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Intensive School Program in Japan

Create a life-defining experience by living with a Japanese family and attending Japanese school...

With its complex mix of tradition and modernity, Japan offers AFS students a unique study abroad experience. On one hand, Japan embraces ancient cultures represented by tea ceremonies and graceful gardens, and on the other, Japan is home to high-speed trains, hyper-modern skyscrapers and striking efficiency. It’s for these reasons that Japan is one of the most popular study destinations for AFS students from Australia!

There are two scholarship programs available for the AFS Intensive High School Program in Japan, and spots are also available for full fee-paying students.

…and yes! Eligible students can apply for all 2 scholarships!

By attending a local high school and living with a host family, you’ll experience Japanese life from the inside. This is your chance to get to practise your Japanese language and to learn about Japanese customs and people. Japan’s culture is complex and full of contrasts, so you’re bound to have an exciting AND educational adventure.

Japanese people work hard but keep active and entertained, participating in activities like kendo (Japanese fencing), kabuki (theatre), and even baseball. As an AFSer, you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to dive into Japanese culture and live with a host family while attending a local high school. Japanese society places high value on education, so you should expect your academic experience to be rigorous and also rewarding.

Your local AFS group may organise activities throughout the course of your study, which could include get-togethers or excursions to other cities or regions in Japan. Over the course of your program, AFS staff and volunteers will meet with you at on-arrival and pre-departure orientations to help you understand your experience and assist with any cultural adjustment issues.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age on Departure: 15 – 18 years old
  • Some graduates accepted

Placements for students who are vegetarians or with lacto-ovo and/or gluten allergies can be more difficult   as many Japanese families do not prepare meals without meat/fish and 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 who are vegetarian to show some flexibility to eat meat and/or chicken (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 health or psychological conditions and/or students who are within 12 months after completion of medical treatment and/or professional counselling for mental health or psychological problems may not be accepted by AFS Japan. Please feel free to discuss this with the AFS Australia team who can provide advice on this matter.

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
  • Language Instruction
  • 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