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United States
I absolutely loved working with the shelter! I volunteered for the school program, and was able to not only have an amazing experience, but it felt like I actually got to connect with the locals as well. I loved living so close to the schools, I truly got to experience living like a local, even if my stay was only for a month. I highly recommend volunteering for these guys, you won't regret it!
2 months ago
Israel
My stay here was wonderful, I felt at home and the cats were adorable.
over 1 year ago
Brazil
I worked at a dog shelter in Cusco and really wanted to have some experience with cats. Luckily, I found JCN and was able to learn a lot over the past few days. The work might seem a bit meticulous at first, but every detail matters and there's always someone around to guide you, even when the host is not on the workplace. The tasks require attention, but nothing too physically demanding. The working hours were respected, and the team was always very thoughtfu/careful l with the volunteers. The cats are amazing 😻. I really enjoyed the experience and I'm very grateful for everything
over 1 year ago
Chile
This was a nice experience to learn about education in Japan. The kids are very friendly, and the activities aren't too demanding. Because of the language barrier, you might not join all activities, but you can still be helpful if you try. Kyoto and the nearby cities have lots of amazing places to visit, so I really enjoyed my free time. The house is a bit old and might have some issues, but the staff is always there to help.
almost 2 years ago
United States
I was nervous about being around so many children at first but we hit it off very well right from the beginning. I picked up on a lot of Japanese along the way and being in the program gave me a lot of motivation to keep on practicing. The kids and I had a lot of fun playing together and interacting with nature! All of the volunteers and program staff were very welcoming.
over 2 years ago
Germany
It was my very first volunteer experience with worldpackers and I couldn't have hoped for a better one! Everyone involved in this program is just incredible and super nice and I felt really at home in this house with the great people that I lived with. Working in the the school the Kindergarten was a special experience that I'll cherish forever! Even though the language barrier might seem like a challenge sometimes, the kids prove that you don't need to speak the same language to play and have fun together, they were just awesome! Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
over 2 years ago
Portugal
I had the most amazing time with Japan cat network! While volunteering at the the school the kindergarden, I got the opportunity to make new friends, experience the Japanese lifestyle and culture, interact with the kids and teachers as well as living in Kyoto during the Sakura season. The work itself is super easy and rewarding, and the house is 30min by bike to the city center, which allows you to explore every corner of it. I'll take this experience with me forever and definitely recommend it to everyone :) thank you so much for having me
over 2 years ago
Argentina
The program fails to provide volunteers with a safe or welcoming environment. We face unsanitary conditions, structural issues, and infestations, which harm our health—five volunteers have left in the last 48 hours because of this. Despite our contributions, we are treated disrespectfully and subjected to manipulative behavior, with our feedback ignored. The leadership appears overworked and unable to manage volunteers effectively. While the projects are valuable, the poor administration makes the experience negative. The organization should reconsider its management or shut down the program.
about 2 years ago
Netherlands
I think this place could have potential, but I left earlier because the house was in my eyes not ready for volunteers. Yes it is old, but the mold, dust, holes, cracks & animals didn't make it a pleasant experience. It needs more than just a cleaning... The communication was a bit tough at times, because there is a lot happening. It isn't only a the school program, but it is also combined with a cat cafe and airbnb. Too much for one person. However, I am grateful for my fellow volunteers and the experience in a traditional Japanse the school. I felt like the the school gave me a more local experience!
about 2 years ago
Italy
I had a very nice experience learning a bit about rescued cats and supporting local teachers and children at kindergarten. During spare time you can enjoy Kyoto and surrounding.
about 2 years ago
