Info Session FAQ
Here are the answers to questions that were asked during the online info sessions. These questions may differ from the regular FAQ page.
General Program
Q: Is this an individual or group program?
A: In this program, you will apply and arrive in Japan individually. You will spend the first week of training with the entire program, and then be segmented into smaller groups with whom you will spend the majority of the program. In most cases, you will travel to different venues with them and teach in the same classrooms as them.
Q: What are the dates from orientation to the last day of the program?
A: The dates for the 2020 Global English Camp are yet to be determined due to the impact of COVID-19, but generally, the program happens in July and August for 5-7 weeks, four of which are teaching, at least one of which is training. There are usually two program date options for you to choose from, in case your school starts early or ends late.
Q: Is the training in Japan or the US?
A: The training happens in Japan, in our Tokyo venue near Shinjuku station.
Q: How long does travel between places usually take during the weekends if you are moving to a different town/city?
A: Travel can be a short as 1 - 2 hours via shinkansen (bullet train) or plane and no longer than 4 - 5 hours. Our intern groups are typically divided regionally to ease travel time.
Q: Have you encountered any challenges during the program?
A: As with any travel abroad experience, teaching program or summer internship, everyone has a unique, individual experience. We provide an extensive onboarding process to prepare our interns for challenges., such as culture shock (we go over Japanese culture/etiquette thoroughly in our Welcome Packet as well as during training week), energy and health (it is important to get rest - teaching takes a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm!) and so on. Please email us if you have any specific concerns before participating in our program!
Q: Will the costs for the tourist visa be covered?
A: 90-day tourist visas are generally free (for US/CAN/UK citizenships). If your country of citizenship does not qualify for a free tourist visa in Japan, we will work with you on an individual basis to secure the necessary visa.
Q: Can we also suggest activities/games for classes or is there a "strict" program?
A: Yes of course - it is highly encouraged! While our textbook, we believe, is thorough and effective, we love when our interns suggest new games or speaking activities to use during class. If one of our games is not working with your students, we entrust interns (and returning leaders and staff) to try something new that fits their student group dynamic. We have a very experienced staff to provide classroom support throughout the program too!
Q: For the housing, if you live in Japan can you stay where you are and commute to the venues or do you have to move into the provided housing?
A: Yes - please let us know so we can best accommodate your situation.
Q: About what time in the process do you buy the plane ticket?
A: The time you buy your plane ticket varies from applicant to applicant. Once you are accepted and you confirm your acceptance, you must upload our required onboarding documents (passport, transcript, character reference) and we must process your background check. Once that is complete, you can start the plane ticket purchase process. It usually happens between February and April (keep in mind, all onboarding processes will be delayed this year due to COVID-19).
Q: What are expectations for Japanese language ability going into the program, and are the opportunities for Japanese language learning during the program?
A: There is no Japanese language requirement - in fact, the majority of our interns do not speak any Japanese. The classroom is run entirely in English, and Japanese is not allowed. Depending on where you are placed, there are options for weekly Japanese lessons, though these tend to be at a low to intermediate level. Additionally, by living in Japan, you will pick up some of the language as well as have the opportunity to practice your Japanese in a real world environment (you might even learn some slang!).
Q: How rigid is the weekly schedule?
A: Though you are required to be at your venue for a specific length of time (generally M-F from 9am to 6pm - some venues offer you to leave the building to buy lunch), you have the rest of the day and weekend to do what you please. You may explore the city, attend a Japanese lesson, go on a planned excursion, visit another city, attend a cultural lesson, go out to eat, and more!
Q: Are shorter stays available ie. 3/4 weeks?
A: No - if you do the program you must stay the full length of (most likely) 5 weeks for first year interns.
Q: Is there a way to increase the chances of getting placed in a particular city?
A: You may indicate during the onboarding process that you prefer a certain city. We cannot guarantee any requests, but will take all preferences into account. Stating that you are willing to travel, and being open to all housing options, will increase chances of placement.
Q: Can you request to be in the same group as another intern/ live with that intern?
A: Yes, you may request to be in the same group and/or live with another intern, but we cannot guarantee any placements.
Q: Is it common to be paired with another mentor?
A: Depending on the venue, you could have 2-7 students alone, or be paired with another mentor to work with your group of students. Generally, the venues that pair mentors have more students and are in larger cities like Osaka or Tokyo.
