Austrian-Japanese Youth Exchange

The independent Austrian non-profit organization Austrian-Japanese Youth Exchange (Ger.: Österreichisch-Japanischer Jugendaustausch – ÖJJ) has three member organizations: first and foremost ÖJAB, and in an advisory and supportive role, the associations Austrian-Japanese Society (Ger.: Österreichisch-Japanische Gesellschaft – ÖJG) and Österreichisches Ferienwerk.

Through ÖJJ’s activities, young people from Japan visit Austria and young people from Austria visit Japan in alternating years. Depending on the program, group sizes range from 6 to 12 people, and the duration of the visit is between one and two weeks. 

ÖJJ collaborates with the YUAI Foundation in Tokyo and the youth organization Kai-You-Kai in Wakayama Prefecture. The exchange programs are non-commercial, largely volunteer-based, and funded through sponsorships and donations. Austrian participants pay for their flight and a small contribution towards costs.

Through this initiative, ÖJAB aims to promote intercultural dialogue and learning among young people. ÖJAB has maintained a close partnership with Japan since 1965.

Youth Exchange Means: Discovering Culture, Making Friends, and volunteering

The goal of the exchange is to experience the other country’s culture, history, and way of life beyond typical “tourist” visits, to develop deep mutual understanding, and to foster cross-border friendships. Therefore, the program includes not only sightseeing but also visits to educational institutions, meetups with local youth, and in some cases short stays with host families.

Young people who travel to Japan with ÖJJ in return help host and accompany Japanese guests in Austria. This turns one-time encounters into lasting friendships and communities.

Who Can Participate in the Austrian-Japanese Youth Exchange?

Young people aged 18 to 30 who belong to one of the ÖJJ member organizations can participate. You are considered an ÖJAB member if you currently live or have lived in an ÖJAB student or youth dormitory, have attended courses in ÖJAB’s Education & Integration sector, or are otherwise a member. You can become a member of the Austrian-Japanese Society by joining via www.oejg.org.

Participants should also have a long-term residence in Austria, possess good German language skills, and hold a citizenship that allows visa-free entry to Japan (as ÖJJ does not meet the requirements for issuing visas).