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Experience life as a local and teach English near beautiful Mt Fuji in Japan

Japan
Last activity : 16 Jan 2025

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100 %
Last replied
15 Jan 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
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31
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Host offers payment

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2025

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Description
Hi My name is Rumiko. I am Japanese, I have 10 and 7 year old girls.

We run a family owned language school in Japan, Shizuoka Prefecture. our town has a beautiful mountain, Mt Fuji and a lot of nature. It is a nice place to live
I am looking for a language exchange supporter for our students at school.

Our School, it covers various educational domains such as after-schools, pre-schools, daycares, private or group lessons for all ages, and other specialized schools.

We focus on speaking, grammar, pronunciation, and expanding students' vocabulary. We try to make everyone feel confident when they use the English language. we work with people from different countries and are all well-trained.

Your main role at the school is to provide an environment for students to hear and communicate with you in English. Although we suggest using English with the students as much as possible, we recommend communicating in Japanese with our local Japanese staff as much as possible.

It is a great way to practice your Japanese skills and our staff are more than welcome to help you every step of the way!
You are also welcome to join the language exchange events and classes
* Note that we provide you with your monthly schedule but in some circumstances, changes in your schedule may occur.

if you are eligible to get a working holiday visa, this program offers the perfect opportunity to experience a new culture while working in Japan. You will be responsible for teaching about 4-7hours a day (5days a week from Monday to Friday)
The school opens from 9:30 AM - 21:00 PM. Sun are off

During your stay, we will offer a free accommodation but please be responsible for meals, and service charges.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and happy individual to join us
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Teaching
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our School provides several language training courses such as English, Japanese and Chinese.
During you stay with us, you will have access to a language exchange training also offer many cultural activities, to experience Japan’s unique way of living.

Language practice
Teaching
Marketing
helping the activity (Summer School and Camp)
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
Your main responsibilities will be to help me to take care of kids and support as an assistant Language teacher at school.
There are many school events such as summer camp, Halloween and Christmas etc.. and you will support and lead activities.

(Job condition)
4hours a day (5days a week from Monday to Friday)
The school opens from 9:30 AM - 21:00 PM. Sun are off)
the minimum stay duration to one month for a teaching position,
If you are looking for a short term period, please ask for more details

As a paid position, will have a job interview, Please send us a resume- we will provide the link in the message
(wages for a paid position)
hourly 1050yen〜

During your stay, we will offer a free accommodation but please be responsible for meals, and service charges.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Fluent
Chinese (Mandarin): Beginner
This host offers a language exchange
looking for a language exchange partner for our students at school
Accommodation
Accommodation offered with all furnished such as a bed, kitchen stuffs, an air conditioner/heater We will also provide a high-speed wi-fi internet connection.
The school house is located in a nice, quiet neighborhood about 5-minutes walk from Gotemba Train station.
What else ...
You will enjoy your time off.
There are a lot of nice places to go around the city for day trips such as Mt Fuji, Hakone, Yamanaka lake
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two

Host ref number: 812789351783

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Feedback (16)

19 Oct 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Michaela)

Thank you very much for supporting our school. She is always supportive, and we are very happy that she is now having her second Workaway stay with us. She has strong communication and teaching skills, and we really enjoy having her with us.

I would definitely recommend Heidi for other Workaways.

(Excellent )

5 Jul 2024

Left by Workawayer (Michaela) for host

Thank you so much for hosting me, these 4 months were amazing! I didn't stay at the main location in Gotemba but in Hara/Numazu, a peaceful and beautiful place between the coast and the mountains. There, I got to teach English and spend time with kids in an after school, nursery school and kindergarden. Work was always in the afternoon, besides… read more

(Excellent )

30 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer (Georgia) for host

I stayed for month in the Hara location, and it was an experience I know I will never regret doing. I came over to immerse myself in a new place and to practice my Japanese, but I got to do so much more than that here and I will always be grateful I got to meet these wonderful people. My roommate was so kind and welcoming, I was so nervous going… read more

(Excellent )

18 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer (Tyler & Salma) for host

Our experience was one of the most gratifying, memorable and special period of our travels. The students were brilliant and the teachers even more so. Rumiko's communication leading upto and during the experience was clear and attentive. Everyone involved was a great help in making the time so enjoyable. Social events and language exchanges were… read more