Q: Will teaching will occur over zoom or in-person?
A: If we are unable to hold the camp in-person due to coronavirus-related restrictions, we plan on creating an alternative camp that occurs over zoom (Remote English Camp). Details on this potential online camp will come late in the onboarding process.
Q: If my school starts August 20, is it possible to leave a few days early?
A: Yes, we work with each individual on a case-by-case basis for situations such as these. We understand many of you have school and job restrictions, so just please keep us updated on your summer obligations and schedule conflicts.
Q: If we decide to arrive early, are food and housing allowances provided?
A: Food and housing allowances are provided starting on the day of arrival, and ending on the last day of the program.
Q: Do we get school credit for this? I assume it depends on the school right?
A: Yes, this depends on the school - universities often require 8-weeks for course credit, however, we will work with interns (and schools) on an individual basis to provide course credit.
Q: How much is the air ticket after subsidies?
A: It depends on where you are flying from, but most airfare can be bought for under $1600. $1600 is the reimbursement amount if you are flying round trip from your home location.
Q: Do US passport holders have to go through any visa process?
A: As you come in as a tourist (unpaid intern), you will receive 90 days visa on entry.
Q: Is it recommended or allowed for interns to befriend students? (Like to hang out?)
A: There are strict privacy rules between students and interns. You may not see your interns out of class, or add them on social media. At the end of the whole program, students with parents’ permission may access your email address. The one exception to this is if you are teaching university students.
Q: What are the dates again of the program?
A: The dates are TBD but generally the program occurs early/mid July - mid/end of August.
Q: For visa application, I will have to apply for visa if this program is considered as working, but it is visa free for 90 days if I will be considered a tourist. Since this is an unpaid is it considered as a job?
A: This is considered as unpaid and you will apply as a tourist/for holiday, so as long as you stay under 90 days, you should receive visa on arrival.
Q: Is there any way to meet the interns in our group before the trip? E.g. is there a group chat or anything like that?
A: We have a facebook group that interns usually connect on before the program!
Q: Is there a group chat or some form of communication for interns or staff to meet and arrange if we want to travel early to Japan together?
A: For the facebook group that I mentioned, I personally in the past have joined facebook group chats in the past for people with special interests (dietary restrictions, exercise, etc.) and interns in the past have linked to climb Fuji, etc!
Q: Just to be clear we only pay $500 for the flight, right?
A: Yes, only $500 up front and you will receive $400 back after the end of the program provided there was no damage, program termination, etc.
Q: What’s the age range of interns? Are there many graduates?
A: We have a wide range of interns from 18-30 years old, but the majority of interns are undergraduates. There are plenty of graduates, however.
Q: Are additional activities like language classes, cooking classes, etc. free or do we need to pay for them?
A: You may attend two activities before you must contribute.
Q: In the website, is there a page where we can get detailed explanation for accommodation, food flight tickets etc. that will be provided?
A: Here there is a list of expenses provided. If you'd like more detail, feel free to contact us at info@comeonoutjapan.com!
Q: Apart from the $500 do we have to deposit any more for travelling, sight seeing, etc.?
A: No other deposits are required, but we recommend bringing extra money as you may want to do extra activities or spend extra money, and reimbursements are given every week at the end rather than at the beginning of the week.
Q Just to clarify, we move from one high school or program to another every week?
A: You may either move to a different location every week or stay in the same location depending on your personal schedule!
Q: I was wondering how big of a class will interns be teaching?
A: Interns are paired with groups of generally 3-7 students, sometimes working with another intern. Classrooms have anywhere from 3-10 of these groups, depending.
Q: Do we have free time to roam the city during this program?
A: Yes, you will have weekends and time after class (usually after 6pm)
Q: Is there an associated program to help hook you up w/ permanent job to stay and work in Japan long-term?
A: There is not, but there may be opportunities to talk with other interns and alumni who have continued to stay and work in Japan after the program. We don't have any directly affiliated associates, but we do have several past interns who have gone this route and would be happy to give you advice!
Q: Could you speak a bit about how these classes fit in with the rest of the school curriculum of the Japanese students we will be teaching? Is this an optional program they opt into, or are they required to take part in these English classes as a part of their school's curriculum?
A: This is an optional summer camp that is run by an English Language school in Japan.
