Program Details

Program Structure

Duration Options and Tracks

1-Year Program: Complete apprenticeship with advanced project leadership
Custom Duration: Upon request, director may approve shorter programs
Start Dates: Flexible enrollment throughout year, 2-week orientation period

Weekly Schedule Breakdown

5 days per week: Weekly schedule changes by week
Shift Options: 9:00-16:00 OR 15:00-21:00 (assigned based on program needs)
Weekends: Participants will be scheduled one weekend off per month
Holiday Schedule: The Kozmoz program works 7 days a week and most holidays. Interns will have one day off for each Japanese national holiday. Actual days off may be provided on different days due to scheduling. New Years Holiday is 5 days and Obon holiday is 5 days. Specific days off must be approved by the Director.

Curriculum Overview (Practical vs. Guidance Time)

80% Hands-on Work: Kitchen operations, community programs, business tasks, maintenance
15% Mentorship & Training: Weekly meetings, skill development sessions and assignments, problem-solving guidance. Homework will be assigned which will include research, reports, and planning
5% Documentation & Reflection: Project reports and portfolio development
Monthly Focus Areas: Rotate through different operational departments
Cross-training: Experience all aspects before specializing in strengths

Progress Evaluation Methods

Weekly Check-ins: Performance review with site manager
Monthly Assessments: Comprehensive evaluation with program director
360-Degree Feedback: Input from staff, peers, and community members
Self-Assessment: Monthly reflection on learning and growth
Practical Demonstrations: Show competency in each operational area
Final Portfolio: Documentation of projects completed and skills gained

Admission Requirements

Age and Educational Background

Age Range: 18-28 years old (exceptions considered case-by-case)
Education: High school graduation or equivalent required
University Status: Current students or recent graduates preferred
Academic Performance: No specific GPA requirements, but academic standing considered
Academic References: Contact information for 2 academic or professional references
Transcript Requirement: Official high school transcript plus high school graduation certificate or Daiken

Health and Physical Requirements

Physical Capability: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift 20kg, perform kitchen and maintenance work
Medical Clearance: No specific health exam required, but applicants must disclose conditions affecting work ability
Mental Health: Emotional stability for communal living and high-pressure work environment
Dietary Restrictions: Must be communicated during application (we accommodate most needs)
Health Insurance: Must maintain valid health insurance throughout program (legally required)
Allergies/Medical Conditions: Detailed disclosure required for safety and meal planning

Language Requirements

English: Minimum TOEIC 400 or equivalent English proficiency demonstration
Learning Attitude: Willingness to improve English through daily practice with international team

Personal Qualities and Commitment Level

Work Ethic: Demonstrated history of completing commitments and handling responsibility
Adaptability: Comfortable with changing schedules, diverse tasks, and cultural differences
Team Orientation: Ability to work cooperatively in small group environment
Humility: Willingness to start at entry level regardless of previous experience
Problem-Solving: Initiative to address challenges independently before seeking help
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for international perspectives and team dynamics
Family Support: Understanding that family supports this non-traditional educational choice
Financial Responsibility: Ability to manage monthly expenses independently
Emergency Contact: Reliable family contact in Japan for emergencies

Application Documentation Required

Application Form: Complete personal and educational background
Personal Statement: Essay explaining motivation and goals (800-1000 words)
Photo ID: Copy of valid identification
Academic Records: Official high school transcript plus graduation certificate or Daiken
References: 2 academic or professional recommendations
TOEIC Score: Minimum 400, or equivalent English proficiency demonstration

Complete Financial Information

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Program Fee: ¥0 (Full scholarship – no tuition or participation fees)
Housing: ¥15,000/month (shared room) or ¥30,000/month (private room)
Meals: ¥0 (Two daily meals provided at Kozmoz Café included in program)
Total Monthly Cost: ¥15,000-30,000 depending on housing choice

Payment Schedules and Methods

Housing: Paid monthly in advance by the 25th of each month
Payment Methods: Bank transfer, cash payment at office, or automatic deduction
Security Deposit: One month’s housing fee required upon arrival
Late Payment: ¥2,000 penalty fee for payments more than 5 days late

Refund and Early Departure Policies

No Refunds: Housing payments are non-refundable once paid
Early Departure: Must provide 30 days written notice to program director
Security Deposit: Refunded upon satisfactory room condition inspection
Emergency Departure: Medical or family emergencies handled case-by-case

Additional Expense Estimates

Transportation: ¥8,000-15,000/month (local trains, buses, bicycle maintenance)
Personal Items: ¥10,000-20,000/month (clothing, toiletries, personal needs)
Entertainment: ¥15,000-30,000/month (travel, dining out, cultural activities)
Phone/Internet: ¥3,000-8,000/month (mobile plan, personal internet if desired)
Total Personal Expenses: ¥36,000-73,000/month estimated

