General Information
What is the duration of the program?
The program length is approximately 3-4 hours (schedule may vary).
What means of transportation are necessary for this program?
You must come to the event location by your own means of transportation. During the program you will travel by foot to different locations within the event location.
What is the age range of people participating in the program?
Our program usually accommodates participants from middle school to high school age, and occasionally includes younger participants or adult participants.
What is the English level of participants?
The English level of participants will vary from event to event. Some groups/participants will have little to no English proficiency, while other groups/participants may have a high level of proficiency.
Is it required to be able to speak Japanese?
No, it’s not mandatory to speak Japanese. Our Machi-Que primarily focuses on English immersion, so English will be the main language used. However, if there are participants who struggle with English, we can initially communicate in English and then incorporate some Japanese words to aid their understanding.
What skills are necessary to become an English Speaker?
English Speakers should be open minded, flexible and great at interacting with others. They should understand the complexities of speaking to others whose first language is not English as well as engage with quiet/shy participants.
Can I participate in locations outside of my home area?
Sure! For example, if you live in Kanto, you can participate in Okinawa events. Note that the Activity Budget is fixed for each event and will not be adjusted based on distance traveled.
Can a Japanese person join the program?
本プログラムは、国際交流及び異文化交流を提供するものとなります。海外居住経験が長い日本人の方で参加ご希望の場合、申し込み前に「rogaining@hello-world.city」までご連絡ください。
During the Program
Can English Speakers buy anything for participants?
No, English Speakers should not purchase anything for participants, unless there is an emergency (Ex. water on a hot day). This includes souvenirs, food, etc.
If lunch is scheduled during the event, can English Speakers bring their own lunch?
English Speakers are expected to eat lunch with their participants at a restaurant on site. Please contact us before the event if you have any food restrictions.
Can English Speakers bring food/snacks/gifts for the participants?
We ask that English Speakers do not bring any food or gifts for the participants in order to avoid allergy issues and keep group dynamics fair.
Activity Budget
How much do English Speakers receive for the Activity Budget?
Activity Budgets provided to English Speakers start at 5000 yen. Factors that dictate this amount include length of event and whether or not lunch is included.
What costs are included in the Activity Budget?
The Activity Budget includes the transportation and phone data fee. If lunch is scheduled for participants during the program, we also add a lunch fee to the Activity Budget. Note that Activity Budgets are provided as a flat rate, no matter the distance you traveled, amount of data you used, or amount of lunch you bought.
When do English Speakers receive the Activity Budget?
The Activity Budget will be provided at the end of the program at the event site.
*Activity Budgets can be reduced if program rules are not followed. This decision is up to the discretion of the HelloWorld staff at the event site.