Q: You mentioned that you can either choose to stay in one location to move to different locations. Are there any additional requirements we need to meet to be eligible to choose the option to work in different locations?
A: No extra requirements! Just be ready to be flexible with lots of travelling. Anyone can request to move around to different locations, it just depends on preference!
Q: With a schedule like this at the camp, what happens if you have uni classes on at the same time/ if the programs 6 weeks clashes with the term.
A: Unfortunately, we highly advise against doing remote school or work during the program due to the busy nature of the schedule. However, if your university starts a few days into the last week, we are willing to work with you on that.
Q: Can you ask to be located in a specific city in Japan?
A; You can request any location, but we cannot guarantee any placements due to last minute student sign-ups.
Q: Do you teach a class with another intern? Or do you do it solo?
A: Sometimes you'll teach with another intern, and sometimes you will teach solo, depending on the demands of the location.
Q: Is it possible to request going to the same location as another intern?
A: You can request to be in the same location but we cannot guarantee anything. We will try our best to place you with requests, though!
Q: Is the internship paid/unpaid?
A: This internship is unpaid, however we reimburse a majority of expenses.
Q; Just so I know I have understood this incorrect: as long as your plane ticket (total there and back) costs under $1600, your ticket(s) will be covered by the organization, and if it goes over $1600 you will have to cover the difference?
A: Yes, that is correct (subtracting that $100 onboarding fee) unless you are travelling to a location you will fly our of afterwards, in which case we cover $1000 (to encourage travel in Japan).
Q: How much is available for food?
A: Around $23 USD every weekday.
Q: If we wanted to do a home stay, does that mean we have to stay in one location for all the weeks?
A: No, you will likely only do homestay if you choose to travel instead of staying in Kanto/Kansai. You would only have a homestay for one week.
Q: If you are coming in from a different country than your home country will these flights be subsided?
A: Yes, as long as you are coming from a different location with a reason that is not travel (professional reasons like school, work, family), you will receive the full $1600 reimbursement.
Q: Is there any list of the tentative places (other than Tokyo) that interns might be placed at next year?
Please contact us for a list of locations that we have placed interns in past years.
Q: Someone else mentioned a similar program being developed for Vietnam and Korea? Will these programs be offered this summer?
A: Not this summer, unfortunately!
Q; Have you had grads participate that work full time? Have they been required to take off completely or is there flexibility if it can be taken care of outside of teaching hours?
A: We have had interns that participate with part-time jobs, or who have taken hiatuses from their jobs at home, but we suggest that you do not maintain a full time job while doing this program. Generally you will be at or on the way to work from 8 am - 7 pm every weekday, plus whatever time you would like to explore or socialize.
Q: Would we have to quarantine before beginning the program?
A: We have discussed holding training in a location where everyone can quarantine and learn together, but this is currently unknown.
Q: What are your life missions, and how have they changed (if at all) after being a part of this program?
A: We love to talk about our personal experiences! Please contact us over email or Instagram and we can connect you with an alumni (or us) to discuss our personal life missions and how they have been affected by this program.
Q: After the program, do we receive a certificate of participation or could we go to any leaders if we required a future recommendation or reference?
A: There is no certificate of participation, but I have written a reference for an intern that was in my team last year!
Q: How many weeks long is the program?
A: 5-7 weeks including at least one week of training.
Q: What is a character reference that is part of your onboarding requirements?
A: Just like a brief letter of recommendation!
Q: Is there a set schedule for the week?
A: For training week, you will be at our Shinjuku venue during business hours to learn about the curriculum and culture. Over the weekend starting Friday, you will attend the retreat, and leave to your first venue. For the weekly camp schedule, please see our GEC info page.
Q: Will we be working with the same students for the whole internship?
A: No, the camp only lasts five days for each student, so you will get new students every week.
Q: What will housing be like when we start to teach? Do we do homestay, a dorm or something else?
A: It depends on your location and the housing available in that city.
Q: Do we get to express preferences for homestay housing? (Dietary restrictions, non-smoking, pet allergies, etc.)
A: Yes, we absolutely accommodate all of these things.
Q: If I am applying with my partner, can we guarantee housing together?
A: We cannot guarantee anything, but in the past we have been able to place partners in the same location and housing upon request.
Q: Do you stay with the same homestay family for the entire program?
