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United Kingdom

3

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the children in the the school. Unfortunately, I left early after one week. When I fell ill, I felt unable to continue while staying in the house. My departure was sudden, and my communication could have been better. However, after expressing my concerns, the manager blocked me, preventing further discussion. Despite being well-equipped, the house was unclean, we would see a mouse most evenings, with mouse droppings appearing in several places (including one of the beds) every day, and dust. The house requires work, which the owner seems unwilling to provide.

over 1 year ago

JCN replied

Dear Ruby,

I would like to reply to some of your claims,

First of all you arent block, since you left the program I had to remove you from the discord like we do to all the previous volunteers, you can still contact me via private message on discord ( we can still communicate )

As for the house, the fact that it was unclean is something that is up to all the volunteers.
Every wednesday we have a meeting after which the volunteers have to clean the house, you could have come to see me if someone wasn’t keeping the house clean which you didnt.

Same for the dust, if volunteer arent cleaning the house where they are living, dust is bound to collect.

We do tell that the house is an old one we are always here if anything is needed or if some repairs are needed but no one mentioned anything.

As for the mouse claim, the house was checked and I kept telling the volunteers to close the windows because the mouses are coming from outside.But also, to not let any food outside of containers since it attracts mice.

The mouse dropping on the bed that you mentioned earlier happened because one of the volunteer left chocolate on her bed while the windows were opened ( I asked the volunteer concerned about it and she explain it to me ).

We are aware that the house is old we are trying to do everything we can to make the living confortable for the volunteers.

This is why a good communications is important between the volunteers and the manager.

I'm sorry that you got sick and that the house wasn't fitting your expectation but during the interview process we go thought all those details about the living situation with volunteers so they dont have any surprise.

We do wish you a fast recovery and all the luck in your future endeavors.

Respectfully

Brazil

4

My time in Kyoto was great! Kyoto is an amazing city and I was able to be there during Sakura time. Regarding the job, it was an amazing opportunity to be part of the the school, where you can really see how Japanese teachers work and how they educate the kids. It is an unique experience! The program coordinator, Amanda, was always fun and respectful. Regarding the house, it is a really old house and they have some issues (we had problems with dust mites, probably some bed bugs as well, and mouses). Regarding the food, unfortunately I have seen some expired itens being given to the volunteers.

over 1 year ago

Brazil

5

I had the most amazing time!! Luis was an amazing host, very understanding and accommodating! The work at the kindergarten was super nice, the teachers were welcoming and the kids were much fun!!! Kyoto is an extraordinary city and paired with this experience and opportunity made for a perfect trip!!

about 2 years ago

Spain

5

This has been my first experience with Worldpackers, and without a doubt, a very good choice. The house has all the necessary amenities and, Luis and Susan are always attentive to whether you're doing well and they the school about you, helping in any way they can. Also, I've been lucky to meet some really cool people from different parts of the world. I've participated in the the school volunteering, and even though the language barrier is challenging, you end up understanding the teachers and students, and you also learn a lot. Personally, I recommend it 100%!

about 2 years ago

Australia

5

Well wrote a review but only got half way through what i wanted to say and hit the word limit so heres the shortened version. 1. JCN as hosts. THE BEST Both Susan and Luis were realiable, thoughtful and appreciative. They both made our first volunteer project memorable beyond expectations and became our friends. 2. the the school. THE MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE AND FOREVER REMEMBERED If you're applying for the the school the only advice I can give is dont try to be a teacher, be a student and do what the kids do, play, listen, laugh and help out as much as you can. I can not recommend JCN enough .

over 2 years ago

Australia

5

My hubby & I are a lot older than the typical volunteer & we weren't sure if this would be an issue. After 4 weeks with JCN, not only are we certain we've made the right choice to volunteer, but we have been forever changed by the experience. Luis & Susan are incredibly supportive. The Volunteer House is 100 year old. We had no issue with anything in the house. We were volunteering at the the school. Its was brilliant. The sensei were incredibly welcoming & the kids were adorable. I cannot recommend JCN highly enough. Just Do It!

over 2 years ago

Brazil

5

It's about feeling fulfilled, belonging, important and solidarity tool for social integration. When we choose a volunteer job, we imagine that we'll be donating our work, but only when we start it we realize how much we actually receive. It's a environment of cooperation and harmony, surely the best thing I've ever done. I'm grateful for JCN to have received me with so much love and trusted my work. If you want to live and feel a significant life that worth it every second and if you love people and animals, for sure JCN is the right place for you! KIM: It's a volunteer job, not a resort!

over 2 years ago

Turkey

5

Luis is a very patient and flexible host. He's very understanding when things don't go to plan and always tries to be accomodating. He's passionate about making this a great experience for travelers; he tries to attend/organize social events even when he is swamped with work. He's attentive to any problems that you might encounter during your trip and goes to great lengths to try to solve them. All in all, he's been a truly great host.

over 2 years ago

Brazil

5

Being a volunteer in JCN was an amazing experience. The kids in the the school program are adorable and funny and kyoto is a great city to explore. There were some issues with the house but I could see the host was trying to fix all problems, hope he suceeds in that. I feel truly grateful for this 4 weeks in kyoto, would totaly reccomend it to anyone who is intrested.

over 2 years ago

France

5

A lovely way to spend a month in one of the best cities in Japan. Worked in the the school for 4 weeks, met a bunch of great people in the volounteer house and thoroughly explored Kyoto all at the same time. Working with kids was fulfilling and surprisingly made for some emotional goodbyes, and you leave feeling like you a little impact in their lives. Luis was a great host, very accomodating and understaning and a blast to party with. The program and its facilities seem to be improving everyday and I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like in future.

over 2 years ago

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