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With its intricate mix of tradition and modernity, Japan is an ideal place to explore a new culture. On one hand, you’ve got an ancient culture represented by tea ceremonies and graceful gardens. On the other, you have high-speed trains, striking efficiency and hyper-modern skyscrapers. Choose an intensive language program to Japan and prepare for complete immersion into one of the most dynamic countries in the world.

By attending a local language institute and living with a host family, you’ll get to experience Japanese life from the inside. You will be placed with a family in the Nagoya area and will attend a Japanese Language course at a private language institution from Monday to Friday. The program consists of 80 hours of language lessons including field studies. Students are divided into the 2 small groups according to language proficiency.

The Japanese people work hard but keep active and entertained, participating in activities like kendo (Japanese fencing), kabuki (theatre), and even baseball. No wonder Japan is one of the most popular study abroad programs. As an AFSer, you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to dive into Japanese culture and live with a host family while attending a local language college. Japanese society places high value on education, so your academic experience will be rigorous.

Your local chapter may organise activities throughout the course of your study, which may include parties or excursions to other cities or regions in Japan. Also, over the course of your program, AFS staff and volunteers will meet with you at orientations to evaluate your experience and help with your cultural adjustment.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age on Departure: 15 – 18 years old

Students with vegetarians, lacto ovo and gluten allergies are hard to place as many families cannot have everyday meal without meat/fish and our daily meals often contain milk and gluten ingredients. Students also need to be aware that they cannot buy gluten-free foods in the supermarket nor can they expect their host family to cook special meals for them. We strongly ask students with vegetarian to show enough flexibility to eat meat. Fish can be more expensive than meat in Japan, so students cannot expect to eat only fish and vegetables throughout their stay.

Students with ongoing mental/psychological conditions and/or students who are within 12 months after completion of medical treatment and/or professional counselling for mental/psychological problems may not be accepted by AFS Japan and their statuses are subjects to negotiations.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • Individual Contact Person
  • Medical Insurance
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Domestic Transport
  • Assistance with Application Process
  • Visa Application Assistance
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Access to Alumni Network
  • Continuous Support
  • Worldwide Presence
  • 70 Years Experience

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • Visa and Passport Fees
  • School Uniform