The Japan Foundation is an organization promoting cultural exchange between Japan and other countries in order to advance international mutual understanding. The Japan Foundation, Toronto is one of 26 overseas offices, offering programs grouped under three main areas: Japanese Language Education, Japanese Studies and International Dialogue, and Arts and Cultural Exchange.
As a non-profit organization, The Japan Foundation, Toronto depends on volunteers to assist in the preparation and running of its events and activities throughout the year. Each year, we offer hundreds of hours of programming that require the help of volunteers. Currently there are over 70 dedicated volunteers from all walks of life. Volunteers primarily help to supervise the art gallery, support the librarians and Japanese language instructors, and assist at functions such as lectures, movie screenings and receptions.
Types of Volunteering Opportunities at the Japan Foundation, Toronto:
- Event Help: Assisting registration and collecting questionnaires at film screenings, lectures, and special performances both at the Japan Foundation, Toronto, and in the community. Typical hours – Weekday evening 5:45-8:30 p.m.
- Gallery Monitor: Greeting visitors, answering basic questions and monitoring the safety of artworks at the Japan Foundation gallery. Typical hours – Weekday daytime between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Each shift is around 2.5 hours)
- Library Assistant: Helping librarians accommodate families with children at seasonal events such as the Tanabata Festival and Toronto Comic Arts Festival. Typical hours – Select Saturdays 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. *Volunteer opportunities currently unavailable
- Online Japanese Conversation Volunteer: Participating in group conversations with our students in Japanese, and answering questions regarding Japanese language/learning in a friendly manner. Conversation events take place in our JFT Virtual Study Space. Typical hours – one hour per week, Monday to Thursday 6:00-9:00pm
Application procedure:
- If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please submit a volunteer application form, résumé and a short statement of interest by email to our Volunteer Coordinator, Melanie Muir, at melanie_muir@jpf.go.jp . *Note: If the PDF format is not displayed correctly in your browser, please download the file directly.
- Selected applicants will be invited for an interview with the volunteer coordinator. We thank all applicants for their interest in volunteering at The Japan Foundation, Toronto, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
- Applicants will be notified of the results by email or phone.
- Questions? Please contact Melanie Muir at (416) 966-1600 x230.
