An excellent once in a lifetime experience

I wanted to live in Japan to experience life in one of the most fascinating countries in the world, whilst doing something helpful and productive. I searched online and found Lattitude Global Volunteering (LGV). LGV are a charity that help in the personal and professional development of 17-25 year olds’ through comprehensive overseas volunteer placements in a local community.

I went through LGV because it is a charity, thus its focus is not on money alone but more on making a lasting positive difference worldwide. Its fees were far lower than other organisations providing a similar experience and its support was extensive before departure, during the six months overseas and after returning.

I was placed in a Christian community centre in Tokyo, Japan for six months along with another UK LGV volunteer. We spent our mornings helping in the nursery for the children aged 0-6 and our afternoons in the afterschool club for children aged 6-12. The days were fun-filled; playing with the children and helping the members of staff with daily tasks such as setting up lunch/tidying up and supervising the children. There was also an elderly lunch programme once a week, where a number of older members of the community came to the community centre and we ate, did quizzes, talked and exercised together.

The six months were a truly amazing experience, where we got to learn and speak Japanese, explore Tokyo and make many friends along the way. We were always treated excellently and fed like kings!

I would highly recommend a placement with LGV, whether you do it before university, after university or at any point during the ages of 17-25. It truly could be one of the best decisions and adventures you have in life.