A: No - since you are getting new students each week, you would only be in the homestay for one week. To clarify, homestays are with students from the same classroom you will be working in.
Q: Are there any scholarships that we can apply for to help pay for the program? Like for the deposit?
A: In the past, we have not done this, but if you have concerns about this (or fronting living costs) please contact us and we may be able to work with you upon acceptance.
Q: What’s the frequency of the language classes? And how many people take the classes?
A: Details of the language classes are yet to be confirmed, will depend on the situation at the time of the camp.
Q: Do we need to know what we want to do in future?
A: Not necessarily, however, you should have different ideas of what you might want to do and how you would achieve those goals. This helps the students define their own life missions!
Q: Do you think that it is more difficult to mentor university students who are close in age or potentially older than you?
A: That’s true. The vast majority of our students are high school students. Our returning interns are usually the mentors placed with university students that attend.
Q: I don't have a Canadian, US, or UK passport, will I be helped in the visa process?
A: We can provide support in this process!
Q: We have to use a travel agency as opposed to online?
A: Yes, we use a travel agency for ease of accounting, you may purchase your own airplane ticket with money or points but unfortunately we cannot reimburse you.
Q: Will there be an issue if I'm paying an agent in USD/GBP/CAD?
A: Nope! The travel agency accepts all currencies.
Q: If we plan on traveling there with a family member, is it possible for them to book with the agency as well?
A; Absolutely, we use one of the top travel agencies in Japan, and anyone can book with them. Unfortunately, we cannot cover their transportation costs, of course.
Q: If we were required to quarantine on arrival would accommodation cost for that time be covered?
A; We are still putting together the details of this as nothing has been finalized yet, but the answer is highly likely a yes.
Q: Does this function as cram school for Japanese students or is it supplementary tutoring Japanese students can pay for?
A: Toshin, our sponsors, run a cram school so most students find out about the program through cram school. However, our program is supplementary - not just cram school students apply and attend.
Q: What is the typical English language comprehension level? Is it a wide range?
A: Quite a wide range. Most students have studied English academically for most of their life, but as with any language-learning process, there is a variety in terms of skill level. To add, we group students by skill level and we think the program works effectively for all levels.
Q: How many interns are there per house?
A: It varies per house! Smaller houses have 3 and our biggest houses have had 10+!
Q: For these subsidies, are we expected to pay up-front and be reimbursed later? If so what’s the general timeline for that?
A: Subsidies are given weekly, so it depends on your spending habits (assume you will have to pay some transportation and food up front before reimbursement to be safe at the start).
Q: What happens during the Obon holidays in terms of students likely returning home?
A: The program still occurs as many students still participate (numbers are just lower during Obon week).
Q: What kind of disability accommodation is there?
A: During the onboarding process, there is a health and wellness questionnaire where you can provide us with your needs and requirements so that we can accommodate you properly. We hope to offer counselors during the program, but this is not confirmed. That being said, we encourage each prospective intern to reach out to us individually to see if this program is the right fit for you.
Q: What are some examples of field trips that have been offered in the past?
A: It changes based on interest each year, but some past examples are: Team Lab, onsens, Kyoto Kinkaku-ji castle and anime museum, etc.
Q: When will we know the set dates for the program?
A: Unfortunately, we have no way of knowing exact times we will announce the program, but it will occur around the same timeline as the Olympic announcements. We will announce a finalized decision by before plane ticket purchase, which happens a few months before departure.
Q: Can I take online classes during this program?
A: Yes, we have had many interns take online classes during the program. Be sure that your workload isn’t huge, because you will be working full time and certainly want to explore Japan in your free time. Additionally, be sure to bring a pocket wifi device.
Q: When we travel around Japan, will we be in groups or will we by ourselves?
A: You will always travel in groups of at least 2-3 people.
Q: Do you know about how long the commute is from our housing to the venue or does it depend on location?
A: Depending on your venue, your commute can be anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.
Application process:
Q: Will all applications sent in before November 30th be considered the same way? An application sent October 31st will be considered the same way as one sent in November 8th?
A: We will review applications in order, however, all applications submitted before November 30th will be in the same phase and considered equally for interviews.
Q: If we're waiting to hear back from other internships, can we still apply so we don't miss out on the early application timeframe?
A: Yes, absolutely!
Q: I have a Japanese passport but have lived in a different country my entire life - am I eligible to apply?
