Nara University of Education and JICA Kansai are jointly holding a special program, "Touring the World of International Cooperation," on Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29, 2026. Participants connect in real time with JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers working around the world and learn about local cultures, daily life, and the volunteers' work and thoughts.
Each day begins with an orientation and introductory study session, followed by four rounds of "online travel and exchange" visiting countries and regions in turn, and ends with a closing. Each round includes a short lecture from the field, discussion among participants, and a Q&A and exchange.
On the 28th, participants visit Colombia (youth activities), Thailand (tourism), Djibouti (math education), and Kyrgyz Republic (youth activities); on the 29th, Palau (judo), Solomon Islands (primary education), Cambodia (primary education), and Timor-Leste (support for children and people with disabilities). How to apply and further details are on the JICA and Nara University of Education pages.
Key points
- Talk directly, online, with volunteers in eight countries and regions
- Volunteer fields are wide-ranging: education, youth, sports, disability support, and more
- Free to join, with one-day or partial attendance possible
Why we recommend this event
There are few chances to hear about the field of international cooperation in the words of the people working there. The Q&A time also lets you ask your questions on the spot.
With discussion among participants, the program lets you think about the rewards and challenges of international cooperation through human connections. It is also a good first step for anyone just starting to take an interest.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“From Colombia to Palau and Timor-Leste, I love that you can talk with volunteers in such varied fields. Judo and math education are surprising ones that make me want to hear more.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“Those surprising fields Aoba-san mentioned draw me in too. With a Q&A, you could ask plain questions, like why someone chose that country, that no brochure can answer.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“As you both say, it's a precious chance to hear local voices. Even through a screen, talking face to face makes faraway countries feel much closer, and that excites me too.”
Interested in this event?
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“It's wonderful to connect with sites around the world through a screen, without traveling. The volunteers' firsthand voices will surely stay with you.
Applications close on November 25. If a country or field catches your interest, why not join, even for just one day?”