Traveling Mentor Program

Program Information

In the Summer of 2024, we offered the 2nd year of the Traveling Mentor Program (TMP) (国際英語プログラム). The TMP differs from the Global English Camp in several ways. The group is smaller, consisting of 10-14 mentors that travel to several different locations throughout Japan to mentor and teach English to Japanese students in about 4 different programs, one per week.  This team will begin with orientation in Tokyo, training and review/creation of curriculum for the summer programs. Students range from Elementary School all the way to High School.  Programs and locations will vary depending on registration confirmations with groups and schools. 

Teams typically consist of 5-7 mentors, and you will travel to different locations throughout Japan to mentor and teach English to Japanese students in 3-4 different programs, about one per week. The group will begin with an orientation in Tokyo, consisting of teacher training and review/creation of curriculum for the summer programs, and opportunities to bond and connect with your fellow interns. After Orientation and Training we typically split into the groups that you will travel with for the remainder of the program.

Students range from Elementary School all the way to High School. Programs and locations will vary depending on registration confirmations with groups and schools.

Tentative Program Dates for 2025: July 20th–August 17th, 2025.

Program Goals

The Traveling Mentor Program (TMP) was officially started in 2023. We aim to:

• Provide a global partnership to schools in Japan to offer students with opportunities to interact with passionate, international young adults.

• Improve global communication and confidence in young Japanese students, especially in English conversation.

• Provide an opportunity for Japanese students to interact with overseas mentors from all over the world in an English environment

This program provides an opportunity to: 

• Live, teach and travel around Japan in a small cohort over the course of a month.

• Receive a TEFL certification along with a hands-on experience of curriculum creation and working with students of all ages.

• Meet other participants from around the world and create long-lasting friendships.

Training, Orientation, Cultural Immersion 

The program will start with a 2-3 night orientation.  During this time lodging, meal reimbursements, local transportation and activity costs are either paid in advance or reimbursed. This portion of the program is typically a chance for participants to settle into Japan, learn some teaching skills, and receive explanations regarding navigating Japan. This includes explanations on navigating Japanese transportation, learning Japanese culture and etiquette, and getting to know each other.

TEFL Certification and Practicum

All participants are provided access to our certified TEFL online course.  Each participant is required to complete the online course before arrival in Japan.  TEFL certificates are great assets when applying to teaching jobs abroad and widely recognized both in Japan and worldwide as a legitimate certification. *The TEFL certificate does not expire.

After orientation, we will move to a classroom setting where we will finalize curriculum for each venue as well as practice our teaching techniques with actual students. The combination of the pre-program activities and on site training provides professional development and mentoring, which is a key component to prepare you for not only this experience but to advance your skills and experience.

domestic and Local Transportation

The use of local transportation to and from teaching venues is reimbursed through cash payments or Wise. You may be required to commute to work from your housing, and participants are responsible for tracking their use of local transportation, such as trains and buses, when it is related to teaching. In cases where the Shinkansen (bullet train) or airlines are utilized, COO will purchase these tickets in advance on your behalf. Upon acceptance, we will ask you to download Wise and give us your Wise information as well as assist you in getting set up if needed.

Meal Stipend

When meals are not provided at a venue, each participant will be provided a 2500 JPY per class day meal stipend. (typically 5 days per week)

Lodging

Lodging is provided for the duration of the program dates (July 20th–August 17th, 2025). Any lodging booked before and/or after the program dates is the responsibility of the participant. Housing types utilized in the past consist of dorms, shared housing, hotels or homestays. Housing types are at the program discretion and typically dependent on the venue location.

Materials

Come On Out – Japan and the organizations we collaborate with provide funding for all the materials you will be using for this program, such as writing materials and props to work with the students. However, it is a good idea to bring your own writing utensil and notebook, especially to take notes during orientation.

Do I have to be available for the entirety of the program?

Yes. Being available for all four weeks is essential. For 2025, that would mean being available from July 20th to August 17th.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER APPLYING?

After your application is processed, we will invite you to 1–2 interviews with our Program Directors. By Spring 2025, you will hear back from us.

wHEN DO WE KNOW THE SPECIFIC SCHEDULE?

The timeline in which we can confirm programs with organizations can happen very early, or very late, which is why we ask for your cooperation. Some programs such as the On Your Mark! Fukuoka camp are set for months in advance, but other smaller organizations may take longer to confirm their programs with us. At Come On Out Japan, we will do our best to keep you in the loop in terms of scheduling.

hOW CAN i GET FUNDING FOR my plane ticket?

You can check with your university and grant programs in order to find opportunities to receive funding. Some universities give out grants to students for internships and travel - you can start with the Japanese department at your school, the career center/internship support center, or professors you are close to so they can point you in the right direction. We will assist with providing a letter of acceptance and any additional documentation to assist with funding.

what does the onboarding process look like?

The Onboarding process happens through email. We will ask for several items from you, including a background check, a university transcript, professional headshot, and completion of surveys (e.g. health/allergies, dietary restrictions, university information, insurance for while you’re in Japan, etc.)

We will also provide you with all the materials you need to get ready for this program, including information about what to pack, Japanese etiquette and transportation, etc. in our Welcome Package. Our Program Agreement will state reimbursement policies and our Code of Conduct. If you have any other questions about the onboarding timeline, please email info@comeonoutjapan.com and include TMP in the subject line.

Is there any work I must do leading up to the program?

Some programs within TMP, such as On Your Mark! (OYM), our one-week-long camp in Fukuoka, may require some mini tasks before the summer. These tasks include filling out surveys and sending self-introductions to the organization in charge of the camp. You may also have to participate in some pre-OYM meetings in order to familiarize yourself with the structure of the program. It is the TMP intern’s responsibility to stay up-to-date with these tasks.

Participants are expected to complete a TEFL course to obtain their certification. This is a great opportunity to get certified in teaching and you can use it to enhance your resume!