From International Volunteering to Leadership Impact in Japan
Rica Nagashima is an adult member of the Girl Scouts of Japan and a leadership trainer working closely with volunteers and trainers across the country. In 2025, with support made possible through international WAGGGS and OB-PS investment, Rica took part in an extended volunteering experience at Our Chalet World Centre in Switzerland. For Rica, this opportunity was the result of a long-held ambition.
“I had wanted to join the Our Chalet Volunteer Programme for a really long time. I had volunteered internationally before, at Sangam, when I was a student, and that experience stayed with me.”
As her career developed, international opportunities felt increasingly out of reach. With age limits approaching and life becoming busier, Rica made a bold decision to step away from her job and invest in her own growth.
“I wanted to broaden my perspective internationally. To grow, to build new partnerships, and to learn more about myself.”
From her first weeks at Our Chalet, Rica recognised how different the working culture was from what she had experienced in Japan.
“The environment was very open-minded. Communication was really straightforward, it was okay to say ‘no’. That was very new for me.”
She describes learning, often through daily interactions rather than formal training, about:
open and honest communication work–life balance and boundaries diversity, inclusion, and lived experience
“People talked openly about things we rarely discuss in Japan: disability, sexuality, religion. Understanding people’s backgrounds helped me understand how diverse the community really is.”
This exposure reshaped how Rica thought about leadership, wellbeing, and teamwork.
“Caring about work–life balance made me less stressed and more comfortable. I started to think more about my own wellbeing, something I hadn’t done before.”
Growth as a Leader
One of the most important lessons Rica took away was the idea that making mistakes is part of growth, and that leadership develops best in safe, supportive environments.
“Even if you feel nervous trying new things, if you have friends around you, you can do it. You help each other find your strengths.”
A concept that stayed with her was the idea of not “climbing your ladder of assumptions” and recognising how cultural background and personal experience shape how we interpret situations.
“Communication is the best way to understand your team. That really changed how I think and how I work with others.”
These ideas helped Rica develop greater confidence, communication skills, stronger critical-thinking skills, and a more reflective leadership style.
Bringing the Learning Back to Japan
Since returning to Japan, Rica has actively applied what she learned internationally to strengthen leadership development within the Girl Scouts of Japan. In late 2025, she was part of the organising team for a leadership mindset workshop delivered face-to-face in Japan, reaching almost 100 trainers nationwide. One key change she introduced was a stronger focus on self-reflection.
“In Japan, we often reflect on the event with what went well and what didn’t, but not on ourselves. At Our Chalet, I learned that self-reflection is essential for leadership growth.”
Rica adapted activities she had experienced internationally — such as finding your comfort zone, stretch (learning) zone, and panic zone — translating and contextualising them for Japanese participants.
“These activities helped people understand themselves better. And realise how diverse our communities really are, even within Japan. Japan is often perceived as a monocultural nation, but it has so many diverse aspects!”
Impact Beyond the Workshop
Rica’s international experience continues to influence her work in subtle but powerful ways; from how she supports colleagues, to how she encourages reflection and care in daily interactions.
“I realised leadership mindsets aren’t complicated. You can use them in very small decisions, even asking a colleague if they’re okay.”
She also recognises the importance of adults modelling these skills if young people are to benefit.
“If adult members don’t understand leadership mindset and self-reflection, they can’t support young people effectively. That’s one of our key challenges, and opportunities, in Japan.”
A Message to the Next Generation
For girls and young women considering international opportunities, Rica’s message is clear:
“There is so much to learn outside your community and your country. Learning about other cultures also helps you understand your own.”
She acknowledges that language can feel like a barrier, particularly for Japanese participants, but encourages young people not to let fear hold them back.
“When I first applied for the Sangam volunteer program, I was a student, and my English wasn’t very good at all. I was terrified. But the experience motivated me to learn, and it changed my life. Jumping out of my comfort zone led me to the opportunity at Our Chalet nine years later, and in just a few weeks I’ll be on my way to Pax Lodge to volunteer there.
“Even if you feel nervous, you can do it. And when you come back, you think: ‘I did that, so I can do this too’.”