by COOJ Returnee, Jennifer Tran

It never ceases to amaze me the remarkable growth I witness–not only in our students but within the coaches and myself as these young minds open up new avenues of learning for us all. As a leader and educator, embracing new experiences and opportunities has allowed me to grow both in my professional and personal life. 

Initially, there was some hesitation on my part when assigned to Fukui, overshadowed by a twinge of envy for those flying to the tropical island of Okinawa. Yet, what unfolded was the summer’s most memorable journey for myself and my team. The students and locals warmly welcomed us, even providing us with a nifty souvenir that is hung up in my room–a feature in the local newspaper with our faces inked across the page. It was in Fukui where we found richer connections, not only among ourselves but with the students and community as we engaged in genuine and authentic cultural exchange. It was here, being removed from the familiarity of Tokyo’s foreigner friendly infrastructure, that my Japanese skills were truly challenged. With the town seeing few tourists and foreigners, it demanded more thoughtful communication but yielded a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local culture and language. 

My team and I spent our evenings exploring the city’s only mall to unwind from class, forming bonds and memories difficult to replicate in the big city. Exhausting the shopping mall’s limited options turned into serendipitous moments of camaraderie as we sat at Burger King for hours engaging in earnest conversation, shared laughter, and creating lasting memories. The scenery itself was a testament to serenity as the beach was situated right behind the school, providing a picturesque escape from the chaotic urban life. Daily walks home were accompanied by sunsets over pristine hills and flowing rivers populated by rainbows of Koi, a luxury too easily taken for granted and overlooked. Had my summer been confined to the familiarity of Tokyo, these unique experiences and memories would have eluded me. It is in these moments, cultivated in an environment of discovery and respect, that underscore the value of immersing oneself in the unknown.

“It is in these moments, cultivated in an environment of discovery and respect, that underscore the value of immersing oneself in the unknown.”

My team and I spent our evenings exploring the city’s only mall to unwind from class, forming bonds and memories difficult to replicate in the big city. Exhausting the shopping mall’s limited options turned into serendipitous moments of camaraderie as we sat at Burger King for hours engaging in earnest conversation, shared laughter, and creating lasting memories. The scenery itself was a testament to serenity as the beach was situated right behind the school, providing a picturesque escape from the chaotic urban life. Daily walks home were accompanied by sunsets over pristine hills and flowing rivers populated by rainbows of Koi, a luxury too easily taken for granted and overlooked. Had my summer been confined to the familiarity of Tokyo, these unique experiences and memories would have eluded me. It is in these moments, cultivated in an environment of discovery and respect, that underscore the value of immersing oneself in the unknown.

The students truly illuminated my time in Fukui as I learned more from them than I could have imagined. Despite their limited exposure to foreigners and English, their eagerness to engage with us was palpable, fostering connections in no time. Laughter became a constant presence in the classroom as we navigated language barriers together, turning misunderstandings into valuable learning moments. They had been speaking English so much for the first time that they accidentally spoke to their parents in English at home!

It was a privilege to witness their flourishing confidence, not only in their English abilities but also in discovering themselves. As they shared their life missions, or ikigai, I found myself profoundly inspired by their depth of critical reflection about their individuality and belonging in the world. One student, in particular, captivated me with her passion for art and her aspiration to help others see the vibrancy of colors. When asked what her favorite color was, her inability to choose just one revealed a boundless enthusiasm for the spectrum of life's hues.

From these remarkable young minds, I discovered a profound truth: each individual possesses a unique hue, a distinct shade that contributes to the masterpiece of our collective experience. Their vibrant personalities and insightful reflections have left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the beauty found in embracing diversity and celebrating individuality. Thus, my purpose, my ikigai, is to guide students on their journey of self-discovery, helping them uncover their distinctive hue and their rightful place within the masterpiece of life's canvas, enriching the tapestry of our shared existence.

BY Theodore Nze, COme on out japan returnee

How can I make a difference in the world?" It's a question that often keeps me awake at night. With so much happening globally, it's natural to wonder how one person can create positive change. This question weighed heavily on my mind when I first applied to join the Come On Out Programme in 2021.

Back then, COVID-19 was the primary concern worldwide, particularly in Japan. As the world grappled with the pandemic, the urgency of making a positive impact felt more pronounced. Initially, what drew me to Come On Out Japan was the chance to travel to Japan for free (let's be honest), especially after enduring multiple lockdowns. However, when the program announced that all teaching would be online, I felt a bit disappointed. Nonetheless, since I had no other summer plans and enjoyed teaching, I decided to give it a shot. Looking back, I'm so grateful I did.

My first impression of the program was the contagious excitement among everyone involved. Shifting online ensured that participants were genuinely passionate about teaching and forming global connections, rather than just seeking a free trip. I was also struck by the diverse talents and passions of my colleagues. For example, my teaching partner, Jessica, had transitioned from dentistry to pursuing her dreams in the music industry. Another team member was involved in designing technology to aid people with disabilities. Come On Out Japan had attracted a diverse range of talent, united by a love for teaching and Japan.

The program kicked off with onboarding and training sessions, where we had ample opportunity to ask questions and gather information. We were assured that our leaders would be available throughout the program for support. One rule that stood out to me was the requirement to speak solely in English to create an immersive environment. As a Japanese major, this presented an exciting challenge. Would we be able to effectively communicate? What if the students didn't understand my explanations? Only time would tell.