(Excellent )

9 Jun 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Tyler & Salma)

Thank you very much for supporting our school. Tyler and Salma were always positive and very supportive. On their last day, our students followed them to say goodbye, showing how much they were appreciated. I was surprised by the strong trust and respect they received from the students, who were also highly motivated to communicate in English,… read more

(Excellent )

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Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)

Cultural exchange:
(4.9)

Communication:
(4.9)

19 Oct 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Michaela)

(Excellent)

5 Jul 2024

Left by Workawayer (Michaela) for host

(Excellent)

30 Sep 2024

Left by Workawayer (Georgia) for host

(Excellent)

18 Jun 2024

Left by Workawayer (Tyler & Salma) for host

(Excellent)

9 Jun 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Tyler & Salma)

(Excellent)

8 Jun 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Makoto)

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Makoto. He has strong communication skills also an amazing team player, friendly, and supportive. I could not believe it was his first experience teaching classes; he was excellent at class management and knows how to help students achieve their goals. I really enjoyed working with you. We miss you… read more

(Excellent)

21 May 2024

Left by Workawayer (Makoto) for host

I will try to be honest and realistic in my review of this workaway experience. But first a few personal anecdotes:

- This was my first workaway experience so I won’t be able to compare it to anything I’ve done previously
- I was a paid intern which most likely affected my workload

I would also like to get a few very important clarifications… read more out of the way, the information on this workaway page can be considered very misleading. Now that’s not a bad thing necessarily, I merely wish to warn people what to expect. I have been told that there have been several instances of workawayers arriving only to leave within a week because it wasn’t what they’d expected. So, what can you expect? Well, first you have to understand that you’ll be joining quite a large company that runs several after-schools, private classes, and outreach programs. This is not a small local language school that has like 12 kids, it’s much bigger than that. Additionally, there are often several other interns working at the same time you are, so you won’t be the new person there. You will also most likely not be personally teaching Rumikos daughters, but don’t worry, there will be plenty of kids to teach and hang out with.

Japanese is not a strict requirement to work here, however even a little Japanese goes a long way. If you can learn some basic phrases or words, you’ll have a way better time with the kids. Even if you don’t know any Japanese coming here, as long as you keep an open mind and are willing to learn there are plenty of staff who could teach you a couple of useful words. It’s also useful to know if the kids are talking smack about you.

This job in many ways isn’t easy, of course this is all dependent on where you’re placed, but don’t come here expecting a nice little Mt. Fuji vacation spot with maybe an hour or two of light work every day, this is a job so don’t be surprised when you have to work.

You will not be staying with Rumiko, but rather a provided apartment. I’ve stayed at two apartment places during my time there and both have been pretty solid, they’ve got everything you need and if something is missing, feel free to ask Rumiko for it. I should mention that the cleanliness of the apartment when you arrive typically depends on the last person you stayed there, so when you leave try to clean up a little bit to help the next guy out. As listed on the workaway page, you will provide food for yourself.

This last section I’d like to dedicate to the staff members you’ll be interacting with daily. They can be separated into two groups: The teachers and the Japanese support staff. The teachers are the professional guys all of whom are fluent in English they often lead the classes or organize them. The Japanese support staff are focused on taking care of the kids and helping out the teachers. A few speak English very well, but most primarily use Japanese so I’ll once again mention a little Japanese goes a long way. I suppose there’s a third group, the interns. As an intern, everyone is your superior so help out when you can and listen when given instructions, do not go off on your own because “you know better,” the teachers are teachers for a reason, so listen up. My experience with all the staff was great and I’m happy to call many of them my friends. If you end up leading classes, please remember that you should take any opportunity to ask and learn from the teachers, they’ve already learned all the hard lessons so you don’t have to.

I do hope this has given some of you are clearer picture on what to expect. You will, no doubt, have a different experience than me, but I think I’ve listed out the constants. Again, I didn't write this up to scare people, I just wanted to fill in the gaps.