Financial Planning Guidance

Recommended Savings: ¥150,000-200,000 before program start
Emergency Fund: ¥50,000 minimum for unexpected expenses
Students from low income families can request financial assistance
Part-time Employment: Will need to be authorized by the director
Emergency Fund: ¥50,000 minimum for unexpected expenses

Legal Requirements & Compliance

Visa and Residency Status

Japanese Citizens: Valid identification required
Resident Status: Participants must have legal right to remain in Japan for full program duration
Juminhyo (Resident Registration): Required for all participants staying 3+ months

Health Insurance Mandates

Insurance Requirement: Shakai Hoken or Kokumin Kenko Hoken must be valid and current throughout program
Proof Required: Insurance card must be presented before program start
Continuous Coverage: Participants responsible for maintaining coverage during entire program

Ward Office Registration

Registration Deadline: Within 3 weeks of program start
Required Documentation: Program participants must update address registration with local ward office
Assistance: Site manager available to explain process but participants handle registration independently

Legal Requirements & Compliance

Visa and Residency Status

Japanese Citizens: Valid identification required
Resident Status: Participants must have legal right to remain in Japan for full program duration
Juminhyo (Resident Registration): Required for all participants staying 3+ months

Health Insurance Mandates

Insurance Requirement: Shakai Hoken or Kokumin Kenko Hoken must be valid and current throughout program
Proof Required: Insurance card must be presented before program start
Continuous Coverage: Participants responsible for maintaining coverage during entire program

Ward Office Registration

Registration Deadline: Within 3 weeks of program start
Required Documentation: Program participants must update address registration with local ward office

Program Compliance

Legal Status: Participants must include juminhyo with their application
Address Updates: Any address changes must be reported to both ward office and program director
Documentation: Participants responsible for maintaining all required legal documents

Facilities & Resources

Training Areas and Equipment

Commercial Kitchen: Full restaurant-grade equipment, prep stations, dishwashing facilities
Café Service Area: Customer service counter, point-of-sale systems, seating for 40
Classroom Spaces: Flexible rooms for English classes, meetings, and training sessions
Food Bank Warehouse: Storage and sorting areas, delivery vehicle access
Maintenance Workshop: Basic tools for repairs, construction projects, equipment servicing
Office Space: Computers, printers, filing systems for administrative tasks

Technology and Internet Access

WiFi Network: High-speed internet throughout all facilities
Computer Access: Shared computers available for program-related work
Point-of-Sale Systems: Training on restaurant and retail technology
Social Media Tools: Access to platforms for community outreach and marketing
Communication Systems: Phone, email, messaging apps for coordination

Safety Equipment and Protocols

Kitchen Safety: Fire suppression system, first aid kits, safety training mandatory
Personal Protective Equipment: Aprons, gloves, safety shoes provided as needed
Emergency Equipment: Emergency exits clearly marked, evacuation procedures posted
Safety Training: Comprehensive orientation on all equipment and emergency procedures

Shared Spaces and Amenities

Housing Facilities: Shared bathrooms, laundry machines, common kitchen, storage areas
Recreation Areas: Common room for relaxation, outdoor space for breaks
Storage: Personal lockers, seasonal clothing storage
Transportation: Public transportation accessible for local travel

Support & Safety

Emergency Protocols and Contacts

Medical Emergencies: Call 119 (ambulance/fire department)
Police Emergencies: Call 110
Program Emergencies: 24-hour contact with site manager and program director
Emergency Contact List: Posted in all facilities with local hospital, police station, and program staff numbers
Emergency Procedures: Evacuation routes posted, regular safety drills conducted
After-Hours Support: Emergency contact system for nights and weekends

Health and Wellness Support

Health Insurance Required: Participants must maintain Shakai Hoken or Kokumin Kenko Hoken
Local Medical Care: Multiple clinics within walking distance for routine healthcare
Mental Health Support: Regular check-ins with mentors, counseling referrals available
Stress Management: Workload monitoring, mandatory rest periods, open communication encouraged
Workplace Safety: First aid trained staff on-site, safety equipment provided

Supervision and Mentorship Structure

Daily Supervision: Site manager provides ongoing guidance and task coordination
Weekly Mentorship: One-on-one meetings with program director for development planning
Peer Support: Small cohort environment promotes mutual assistance and learning
360-Degree Feedback: Regular input from staff, community members, and fellow participants
Skill Development: Structured learning progression with clear milestones and goals

