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OHIO Iwate Service Learning Program in Japan Hero Image
OHIO Iwate Service Learning Program in Japan

OHIO Iwate Service Learning Program in Japan

The OHIO Iwate Service Learning Program offers students an unforgettable opportunity to engage in community-based recovery and disaster resilience work in northeastern Japan. Coordinated by Dr. Christopher Thompson in the Department of Linguistics, the program is hosted by Iwate Prefectural University (IPU), OHIO’s long-standing partner since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

Through this hands-on program, students participate in meaningful service activities alongside Japanese peers, while learning about disaster prevention, community rebuilding, and the cultural resilience of the Tōhoku region. Activities include distributing relief supplies (“Mizu-Bora,” or bottled water deliveries), assisting with community engagement projects, and learning directly from survivors about the long-term impacts of disaster and recovery.

Students will also experience the rich culture of Iwate Prefecture — known for its scenic coastline, mountains, and folk traditions — and build lifelong connections with students and faculty from Japan.

Program Dates

August 4 – August 11, 2025 (one week, dates may vary slightly year to year)

Application Deadline: February 15, 2025

Program Highlights

  • Disaster Recovery & Resilience – Participate in service-learning projects that continue the legacy of post-tsunami recovery efforts.
  • Community Engagement – Deliver supplies, meet with local residents, and support ongoing rebuilding initiatives.
  • Cultural Immersion – Experience traditional Iwate hospitality, local foods, and folk performances, while engaging in cross-cultural exchange with Japanese students.
  • Global Learning – Explore the connections between disaster recovery in Japan and resilience strategies relevant to communities worldwide.
  • Professional Growth – Build skills in teamwork, intercultural communication, and community service that strengthen your résumé for careers in international studies, linguistics, education, or public service.

Sample Activities

  • Orientation & Cultural Exchange – Begin with introductions, icebreakers, and workshops on the history of the 2011 disaster. Participate in intercultural activities such as folk dance practice with Japanese students.
  • Site Visits – Guided tours of the Tsunami Memorial Museum and Takata Matsubara Memorial Park, including the “Miracle Pine,” seawalls, and former school buildings preserved as disaster heritage sites.
  • Community Service (Mizu-Bora) – Join local students in delivering bottled water and supplies to residents still affected by disaster or displacement, using the activity as a way to connect and build community.
  • Resident Engagement – Participate in programs with survivors, such as storytelling sessions, tea gatherings, or cultural performances (including rakugo, a traditional form of comedic storytelling).
  • Evening Campfire Exchange – Gather around a campfire for songs, dances, and reflection with students and community members.
  • Fieldwork Experience – Contribute to hands-on projects such as fisheries clean-up or assisting with community centers, depending on local needs.

Venues and Logistics

Students will be hosted by Iwate Prefectural University and stay at the Iwate Prefectural Outdoor Activity Center or local guesthouses during the program. Meals and activities are arranged by IPU, which receives special program funding from local and national government sources.

Travel and Transportation

  • Flights: Students typically fly into Tokyo or Nagoya; domestic transport to Iwate (via Shinkansen) is arranged in collaboration with IPU.
  • Accommodation: Lodging is provided through IPU arrangements.
  • Transportation: Covered for program activities.
  • Connectivity: Internet and mobile access are widely available in Japan.

Entry and Exit Requirements

  • Visa: U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 90 days.
  • Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond the program end date.
  • Health and Safety: Students will receive a cultural and safety orientation.

Applicant Qualifications

This program is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in linguistics, international studies, Asian studies, education, or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Interest in Japan, disaster recovery, and community engagement.
  • Willingness to engage in service and intercultural exchange.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in group settings.

Costs

  • Program Fee: Most in-country costs (lodging, meals, transportation in Iwate) are covered by Iwate Prefectural University with program funds.
  • Airfare: Estimated $1,500–$2,000 round-trip from Columbus to Japan.
  • Personal Expenses: Students should budget for meals outside the program, souvenirs, and optional excursions.

Ready to Serve and Learn?

If you are eager to gain global experience in service learning, resilience, and cross-cultural collaboration, apply now to join the OHIO Iwate Service Learning Program in Japan!

For more information, contact:

  • Dr. Christopher Thompson (Department of Linguistics)