homestudy abroad in japan for U.S. high school students
Contemporary Japan is a land of intrigue. It is a country that upholds its ancient traditions and coexists fluidly with a new economic grace. Where else is it possible to participate in a traditional tea ceremony against a backdrop of a suburban sprawl that contains some of the largest corporations in the world? Home of the popular anime such as Pokemon and Yugioh, Japan has created an indelible reputation based on its great production capacity and export of technologically advanced items, while maintaining its cultural signature of elegant formality. Tokyo, Japan's capital and economic hub, is a shining example of how old traditions and new high-tech culture meld to create one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Whether you're familiar with the Japanese language and culture or just beginning your explorations of Japan, Tokyo's impact when you arrive for your orientation will invariably leave you in a state of awe. Since 1868, when Japan opened its doors to the West, Tokyo has grown and modernized at a phenomenal rate, blending Western influences and ideologies with indigenous ones. This intriguing mix of East and West has made the city and people more complicated to understand, but at the same time extremely fascinating.
A chain of one-hundred small islands and four major islands: Honshu; Hokkaido; Kyushu and Shikoku make up Japan. The country is divided into nine political regions and further subdivided into forty-seven smaller divisions; prefectures (ken) compose forty-three of these divisions. Each beautiful ken offers a unique cultural experience. From the northern tip to the southern islands, the archipelago stretches over 22° of latitude, offering a varied climate and topography of beaches, mountains, and volcanoes.
what will your story be in japan?
Share in a traditional tea ceremony, explore the popular world of anime, and discover why Japan has the indelible reputation for producing the world's most advanced technology. Enroll directly in a Japanese Kotogakko (high school) and participate fully in an academic program conducted in Japanese.
program highlights include
- Placement of student in a Japanese high school
- Careful selection, interview and screening of an appropriate Japanese family
- Room and board with selected host family
- Supervision and support throughout the year by a Local Coordinator
- Periodic progress reports
- Transportation to and from a local airport
- Orientation before leaving the U.S.
- Orientation upon arrival in Japan
- International airfare between U.S. departure city and Japan
- International medical insurance and 24-hour worldwide assistance provided through the iNext travel card
program does not include
- Round-trip domestic travel to U.S. departure city
- Monthly spending allowance
- Textbooks and supplies
- Personal phone charges or other personal items
- School Lunches
- School uniforms, if applicable