Global English Camp
Program Overview
The purpose of Global English Camp is to bring English to life for Japanese high school students and build their confidence in speaking it through engaging conversations with native speakers. Whilst students in Japan begin learning English from the third grade, many rarely have the chance to learn it outside of a school lesson setting - their time with you is a big deal. As English proficiency is a requirement for getting into top Japanese universities, their time with you can be key to their future success in more ways than one. Overall, this program will require you to fly to Japan for at least five weeks, facilitate discussions with a different group of Japanese high school students each week, and be prepared for the realities of living in Japan.
You will be one of ~200 Coaches, all recruited from universities like yours. You will be in your own smaller team of around ten; your Leader will be an experienced past coach from previous program years. Depending on your preferences and student demand, you have may have the opportunity to be based in Tokyo, Osaka, or be part of a team that travels to smaller venues around the country. Preferences are taken into consideration and are not guaranteed.
Preliminary Program Dates for 2024
July 14th-August 19th
Final program dates and subsidies will be confirmed prior to acceptance into the program.
What does the program entail?
Over the five-day curriculum, you work with a group of 3-6 students with whom you will cover a range of topics, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, culminating in two group presentations over the week and crescendoing to each students' solo presentation on their "Life Mission". In the process, you will give two presentations of your own, one on your university and another on your own life mission - training is provided the 1st week of the program.
Who do we partner up with?
Our program sponsor, Toshin High School, is the largest preparatory school network for university entrance examinations in Japan, supporting over 120,000 students across more than 1,000 branch schools. You can learn more about Global English Camp on Toshin's website (it's all in Japanese). Additionally, we work closely with Come On UP House to provide program-sponsored accommodation and logistics management.
A screenshot of the Come On Out team’s Opening Ceremony video for the Global English Workshop 2021!
Program Application Requirements
English Level Requirement: Native-level English ability.
Age Requirement: At least 18 years or older by the program start date.
University Requirement: You must be currently attending university (or a university graduate) and in good standing.
Teaching Requirement: Passion for Teaching, Teaching Experience or TEFL Certificate (note: teaching experience and TEFL Certificate are not requirements, however, they may be an asset in the selection process).
Program Onboarding Requirements (required AFTER initial acceptance into program)
Background check: a clear criminal background prior to being approved to purchase plane ticket.
COVID Vaccine (3 shots) AND/OR Negative COVID Test taken with 72 hours of departure. We have not updated these requirements for 2024, less restrictions are currently in force in Japan.
Character reference: at least one character reference requested and reviewed during the onboarding process.
Valid passport (through the end of 2023): if not a U.S., U.K., or Canadian citizen, a visa may be required. We can assist; however, we are not responsible for the outcome of any given visa, nor can we guarantee approval.
Transcript: official copy of certified university transcript requested during the onboarding process.
Health and wellness: must be in good physical and mental health prior to departing for Japan. As part of the onboarding process, all interns are required to complete our Health and Wellness form.
Program agreement: after final acceptance, interns submit a signed program agreement and complete all onboarding procedures through Come On Out.
Airline ticket deposit: accepted interns pay a security deposit of $500/£350 (or USD currency equivalent where your university is located) at time of airline ticket purchase. The deposit is paid directly to the travel agency using a debit or credit card and serves as you financial commitment to attending the program. The airline ticket deposit is returned to each intern within 45 days of the program end date as long as the intern completes the program, has no damage or cleaning required to residence while in Japan, and completes our final program report. All interns have a $100 USD non-refundable Onboarding/Application fee deducted from their deposit.
Onboarding Fee: In our efforts to enhance our application, onboarding, and vetting processes for the interns participating in our summer programs, we require a $100 USD fee for each participating intern. The fee is automatically deducted from each intern’s deposit after completion of the program. This fee is being used to enhance our application process and onboarding & vetting procedures to ensure both a smooth process and safe program for all participants.
Weekly Curriculum (updated each year, below is an example from 2023)
The program kicks off with our check in weekend, training and orientation week followed by 4-one-week classes to different groups of high school students. There may be some changes to the 2024 curriculum. Below are some of the topics that may be discussed in the classroom:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Life Mission
Regional Revitalisation
Social Media
Entrepreneurship
Intern’s Field of Study and University
Education Reform
Example Weekly Curriculum Schedule
Tentative to change.
City Placement
Interns are placed in one or multiple major cities throughout Japan depending on high school student demand. Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya and Osaka have been primary base locations. Up to 70+ locations are added during the high school student registration process. Some interns may travel outside Tokyo or Osaka or commute daily from their base city. Regardless, interns typically spend the first week of the program in either Tokyo or Osaka for training. Global English Camp does not place interns in rural areas for the entire length of the program unless demand permits and intern allows. Some may have the opportunity to travel to multiple locations.
Interns do not know their city placement until training week in Tokyo. We do not guarantee location or travel preferences. All interns receive their arrival city (generally Tokyo) prior to confirming a plane ticket. Additionally, some interns experience changes in their summer itinerary during the program due to Japanese students’ summer vacations starting in late July; many students do not sign up for Global English Camp until summer vacation. Interns must be flexible and adapt to changes in scheduling.
Global English Camp 2019’s overall program statistics, including the number of school venues across Japan participated.
What is provided:
Round-trip airfare: Airfare is subsidized with limitations and procedures. There is a $500 USD airline ticket deposit at time of purchase. Deposit is returned within 45 days of completion of program (minus the $100 USD onboarding/application fee. Come On Out pays the remainder of the ticket price up to our ticket cap. This cap will be confirmed PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE. In 2024, the cap covered the the majority of participants’ tickets however, depending on your departure location and Global changes to airline ticket prices , that may not be the case for 2024.
Housing: Shared housing, shared dorm rooms, homestays, shared apartments, and hotels may be utilized. (we were not able to provide homestays in 2023 but are hoping to bring them back in 2024) Available housing is generally smaller and different than what is available in most western countries. We do our best to provide safe and clean housing options; however, it may not suit all interns.
Local Transportation: Round-trip transportation to and from class (including airports when traveling to school venues). Although we cover expenses for luggage on domestic airplane travel, we do not cover shipping luggage throughout Japan. We encourage all attendees to PACK LIGHT as you will be responsible for moving your luggage to your housing and for some, throughout Japan.
Food/Meal Stipend: Food stipend is provided for class days attended.
Activities: Activities provided by the program are optional. We are currently planning on providing the welcome/orientation days upon arrival and the farewell party.
Health insurance: A premium health insurance package is provided. Depending on your personal situation, you may need additional coverage.
Program Partners
The Global English Camp program is coordinated by 3 companies with a passion for education.
Program Coordinator
Come On Out - Japan brings together all aspects of the program so mentors may have the most optimal experience abroad. We cooperate with universities and students, searching for ideal candidates that will ensure the program’s success.
Program Sponsor
Toshin High School, a division of Nagase Brothers Inc., is the program sponsor and educational coordinator for the Japanese high school students. They are in charge of the English Camp curriculum and oversee day-to-day classroom operations.
Program Coordinator
Come on UP handles housing and ground support. They provide interns with local support and coordinate Japanese language and classes, as well as manage other special events, weekend trips, and reimbursement finances.