Domestic Volunteer Program, Fukushima: Global BBA Student Interview

For over 25 years, NUCB has proudly been active in volunteering programs. Our school is ranked the number one university in Japan for our efforts in sending hundreds of students overseas for volunteering programs.

With the current restriction in travel, this summer, 35 students will volunteer around 2-weeks of their time in Fukushima, Nara, and Osaka. The theme this year relates to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 of life on land.

SDG Goal 15: Life on Land

Sustainable Development Goal 15 is to "Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss". Humans depend on earth and the ocean to live. This goal aims at securing sustainable livelihoods that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Global BBA Student: Robert (Scotland/Indonesia)

"This has been very rewarding and an experience that I am extremely grateful for. It has been awesome to interact in the local community of Iwaki, Fukushima and meet kind, supportive and open-minded people."

Robert, a 2nd year Global BBA student, selflessly volunteered his time at Iwaki-no-Mori, a non-profit organization in Iwaki, helping to restore the surrounding fields of Yunodake Sanso.

During the volunteering, participants took turns cooking their own meals while enjoying the magnificent surrounding nature. For our Global BBA students, it is also a fantastic opportunity to share cultures, as well as speaking in English and Japanese. Let's hear more about Rob's experience.

How much did it cost?

For 14 days, the total was 38,000 JPY (~$350) which included food, insurance and lodging (excluding round trip from Nagoya).

Why did you decide to join this program?

I wanted to take a pause from daily life and experience change - the physical labour was quite fun and it was a great opportunity to connect with local people, especially in a rural part of Japan.

Do you have any advice for future volunteers?

Volunteering is important for self-development and life balance and to do something other than for your own interests. This experience will provide and intimate environment to get to know people and offers an unforgettable time to add to your time in Japan.