Awaji Youth Federation (AYF) Fellowship Program 2024

Overview

The AYF Fellowship is a 9-month live-in working program on Awaji Island, Japan at the home of the Awaji Youth Federation, Manabi no Sato. It provides selected Fellows with the opportunity to challenge themselves and hone their individual skills in a multicultural environment that reflects both the needs of the Japanese workplace and the opportunities that come with a flexibly structured and stimulating learning by doing structure.

Guided by the philosophy of ‘Turning your Imagination into Action’, AYF works under the umbrella of the Pasona Group towards sustainable business solutions for society`s problems. AYF Fellows have a special chance to bring a unique global perspective to a highly localized regional community on Awaji Island in Japan.

Themes and Structure

Reflective of its overall mission, AYF has selected three main themes for Fellowship activity. These are:

1. PR & Marketing
2. Art & Music
3. Health & Wellness
4. Design & Technology

Projects

As a working internship, the AYF Fellowship will require participants to be involved in supporting, developing, and creating initiatives to drive and deliver outcomes for AYF and the Pasona Group across several core areas. This will include supporting ongoing events and developing new events focused on wellness, inbound tourism, and culture. As far as possible, project work will be divided to reflect the interests and activities of Fellows, and to support their work goals, so as to create an overall synergy and maximize time and effort.

Project work will broadly cover, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Regional Revitalization: involvement in specific Pasona Group projects and work activities.
2. New Initiatives: Work in implementation and improvement of new AYF Projects.
3. AYF Academy: Training and skills development for external organizations.
4. YF Global: Development of networks and content for the AYF online platform.

Benefits

1. Monthly Salary (Base salary + Overtime): JPY 197,000. Government Taxes, Pension and Insurance fees will be deducted. Japanese class fees will also be deducted.
2. Accommodation & Utilities included (Individual room in either Japanese or Western style). Utility costs such as electricity and Wi-Fi are also included.
3. 10 days of paid leave available six months into the Fellowship.
4. Pasona Group will support your Visa application once you are selected to the program. You will need to apply for the process at your local Japanese Embassy.
5. AYF Fellows who successfully showcase their skills and contribution to the development of Awaji Island in line with the vision and corporate direction of the Pasona Group will be offered a chance to stay on Awaji Island after the Fellowship to keep working on new initiatives.
6. Regular career counselling sessions will be included as part of the AYF Fellowship program to assist Fellows in articulating their goals and taking proactive steps to achieving them.
7. Valuable support will be offered for online and offline study of Japanese language and Fellows are required to participate as proactively as possible.

Eligibility

1. You’ve got 2-3 years of experience in one of the Fellowship focus areas. You thrive in startup environments and fast-paced settings, and you’re ready to take your skills to the next level.
2. In principle, you’re between 24-30 years old and ready to dive into this exciting opportunity. Individuals are assessed on merit, however they do not consider that the Fellowship is an appropriate opportunity for people aged 35 and above or. Those with significant family and marital commitments should inform the Secretariat upon applying.
3. You hold a Bachelor’s degree or above as a legal requirement for the working visa, and showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and growth.
4. You’re fluent in English (TOEIC 800 or equivalent), and if you’ve got a handle on Japanese (JLPT N1-N3), that’s a huge plus.
5. You’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves and put in the effort to make things happen. Your discipline keeps you focused on achieving your goals.
6. You understand the importance of caring for others and believe in the power of collaboration and support within a team.
7. You adapt to new challenges with ease and keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles come your way.
8. You’re not just full of great ideas—you have the drive and determination to turn those ideas into reality.

Interviews

Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

GOOD LUCK