Did you know that Japanese can also enroll in ARI? Many people might imagine that our participants coming from overseas. However, we actually welcome Japanese participants as well!
To help you learn more, we’ve put together a clear and simple FAQ covering what you can study at ARI, tuition fees, required English proficiency, and the career paths of graduates. Please take a look!
For details regarding international participant recruitment, please see the following page: Admissions – Asian Rural Institute
Q1. What can I learn at ARI?
You will gain the essential skills to become a Rural Leader. This means becoming a leader who is rooted in the local community, respects local resources and the environment, and serves to improve people’s lives and solve regional issues.The Curriculum: Three Core Pillars
ARI curriculum is built on three pillars: Servant Leadership, Foodlife, and Learning Community.
- Servant Leadership: You will learn concepts such as active listening and non-violent communication. By taking turns as group leaders, you will practice a “service-oriented” leadership style—serving the people rather than a traditional top-down approach.
- Foodlife: “Foodlife” is a term coined by ARI to express that “Food and Life are inseparable.” You will learn organic farming techniques that are friendly to both people and the environment—methods that can be practiced without expensive machinery. In a time where food security is becoming a global concern, learning to take responsibility for what we eat is more important than ever.
- Learning Community: ARI requires a flexible heart and mind ready for self-reflection and change. We view daily challenges—even those that overturn our values—as opportunities for growth. It is a place to connect and learn with people who share similar values, despite having different backgrounds.
Voice of a Graduate: “ARI is not just about organic farming and leadership; it is first and foremost a place where you grow as a human being. Through dialogue with others and yourself, I gained a foundation for how I want to live my life. I highly recommend ARI to anyone who wants to share values and grow together in a diverse community.” (Chigira Hasumi, 2017 Graduate)
Q2. What is the difference between a Participant and a Volunteer?
Participants join the Rural Leaders Training Program on equal footing with international participants. You will attend all lectures and practical training and share a room with international participants for the most intensive experience. Volunteers work in various sections—such as the farm, kitchen, or office—to support the community life and the training program.
Voice of a Graduate: “Having experienced being a participant, an graduate intern, and a staff member, I felt the most intense discussions and dialogues happened when I was a participant. Sharing diverse perspectives with people from different cultures remains a wonderful memory.” (Ryo Maki, 2019 Graduate)
Q3. How much is the tuition?
For the 9-month training:
- Tuition: 700,000 JPY
- Lab/Practical Fee: 260,000 JPY (Additional dormitory and food fees are 30,000 JPY per month each.) Note: If you choose to become a Graduate Intern, you can continue your studies for another year with only living expenses.
Q4. I’m not confident in my English. Is that okay?
English proficiency is not a criterion for selection. However, since all training is conducted in English, we recommend studying before you join. What matters most is your attitude and willingness to communicate, rather than fluency or technical skill.
Voice of a Graduate: “I was worried about my English, and it was hard when I couldn’t express myself at first. But my classmates encouraged me. Since no one is a native speaker, everyone tries their best to understand each other.” (Moe Koyama, 2009 Graduate)
Q5. What are the career paths after graduation?
Our Japanese graduates are active in a wide range of fields, including international cooperation (such as JICA), local farming, community development, education, welfare, and the private sector.
Voice of a Graduate: “The learning at ARI is incredibly diverse and goes far beyond agricultural techniques or rural development. From my personal experience, I believe what you learn at ARI can be fully applied to fields like social welfare and education as well.” (Makiko Nakamura, 2008 Graduate – Special Needs Education Assistant)
“The dialogues and discussions I had with fellow students, staff, and volunteers were invaluable. Through those conversations, I was able to think deeply about international and cross-cultural understanding, peacebuilding, servant leadership, and self-understanding. That unique environment is directly connected to my current career.” (Yuta Kimura, 2020 Graduate – Government employee)
How to Apply
- Application Deadline: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Details for Japanese Participants: https://ari.ac.jp/en/jp-admission/
We offer campus tours upon request, so please feel free to contact us.
We are also recruiting long-term volunteers for the next academic year: https://ari.ac.jp/volunteer/