Initially nervous but giggly, the students, aged fourteen to seventeen, gradually opened up as we got to know each other. We learned not only their names and faces but also their passions, aspirations, and how learning English was helping them achieve their goals. Some aimed to become nurses, others scientists, while some simply desired to travel the world.

Returning to the original question, the Come On Out textbook, with its focus on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, highlighted the concept of positive change. With the diverse interests and ambitions among the students, there was a palpable frustration at wanting to express their opinions but struggling to find the right words. This frustration, I believe, is one of the program's most significant aspects, as it underscores the benefits of learning a new language and the opportunities it unlocks.

As the program neared its end, it was heartening to witness the students' increased confidence in expressing themselves in English. It was also during this time that I revealed my proficiency in Japanese, which I think made them realise that despite being the foreigner they struggled to understand while speaking English, I too had complex thoughts and feelings that language could convey.

Come On Out Japan, with its curriculum, participants, and eager students, served as a guide on how to create visible positive change in the world. As cliché as it may sound, I genuinely felt that I learned as much from my students as they did from me. The program's emphasis on fostering global connections, promoting language learning, and empowering students to express themselves effectively contributes to creating a more interconnected and understanding world. I'm excited to return this year (in Japan this time — yay!) and continue striving to make a difference. Hope to see you there!

By Gwen McKee, Former Director of Communications and Operations

Let me preface this blog by saying: I am not a blogger, nor a student of poetry or words or the English language in any way (so, apologies if this is not written quite as well as it should be). However, that is what makes my experience at Come On Out so incredibly valuable. When I first applied to be an intern at Global English Camp in 2018 after coincidentally opening an email newsletter from my department (for the first time that year), I was certain that I would not receive an invitation to the program. Me, only with my arts and technology background, teach English in Japan? Absurd. However, I quickly discovered that this program (and company as a whole) is about so much more than teaching English. It’s about mentoring the next generation IN ENGLISH about our personal experiences in education and school life, as well as showing them about the world. 

In fact, it was this experience in art and technology that gave me the extremely lucky opportunity to take over as the Director of Design & Technology at Come On Out after the program (a title which would later change). Throughout the next four and a half years, I would go on to not only collaborate to run four Global English Camp programs with over 600 yearly participants and over 5,000 students, run a successful internship program of 24, and design, create, and manage five websites and their social media marketing, but also meet my fiancé, build a foundation for my career, meet some of my closest friends, explore the world, and understand what fulfillment in a workplace truly means.

And that is why it is so difficult to say goodbye to this amazing company. Come On Out is a rewarding and interesting place to work, with varied projects and goals. Duties ranged from designing social media graphics to managing website bugs in our teacher scheduling system to collaborating with partners, interns, and contractors all over the world from Japan to Sri Lanka to Spain to South Africa. As exciting as this all was, I must say that the most rewarding part of it all were the ones that allowed me to pass on the opportunities that I received to other young adults. 

At our internship program, we created spaces for students and recent graduates to discover their interests and gain experience in fields like web design, curriculum development, and social media analytics. At Come On Out English, Come On Out eTEFL, and Come Online, we created spaces for aspiring English teachers to learn new skills and get paid for teaching students abroad. And of course, at Come On Out Japan’s Global English Camp and Global English Workshop, we allowed non-English teachers to coach and mentor students in Japan, while gaining travel experience and meeting new friends from around the world. It all boils down to these cross-cultural connections and experiences that help us grow. That’s what draws us all in, and that’s what keeps us here.

And now, I’m off to new adventures, across the world again. I met my fiancé and some of my best friends at Global English Camp 2019, and he proposed in Japan during Global English Camp 2023. I’ve moved to London to build a life with him, and I’ll continue to follow (and maybe participate again in) future Global English Camps. I wish all of you the best of luck, thank you for keeping this program alive and thriving, and さようなら!

Here are my best pieces of advice for getting the most out of your English Camp experience:

1. Be open to exploration! Take advantage of every second that you are in Japan. It’s great to stay comfortable, but if you can, use evenings and weekends to discover new places, walk around your area, and meet up with new friends. Your accommodation may not be similar to what you’re used to, so why not get out of your comfort zone?

2. Meet new friends! With your shared experiences, you’ll build long-lasting bonds that could take you on other journeys in the future. In GEC 2019, I lived in a dorm with 7 people per room and at least 30 interns at a time. We took advantage of this and spent tons of time together - these are the people that I still talk with to this day.

3. Don’t get discouraged! My first day at GEC 2019, I lost my voice. I just wasn’t used to talking as much as I did, mainly to fill the silence of my students (who, throughout the week, started speaking more and more). You’re not a bad teacher, your students are just nervous! They will warm up to you, and you will discover what works for you and what does not.

4. Stay in touch! All staff members at Global English Camp remember each and every program coach. We want to hear from you and are all are open to being contacted and hearing about how things are going. And, if you want to get more involved, contact Brian!

5. Go with the flow! Not everything may be fun, or what you are used to. Travel requires a certain level of spontaneity, flexibility, and adventure. If you’re able to put aside your creature comforts and arrive with open expectations and values, I can assure you, you’ll have the time of your life!