Site Manager and Director Roles

Site Manager: Day-to-day operations oversight, immediate problem resolution, safety monitoring
Program Director: Strategic guidance, career development, final decision authority
On-Site Presence: Site manager lives on-site for immediate support and security
Accessibility: Both roles maintain open-door policies for participant concerns
Professional Development: Both provide industry knowledge, network connections, and future planning guidance

Policies & Procedures

Attendance Requirements

Detailed attendance standards and expectations are specified in the internship contract and participant manual
Minimum attendance thresholds and excused absence policies outlined in program documentation
Make-up work and schedule adjustment procedures defined in contract terms

Code of Conduct and Behavioral Expectations

Complete behavioral guidelines and professional standards detailed in the internship contract
Community living expectations and workplace conduct requirements specified in participant manual
Clear standards for interaction with staff, participants, and community members outlined in program materials

Disciplinary Procedures

Progressive disciplinary process and consequences fully detailed in the internship contract
Warning system, improvement plans, and termination procedures specified in program documentation
Appeals process and due process protections outlined in participant manual

Grievance and Complaint Process

Formal complaint procedures and resolution processes detailed in the internship contract
Multiple reporting channels and escalation procedures specified in participant manual
Confidentiality protections and timeline expectations outlined in program documentation

Important Note: All participants will receive complete internship contract and participant manual upon acceptance, containing comprehensive details of all policies, procedures, and expectations.

Post-Program Outcomes

Certification and Documentation

Certificate of Completion: Official document detailing program duration, skills acquired, and performance level
Detailed Performance Summary: Comprehensive evaluation of competencies in all operational areas
Skill Verification Letter: Documentation of specific abilities for potential employers
Training Hours Certificate: Record of total hands-on training and mentorship hours completed
Professional Development Record: Portfolio of projects completed and responsibilities handled

Professional References

References available upon participant request and based on performance – not guaranteed
Program Director Reference: Detailed professional recommendation based on year-long observation
Site Manager Reference: Operational performance evaluation and work ethic assessment
Kozmoz Staff References: Letters from team members who worked directly with participant
Important Note: We make no claims that non-Kozmoz organizations, principals, or staff will provide recommendations or references

Portfolio Development

Participant Responsibility: Participants are responsible to assemble and record work in printed, photographic, or video format for their portfolio
Project Documentation: Photographs, reports, and outcomes from major initiatives led
Before/After Case Studies: Evidence of improvements and innovations implemented
Skills Demonstration Videos: Recorded examples of competencies in various operational areas
Written Reflections: Analysis of challenges overcome and lessons learned
Quantified Impact Reports: Measurable results from community programs and business operations

Alumni Network and Ongoing Support

Alumni Community: Connection with previous program graduates for networking and advice
Career Guidance: Ongoing consultation for job search and career development decisions
Professional Network Access: Introductions to Kozmoz’s business and community partners
Continuing Education: Opportunities to return for advanced training or special projects
Reference Updates: Long-term availability of program staff for future reference needs

Important Expectations

What Kozmoz Provides

Complete Training Program: Comprehensive apprenticeship in all aspects of social enterprise operations
Housing: Shared accommodation in Kozmoz Share House with all basic amenities
Daily Meals: Two meals per day at Kozmoz Café from regular menu selection
Founder Mentorship: Direct guidance from leadership with 40 years of proven experience
International Team Experience: Work alongside multinational staff for cross-cultural learning
Practical English Development: Daily business English practice in real operational environment
Emergency Support: 24-hour contact system and on-site supervision for safety and assistance
Professional Documentation: Certificates, performance evaluations, and reference letters upon completion

What Participants Provide

Full Commitment: Dedication to complete agreed program duration without early departure
Monthly Housing Payment: ¥15,000-30,000 housing fees paid promptly each month
Personal Expenses: All transportation, entertainment, personal items, and additional food costs
Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work varied schedules and handle diverse responsibilities
Positive Attitude: Professional demeanor even during challenging or mundane tasks
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for Japanese customs and international team dynamics
Self-Motivation: Initiative to learn, improve, and contribute without constant direction
Physical and Mental Readiness: Stamina for demanding work and emotional resilience for intensive learning

Commitment and Flexibility Requirements

Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work different shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed
Task Adaptability: Openness to any assignment from toilet cleaning to strategic planning
Long-term Perspective: Understanding that learning comes through sustained effort over time
Community Living: Ability to share space respectfully and resolve conflicts maturely
Learning Mindset: Acceptance that expertise requires starting from foundation level
Emergency Availability: Readiness to adjust plans when operational needs require coverage
Cultural Integration: Effort to understand and adapt to Japanese and international working styles

Online Application Form