A: Absolutely! Citizenship has no bearing on acceptance to this program, only your qualifications and native English level.
Q: If you've been to Japan before, is that a pro or a con?
A: That’s great that you’ve been to Japan and are interested in returning! Past travel to Japan (or familiarity with the language) is certainly a benefit to you for getting around and knowledge of the culture, but for admission to the program it is neither a pro not a con.
Q: Might it be harder for younger students/1st years to have a successful application compared to older and likely more experienced students/graduates?
A: In general for any internship, it is often more difficult for younger applicants, due to less work and academic experience. However, we want to have a variety of participants in our camp in all aspects - and that includes age! Our accepted interns range from Freshman in college to PhD graduates!
Q: Could we get a better idea of what to write as our "life mission?" I'm in the process of writing that part of the application and to be honest I'm really struggling. It's a bit open-ended.
A: In short, think about how you want to contribute to the world. If you are unsure, let us know the steps you will take to determine that and talk about your various passions and vocations. Feel free to also research “ikigai,” a Japanese concept that is similar to life mission and often helps individuals find clarity when thinking about their life missions!
Q: About how many people apply? Get to first round? Accepted into the program?
A: Remember, don’t be discouraged by these numbers: in 2019, 1200+ total people applied and about half of those got to the first round. In the end just over 200 interns got accepted, meaning the acceptance rate was about 15%. As a reminder, the acceptance rate is much higher in the earlier rounds!
Q: Are you contacted if you aren't accepted?
A: Yes, we will keep you updated on the status of your application. If you are not accepted, we will let you know - don’t be discouraged; many interns apply 2 or 3 years before being accepted and we appreciate that determination and enthusiasm. We also have a waitlist and will let you know if you are placed on the waitlist.
Q: What are the interviews like? The application too?
A: In brief, we have a large bank of questions and ask varying questions in each interview. We often focus on classroom situations and remember, we are looking for enthusiastic, high energy applicants with a strong desire to mentor/impact students, while being patient, flexible, adaptable and up for anything!
Q: On the website it says, that 2020 accepted interns can get a spot for the 2021 intern class, would this affect how competitive the program is for this upcoming summer?
A: Yes, it could unfortunately affect the competitiveness of the program, however, not all interns from 2020 are continuing to 2021 and it's possible that we may have fewer applicants due to the program's uncertainty if it can happen.
Q: Is this program open to graduate students as well?
A: Yes! This program is open to both graduate students as well as recent graduates. We welcome a diverse range of students.
Q: I am not a native speaker, but have completed American university, Can I still apply?
A: Yes, the English requirement for this program is that you must have the English level of a native speaker - you are not necessarily required to be a native English speaker.
Q: In determining what is "native-level" I take it we need to submit our English test result (e.g. TOEFL)?
A: Yes, you can certainly submit your test results as evidence of native-level English. We also determine this informally during our application review and especially during the interview process.
Q: If you already live/work in Japan can you still apply to have a summer teaching experience?
A: Yes!
Q: I’m applying for the JET program for next year, if I’m accepted to both would that be possible to work out especially with visas?
A: Yes - we have had interns do this in years prior, however, it can change depending on the individual situation. Let us know so we can work with you to determine the best course of action.
Q: Is this program open to students from the University of Manchester? (It wasn’t listed on the FAQs when I had a look)
A: This program is open to all university students - our FAQ lists schools we have had interns from in the past and we hope to continue to expand.
Q: What would be the equivalent be for accepted GPA in the UK?
A: You can either convert your marks to the GPA scale or let us know your honours distinction (first class, second, etc.). Again, the primary reason we ask for student GPA is to ensure each applicant is in good standing at their university.
Q:Is it possible to apply to the program as a college graduate?
A: Absolutely!
Q: Would I still be eligible if I'm currently taking a gap year from my program?
A: No problem.
Q: Is there a GPA cut-off for getting into the program?
A: No, there is no GPA cut-off.
Q: Would it help if we got a TEFL certificate?
A: No TEFL is not required, but would improve your application.
Q: With the life missions, what if we do not yet have a specific goal for our career or know what path we want to take? When writing about our life missions for the application are you looking for it to be career-specific?
A: Life missions don't necessarily have to be about a career, it can be more abstract!
Q: If we are currently waiting on our passport to be processed, should we indicate that we do not have one in the application?
