Japan Team Internship

Experience Real-Life Missions in Japan: Summer Internship Opportunity

Do you want to explore missions but feel hesitant about going alone? Encompass is sending a team of interns to Japan for four weeks to receive intentional training and gain hands-on experience in working among the Japanese. The team will be led by a veteran cross-cultural worker and will work closely with global staff in an existing Encompass ministry. This experience is perfect for anyone who has finished high school and beyond and thinks God might be calling them to international missions.

Key Elements of the Internship:

• Witness what God is currently doing in Japan. See a variety of existing ministries in three different locations, both in the city and the mountains.
• Serve in a local church. Serve in a vibrant church that uses extreme sports, English, and the arts to reach their community.
• Share the Gospel. Serve at our ministry center in Osaka where connections are made through things like English, art, music, sport, and video gaming.
• Learn from Experienced Missionaries. Interns can learn from seasoned cross-cultural workers who guide them through real-life ministry, spiritual formation, and discernment. Learn specifically about a ministry in Tokyo that does outreach through anime, biking, and more.
• Grow Spiritually. Hear testimonies from local believers and learn about the obstacles they face as followers of Jesus. Through daily life, Bible study, and reflection, interns experience deep personal and spiritual growth as they encounter God in a cross-cultural context.

Cross–Cultural Opportunities:

• Visit and learn from local churches.
• Visit local Buddhist temples and other places of local religious history.
• Learn about Japanese culture and its barriers to the gospel.

Growth-Facilitating Opportunities: 

During your internship, you’ll receive mentoring and training to facilitate personal, professional, and spiritual growth. This includes:

• Pre-Trip Mentoring: Personal, spiritual, and logistical guidance as you prepare for your trip.
• Orientation: Help acclimating upon arrival in the country.
• Cross-Cultural Training: Begin to explore missional habits by applying them to your internship as well as recognizing their value as a long-term worker.
• Team: Grow in self-awareness as you live and serve on a team.
• Mentoring: Process your experiences with your team and team leader during the internship.
• Post-Trip Mentoring: Continue processing your internship with your team leader and other Encompass staff upon your return. 

Logistics:

• Timeline: June 11 - July 2, 2026
• Support Goal: $4,400 (estimate; subject to change)
• Housing: Lodging will be arranged for each location and may include a shared apartment with other interns or local staff.
• Transportation: You will utilize local public transportation.
• Finances: Cost will be determined as the itinerary is finalized.

This internship is ideal for college students or young adults who are:

• Exploring a call to missions
• Looking for hands-on ministry experience
• Hungry to grow in faith, cross-cultural skills, and global perspective
• Willing to step outside their comfort zone and be used by God in real people’s lives

Come experience what God is doing in Japan and how He might want to use you!