Okay, now with those out of the way, a little bit on my personal time here. I had a fantastic time during my stay. I had up til that point been living in Tokyo and the smaller, more rural town of Gotemba was a lovely break from the city. You’re likely to find everything you need within the town, and all within walking or biking distance. Rumiko was a very flexible host and if you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to her. I spent a total of 3 or so months in Gotemba, so not super long compared to some other people. But certainly enough to settle in. In terms of the actual work, I had a whole plethora of different experiences. From private classes to full classes I got to teach them all. The teachers were an incredibly helpful and supportive group who were always willing to provide material or advice when asked. The kids were always a blast to hang around and the satisfaction of seeing their English progress feels good. Quick tip, kids are more likely to interact with you if you show them you can understand a little Japanese. They’ll be intimidated by you at first, but you give it time and maybe a couple of magic tricks and you’ll quickly make new friends. So overall, this has certainly been my highlight of Japan and I’m inclined to return one day and teach once again.

If you have questions about my experience or in general, I’ll try my best to answer them.

P.S don’t mind the explosions

(Excellent)

14 May 2024

Left by Workawayer (Ursula) for host

I worked here for 3 months and it was EXCELLENT! Truly a very rewarding experience, especially because it was my first job on my first solo trip and so far from my country. They made me feel comfortable, and Rumiko-san and Terumi-san helped me in every way they could. I got to know very beautiful parts of Japan and could appreciate both spring and… read more

(Excellent)

30 Apr 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Ursula)

Thank you very much for supporting our school and the kids, Ursula
She is always positive and very supportive, which has helped a lot
We all loved having you and enjoyed taking to you
We are glad you had a great time and would welcome you back anytime. Please keep in touch!
Best of luck to you!

(Excellent)

31 Mar 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Rena & Daniel)

I would like to thank you for all your support, Rena and Daniel were super supportive, always positive and willing to help everyone. They were quick learners and able to communicate with our Japanese staffs. it helped a lot.
I would definitely recommend them to any host
furthermore, thank you very much for cleaning up the room before you leave,… read more

(Excellent)

22 Jan 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Alice)

Thank you very much for supporting our school and for kids, Alice!
She is kind and polite. I personally enjoyed communicating with her, and kids loved and enjoyed her lessons. She is very hardworking and diligently studying Japanese; I was surprised at how much she has improved in such a short period..
We are glad she had a great time and would… read more

(Excellent)

4 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Alice) for host

I stayed for 4 months (September-December), and it was a wonderful experience!

I lived in my own apartment with roommates. There was lots of privacy and access to a bike. Gotemba was also great for exploring the surrounding areas, and you had lots of weekends to travel for overnight stays.

I had many opportunities to practice my Japanese, and… read more

(Excellent)

5 Jan 2024

Left by Workawayer (Lewis) for host

I stayed here a while back (last May/June) but am only just getting round to reviewing. I stayed in Gotemba for nearly two months and had a really nice time. The town is quiet but has lots of opportunities to go and explore. The work was very relaxed and easy-going (just four hours a day!). I was provided with a nice apartment and a bike to get… read more

(Excellent)

30 Dec 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Sabrina & Deidre)

First of all, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sabrina and Deidre. We miss you so much. They are amazing team players, friendly, and supportive. During special events such as the art festival and Halloween, their support was truly invaluable, and we had a lot of fun spending time with them. Thank you very much."

(Excellent)

29 Dec 2023

Left by Workawayer (Sabrina & Deidre) for host

This truly was the best experience! Between the great communication, kindness and helpfulness of our host, the staff we worked with were so great and the kids will forever have my heart. The location is perfect; with daily views of Mt.Fuji and close proximity to many great attractions! We are forever grateful for this experience as it made our… read more

(Excellent)

30 Dec 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Luca)

We had the pleasure of hosting Luca! She is very hard worker and supportive, her cheerful personality always brings joy to us. Thank you very much for staying with us!!

(Excellent)

15 Dec 2023

Left by Workawayer (Luca) for host

Durning my time here I made good friends and enjoyed the appartement I was staying at. There was a lot of free time and privacy. The colleagues I worked with at the afterschool care were very welcoming and made me feel part of their team.
I also worked in a hotel for three days a week and it was a very interesting experience, I learned many… read more

(Excellent)

4 Dec 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Dylan)

Thank you very much for supporting our school and for kids, Dylan!
You were very supportive and hardworking. You have a great communication skill. It helped a lot.
We all loved you and enjoyed staying with you
We are glad you had a great time and would welcome you back anytime. Keep in touch!!
Best of luck to you.