A: You can indicate that you are waiting for it to be processed in the notes, but say that you do not have one.
Q: Will this session be recorded and available for viewing afterwards?
A: View on our Youtube channel here.
Q: For what reasons do you typically reject an applicant?
A: It depends on the person, but we are looking for people who are passionate about making a difference in students' lives, are flexible, and have a great attitude! We typically reject applicants who are just looking for a free trip to Japan and are clearly not interested in making a difference in students’ lives.
Q: Would there be a way to save our progress on the application page? Since there can be paragraph answers I think I want to come back a few times to review and finish it.
A: Unfortunately our system does not allow this - I recommend using Google Docs to create your application and copy/paste it in!
Q: Are we supposed to receive a confirmation email after we submit the application?
A: No confirmation email, but you can email info@comeonoutjapan.com and ask if the application was received.
Q: Is there an age limit or limit of time since graduating uni?
A: No specific age limit.
Q: One question regarding character reference - does this mean reference letters from school?
A: Any character reference, but we prefer job supervisors or school references. Volunteer references are also great.
Q: Can one re-apply in a different application period if we did not get accepted?
A: Unfortunately due to our high number of applications and wait-list policy, you may only apply once per year.
Q: Are we able to revise our applications or is it set in concrete after we submit them?
A: Not on our system, but if you have an update before the deadline you may email it to us.
Q: If the dates are TBD, how does that work with narrowing the application pool? Is there a specific timeframe where we should definitely be available?
A: Generally, we have the program during July and August, and this is unlikely (but subject) to change.
Q: What if we’re still freshmen, do we then just send high school transcripts?
A: Yes, you may do this if necessary, but unofficial transcripts also work as a placeholder.
Q: Could a rising college freshman also apply?
A: Unfortunately, not at this time.
Q: Can we apply even if we already have experience teaching in Japan?
A: Yes! This is less of a teaching position and more of a mentoring position
Q: Do you tend to prefer undergrads or recent grads?
A: No preference! We like to select a range of applicants in terms of age/year in college so students have opportunities to learn from mentors with different life experiences and perspectives!
Q: When will we know about our acceptance into the program?
A: Due to coronavirus, the process will be a bit slower/delayed. Expect the earliest around February!
Q:Is there a limit to the number of students you accept from each university?
A: Nope! As we said we like a variety, so for example, we won’t hire 100 UCLA applicants.
Q: If I do not have an official GPA yet, but I know what I am likely to have, what would be the best way for me to report that?
A: You can put what you likely have and explain it in the application.
Q: What’s the criterion for determining if someone’s a native level speaker?
A: Informally via reading the application and during the interview conversation!
Interviews:
Q: The website says there will be up to 3 interviews for the program. That in mind, how competitively are people vetted for the camp?
A: See answer above about numbers/acceptance rate. While it is a competitive process, don’t be discouraged and apply early!
Q: What are you looking for in a candidate?
A: Flexibility, a sense of adventure, high energy, adaptability, patience, kindness, excitement, grasp of speaking simply and slowly, critical thinking about the world, open-mindedness. We are looking for a wide variety of interns with different backgrounds and personality types, but generally, these traits are desirable for this program.
Q: Who might our interviewers be?
A: If you are chosen, your first interview will be with us, Come On Out staff. Then, if chosen to move on, your second interview will be with Toshin staff in Japan.
Q: Would you say the first interview with you guys is to learn more about our passions/personality? What do Toshin want to find more about in the second interview?
A: Both our team and Toshin, our team in Japan, want to learn more about your passions and personalities in the interview. We also want to find out more about your intentions in doing the program, specifically in mentoring students and doing so in Japan, as well as ask scenario-based questions that might occur inside and outside the classroom during the program.
Q: After we apply, what is the response time on your end usually? Is there a set time interviews begin happening?
A: Due to COVID, interviews may be delayed. However, in past years we have began interviews in mid-December.
Q: Just wondering what we are interviewed on?
A: We want to know more about your experience and interest in this program, as well as your personality and who you all are!
Q; What do you look for in interviews? Or advice if we make it that far?
A: High energy, enthusiasm for making a difference in student lives, flexibility, open-mindedness, patience, and slow and simple speaking.
Q: How long are the interviews? Do we need to prep anything in advance?
A: Around 30 minutes, just be yourself and check out classic interview questions!
