Meg had a great time working with children in a Japanese kindergarten.

United Planet Japan opened for volunteers this fall; the first batch of volunteers are just finishing their Quests and reporting back on their experiences.

The country manager, Chie Goto, is a warm and welcoming presence, and we’re so glad to hear that everyone is having a great time.

This from Meg, from Long Island, NY:

“The United Planet in Japan was beyond ideal; it was very organized and sculpted my first experience in Japan to be the best it could be! Japan is everything I expected and much much more. The traditional values that shape the every day lives of the Japanese people is extremely inspiring. The people’s respect for each other and ultimately everything on earth is so admirable.

I love it here and I will absolutely be back.”   -Meg from Long Island, NY

Meg helping out with drawing time!

And this from Taffi, from the UK: ”My experience in Japan has exceeded all expectations.

Taffi worked in a classroom, helping with algebra and other subjects.

The cultural exchange with the locals – coupled with my Quest – have ensured that memories of my stay here will stay with me for a very long time. Having had similar experiences in different countries and with different organizations, I can say that United Planet`s Japan program offered me a more satisfying experience ” -Taffi (Abdullah) from U.KTaffi worked in a classroom, helping with algebra and other subjects.

And Jai Lin from New York says:

Jai and origami

“This is my 2nd experience volunteering with United Planet and I have thoroughly enjoyed both Quests. I previously went to Mexico for a conservation program for sea turtles and am now assisting the elderly in Japan.

“I was very pleased with the level of support both provided in both Quests. I became very immersed in both places, learned a lot of the languages and experienced the local culture and cuisine of both places which is what I wanted.”

Jai worked with the elderly in Nagoya

“I was not prepared for how different life in Japan was going to be. It is simultaneously a very modern and traditional place. There is an order in which you do everything and customs are strictly observed. I’ve tremendously enjoyed learning about Japanese culture from my host family and staff/seniors at the senior day care center where I volunteer. I wish I could stay for longer because it would take a lifetime to learn all the things I would like to about the people, culture and language. ”