program & second year as Director of Operations. Contact me regarding any transportation-related questions! I am passionate about history and keeping abreast of current events and politics. My life mission is to have a very internationally-oriented career reporting on foreign affairs and to learn new things every day.”
BRIAN NEUFUSS, FOUNDER OF COME ON OUT
“My passion is all things outdoors. Beyond creating language learning opportunities through Come On Out - Japan, Come On Out English and Come On Out eTEFL, I have had the joy of sharing my lifetime of outdoors experience with others through Come on Out Adventures. Going abroad changed my outlook on the world. I hope you, too, can have this experience through your summer with us.”
FABY ALVAREZ, COME ON OUT STAFF
“I oversee Come On Out social media and all of the websites, as well as provide Japanese clients with language support and translation. My passions include dance, fashion/makeup, and learning Japanese. I enjoy cafe hopping here in Japan, and I love performing: I’m part of a hip-hop dance crew in Osaka! This is my first year as Staff for COOJ so I am excited to see the program in action this summer.”
Please feel free to contact us through our Contact tab.