Q: Would the interviews fall on weekends or during the school week?
A; Your first round of interviews will be with us, and so more flexible in terms of our schedules. Your second interview will be with the team in Japan, so it may be later at night.
COVID:
Q: If this summer's program is cancelled, will we have to reapply next year?
A: If you are selected for this year’s program, you will not have to reapply. However, you must notify us if your availability before next year’s applications open. You can get on the list for the next year.
Q: If you applied, got accepted, but ended up unable to make the dates, do you have to reapply?
A: No, if you are accepted, you may defer your acceptance to the following year and get on the list (this is especially true given current global circumstances).
Q: Considering the COVID situation would we still be sharing rooms? How many people would be in the same room?
A: We will keep you updated on this process. in the past, some interns shared rooms (dependent on venue), while most have their own room and shared amenities.
Q: Is this camp guaranteed to occur next year in one way or another, and if not, will the official decision be reported before applications are due?
A: Unfortunately, due to the shifting nature of different countries’ attitudes towards COVID-19, we cannot guarantee that the program will occur this year. While we wish that we could provide assurance, entry requirements are not up to us. We are closely following both the Japanese government as well as 2021 Tokyo Olympic guidelines and will report an official decision as soon as we can, which may or may not be before applications are due (but likely not). We apologize for the uncertainty, and know that we hope just as much as you do that we can bring you all to Japan and have a great summer with wonderful memories!
Q: And making sure again. If we apply, get accepted, but can't make the dates for 2021 (if it happens), we can defer for 2022 and not have to reapply? We are guaranteed a spot?
A: You can get on the list for the next year.
Q: Do you know if COVID-19 will impact the health insurance policy at all?
A: We will absolutely take COVID into account with the health insurance policy.
Q: How do you plan to make it safe for travel in Japan next year?
A: We will be monitoring health institution guidelines (CDC, WHO, etc) as well as Ministry of Health in Japan and embassies. If travel is not recommended, we will not do the program. If the COVID situation seems too dangerous to travel, the program will be moved to 2021. Aside from that, our health insurance should likely cover any COVID issues, and we are discussing quarantine combined with training in one building. Of course, masks are also an option.
Life In Japan:
Q: I am a practicing Catholic—If I need to go to mass on Sunday, will there be program conflicts on Sunday such as required travel?
A: We absolutely do our best to accommodate for all personal preferences and beliefs, such as religious and dietary obligations. Sunday is our typical day for interns to travel to new venues, if needed (For example: Teaching one week in Tokyo and then the next in Osaka? You will be given a bullet train ticket for Sunday). During the onboarding process, we ask interns to be thorough in letting us know their needs so we can do our best to accommodate. In this particular case, we may place you in Tokyo for the entire duration of the program.
Q: Can we drive in Japan?
A: While you will not need to drive during our internship (public transportation is incredibly convenient, available and effective in Japan!), if you want to drive while visiting before or after our program, you need to obtain an international drivers license.
Q: Is there any restriction in terms of physical appearance? I’m thinking about tattoos in particular, would we be asked to hide them if we have visible ones?
A: Each venue has different rules on appearance. Regardless, we do recommend bringing clothing that can cover up tattoos for the classroom.
Q: I am extremely allergic to seafood - literally everything. Will I survive?
A: People with allergies in Japan can absolutely thrive. Just take extra care and precautions, and do your research, and you will be fine.
Q: I noticed the leaders/mentors wear a black shirt, is uniform or certain attire required? Are dresses okay? Jeans? Shorts (for women)?
A: In the past few years, leaders have worn a blue shirt, interns have worn a teal shirt, and staff/third years have worn a red shirt. Dresses and Jeans are okay (as are shorts for women). Think about what your current teachers wear as a good indicator. That being said, each individual venue has different rules and restrictions - check with staff before each week if you have any questions.
Q: Since we may need to move from place to place, I'm scared of getting lost. Asking for directions is difficult because many people in Japan don't speak English. How big an issue do you see this being?
A: When you move from venue to venue, you will be travelling with your group. Your leader can help you get around. Traveling to your venue everyday, you will usually travel or meet up with your group to travel daily. Though many people in Japan do not speak great English, they are generally more than happy to help you find your way around. Also, Google Maps can be downloaded offline and is very useful. Many interns carry around a pocket wifi device for such cases.
