Miu (Japan)

Miu Kobayashi, a first-year student in the School of International Studies, participated in the International Volunteer Program during her summer vacation, spending  about a month in Jossasen, Norway. Her activities included painting facilities and building benches for a center dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities.

Why I Chose to Participate

Having previously volunteered in Japan, I felt inspired to challenge myself by doing volunteer work in a different country. I believed that by understanding the differences between volunteering in Japan and abroad, I could gain new insights and deepen my understanding of what it means to give back. This motivation drove me to join the program.

What I Learned Through a Challenging Environment

One of the biggest lessons I took away from this experience was how different living conditions and perspectives can be between Japan and other countries. When I first arrived, I was filled with excitement and determination, but I was shocked by the austere living environment. There were minimal facilities for showers and laundry, and the toilets and washbasins were located outdoors—completely different from what I had been used to in Japan.

The first few days were incredibly tough, and there were moments when I felt like giving up. However, by the third day, I found myself adapting to the environment, and I no longer felt inconvenienced. This experience made me reflect on how privileged life in Japan is, with its pristine infrastructure and unmatched convenience.

The conditions at the Norwegian volunteer site were the complete opposite, but what struck me most was the positivity of my fellow volunteers. Despite the challenges, they never complained or expressed dissatisfaction, and they seemed to truly enjoy the experience. Observing their mindset made me realize that volunteering abroad is not about oneself—it’s about genuinely contributing to others. This shift in perspective, combined with the valuable differences I observed, made me deeply grateful to have participated in the program.

Goals For The Future

This experience provided me with a wealth of insights and a broadened worldview that I could not have gained by staying in Japan. It helped me reflect on the true meaning of volunteerism, and I now feel even more motivated to continue participating in international volunteer programs. Additionally, this journey rekindled my love for learning English, and I’m eager to further improve my language skills. With this enthusiasm, I’m planning to take on the Frontier Spirit Program as my next challenge.
Participating in this program taught me the transformative power of stepping out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t just about helping others—it was also about growing personally and culturally. I’m excited to see how I can build on this experience in the future.

International Volunteer Program at NUCB undergraduate school

This program offers students the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural exchange and regional contribution through volunteer activities with young people from around the world. Each project gathers 10 to 20 multinational members, working collaboratively beyond the barriers of nationality and language.

Participants can choose a project that aligns with their interests and goals from a selection of 800 projects across 35 countries worldwide. This program provides a platform to develop global perspectives and make meaningful contributions to local communities.