(Excellent)

28 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (Dylan) for host

I stayed for 3 months and had an amazing experience! The town is absolutely beautiful, and the other workaways and teachers are super nice and welcoming. I loved teaching English to the kids, they're super friendly willing to learn. I also got to improve my Japanese quite a bit. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great… read more

(Excellent)

16 Oct 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Leele)

Thank you very much for staying with us. Leele has been an amazing team player, always willing to help and support kids and staffs.
We had an art festival and her creative ideas were greatly helpful

I would definitely recommend Leele for other Workaways. I hope we will keep in touch and meet you again
Thank you so much Leele!”

(Excellent)

6 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Leele) for host

This was my first Workaway and it could not have been more beautiful!
I stayed a little over a month in Gotemba. From the beginning to the end I was warmly welcomed by Rumiko, all the staff members and other Workawayers! The work is rewarding and playing with the children was always so much fun. I highly recommend this Workaway to everyone that… read more

(Excellent)

16 Oct 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (T'Kyia)

Thank you very much for staying with us. T’kyia gave us a big help
She always willing to help and support us, also she is very talented and effectively communicated with the Japanese staff

I would definitely recommend T’kyia for other Workaways.
I look forward to working with you again!

(Excellent)

2 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (T'Kyia) for host

I had a really great experience here ! I stayed for the last 5 months! I stayed from May 1st to September 29th.

I got to practice my Japanese a lot with children and the other teachers! I created a really great bond with the teachers and students ! There was a summer camp in July and in august we got a whole week off !
I was so sad to… read more

(Excellent)

14 Sep 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Mya)

I appreciate all your great work! We had a lot of fun together! Mya is an extremely reliable person who is always help for the students to get a job done.
She has an excellent communication and language skills. she is an expert in market research and helped a lot of research and collecting a lot of data. it was really helpful.
I am looking forward… read more

(Excellent)

7 Sep 2023

Left by Workawayer (Mya) for host

I worked here for 2 months this summer and had a wonderful experience! Everyone is so kind and welcoming! I also got a bicycle to use but public transportation is great as well. I enjoyed my job and loved interacting with the kids. Also, Rumiko is very accommodating and generous, I would definitely come again!

(Excellent)

2 Aug 2023

Left by Workawayer (Heidi) for host

I had a great experience working at this place for almost 3 months! Gotemba is a nice place to stay, and the view of Fuji took my breath away. Gotemba is a medium sized city with lots of shops, Tokyo is a bit over 2 hours away by train, and hikes are accessable. I also got a bicycle to travel with! I had a nice apartment which I sometimes shared… read more

(Excellent)

31 Jul 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Heidi)

Thank you very much for your great support!!
Heidi was a great, very responsible person who completed all of tasks perfectly. Kids really loved and enjoyed spending a time with you and miss you so much, I hope you will have a wonderful trip!
I would definitely recommend Heidi for other Workaways.

(Excellent)

1 May 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Tobin)

Thank you very much for your great support!! Tobin was a great, very responsible person who completed all of tasks perfectly. We really enjoyed spending a time with you and miss you so much, I hope you will have a wonderful trip!
I would definitely recommend Tobin for other Workaways.

(Excellent)

1 May 2023

Left by Workawayer (Tobin) for host

I enjoyed my stay here a lot! Rumiko was always kind and accommodating to any requests. The work is very relaxed and fun since the kids are mostly very well behaved and engaging to teach and play with. There are some breathtaking vantage points of Fuji dotted throughout the area and plenty to explore if you're up for it! The other foreign teachers… read more

(Excellent)

2 Mar 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Bendt)

Thank you very much for supporting our school and for kids, bent!
You were amazing, supportive and hardworking. We are glad you had a great time and would welcome you back anytime. Best of luck to you.

(Excellent)

2 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Bendt) for host

I worked in this school for two month and I had an amazing time. Rumiko picked me up from the station and drove me to my apartment. The Japanese staff was really nice too and helped me take care of my insurance and other documents. I got a bicycle to ride to school where I worked for four hours every weekday. The kids are very cute and I had a lot… read more

(Excellent)

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Experience life as a local and teach English near beautiful Mt Fuji in Japan

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Last replied

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Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Projects involving children

Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

Help

Languages

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

How many Workawayers can stay?

Feedback (16)

Photos

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