Q: Dietary requirements/halal/kosher/vegan/vegetarian/allergies
A: Vegetarian: If you are a strict vegetarian who wants to avoid any and all animal byproducts (fish sauce, fish flakes), you should know that in Japan, there is fish sauce in almost everything (from vegetables in the convenience store to soy sauce), and sometimes on products it is not required to be in the ingredients list (the threshold is much higher for including ingredients). Also, Google live translate is helpful, but not always accurate. There are many websites that can help you find safe foods. There are certainly foods you can eat like egg salad sandwiches (better than it sounds), edamame, pickled plum rice balls, and more - you just may have to put in more time and effort into food than your peers, and you won’t be able to eat at just any restaurant. They also make printable cards that you can show to servers that say what you cannot eat (but don’t rely too much on this - servers won’t always listen or make the adjustment, or even know what has fish sauce in it because they don’t consider it “meat”).
Halal/Kosher/Vegan: One of the wonderful things about our program is the community we create each year. Our interns are constantly contributing to the program and this includes food guides for specific dietary requirements. One of our leaders created an extensive Halal map and guide for the Tokyo area. We are always also working on kosher and vegan guides (including helpful Japanese phrases) as well. We provide these during training week and encourage students to do their own research. In the end, we do recommend interns with strict dietary requirements to be placed in big cities, such as Tokyo or Osaka, due to the higher availability and variety of specific food. We take this into consideration during the onboarding process so please let us know!
Allergies: We also create Japanese guides for those with allergies - providing you with phrases and advice during training week for when you eat out. We also take this into account when we provide food at program-sponsored events. We also discuss this with individuals during the onboarding process to ensure they are comfortable and prepared coming to Japan!
Q: Where do you usually eat everyday? Is there a canteen or do you just go to restaurants nearby with other people? How long is lunch break?
A: Depending on the venue, you may or may not be allowed to leave the venue to get lunch. Interns generally pack their own bento boxes, pick up lunch from a convenience store on the way to the venue, or (rarely) go to restaurants for take-out during their hour long lunch break. Interns are encouraged to eat with their students and make conversation.
Q: Will we have access to kitchen spaces/pots and pans in Tokyo?
A: Dependent on housing (which varies per venue), however, you will most likely be in a share house which has all of that!
Q: Would you say that the program & the environment is LGBTQ-friendly?
A: Yes incredibly! Japanese youth are fairly progressive! They’re open about civil rights and activism.
Q: What about things regarding mail while we are there?
A: We can help you with mail. sending is easy, receiving may be difficult if you change addresses throughout the summer.
Q: Will we be allowed to watch the Olympics at some point?
A: Of course, that depends on schedule and availability of tickets!
Q: In the case of natural disasters or emergencies, is there a sort of center or process that facilitates how to notify all interns and instruct them on what to do?
A: Japan actually sends out phone notifications when you are in a zone of disaster.
Q: What’s the weather like in Japan?
A; It get very, very hot and humid in Japan in the summer. Many (but not all) of our accommodations and schools have air conditioning, but not all of them. We recommend you bring airy clothing. Fans are very popular and some are handed out for free on the street, and cooling sprays/wipes/lotions are very popular.
Q: Do homestay families normally speak at least some English?
A: It depends on the family, but at the very least the student you are staying with will speak some English (hence their involvement in the English camp).
Q: Will an American debit card work or will we have to open a temporary account in Japan, or something like that?
A: American debit cards will work at certain places only, many places do not accept them so most interns use cash. They will work at ATMs (which are everywhere) most of the time!
Q: How much money do you recommend bringing to Japan to cover any expenses that are not covered by the organization?
A: It depends on the person and your budget. Consider making a list of things you’d like to do, and budget it out. Keep in mind that travel in Japan is expensive. Additionally, your food and transportation budgets are given as reimbursements, so you should bring money enough to cover these things each week before you get reimbursed.
Q: Do we have lessons on Japanese etiquette?
A: Yes, we cover that in training/orientation.
Q: Are there any required immunizations for the camp?
A: None are required, but we recommend you get all suggested immunizations for your safety if possible.
Q: Are dormitories and shared accommodation separated by gender?
A: Not all accommodations are separated by gender, but many are. You may indicate to us your preference and needs and we will take your request into consideration. We want all interns to feel safe and comfortable during their stays.