The Japanese foreign exchange programs may be the ideal opportunity to experience a life-changing adventure during your high school years.
Student exchange programs to Japan typically allow participants to discover what it is like to live with a host family and attend a Japanese exchange program for high school students with Japanese peers.
In this article, we have a concise list of student exchange programs in Japanese high schools, including location, program type, degree level, term, and eligibility requirements to guide you in your selection, so you can enjoy your time here.
Why Study In Japan?
There are many reasons one would consider Japan as their education destination, especially international students who come to Japan have shared some of the reasons they choose this place, they include;
1. Academic Reputation
Japan ranks among the best countries to study abroad, with standard and accredited Japanese Universities offering diverse Japanese course programs.
There are also ongoing scholarship programs in Japan for undergraduates, international students, and even domestic students, e.g. the MEXT scholarship funded by the Government of Japan.
2. Unique Tradition
Japan is known worldwide for its traditional arts, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and flower arranging.
When you enroll in any of the foreign exchange student programs in Japan, you can start learning this tradition from your host.
3. Adventure
One of the benefits of studying in Japan through some of the Japanese foreign exchange programs is that you will get to travel often to see some amazing places in the country.
While most of Japan is covered by mountains and heavily wooded areas, the country’s people lead a distinctly urban lifestyle; today the country blends its ancient traditions with aspects of Western life
4. Tourism
The country has a legacy of distinctive gardens, sculptures, and poetry.
People travel to Japan for a visit because of some of these things, when you are enrolled in any of the foreign exchange student programs in Japan, based on your performance, you can follow your peers and tour the city.
What Are Student Exchange Programs in Japan High Schools?
Student exchange programs in Japan are high school programs focusing on improving your communication skills both inside and outside the classroom, with cultural activities and organized excursions.
A student exchange program in Japan is so much more than a language course
Student exchange programs in Japan are so much more than Japanese language courses, they give a truly rich and meaningful experience during your time of study.
Study Abroad in Japan High school scholarships
International students who wish to study abroad in Japan can enjoy some of the scholarships crafted for high school students in Japan.
Check out the list of over twenty scholarships to study abroad in Japan.
How can one become a foreign exchange student in Japan?
To do this, just enroll in any of the foreign exchange student programs in Japan, You will have to live with a host family and attend a Japanese high school with Japanese peers.
This is the estimated cost of the Japanese foreign exchange programs;
- A summer program ranges from $1,990-$11,995 for programs between 2 to 6 weeks.
- A short-term teen travel program through Japan costs $5,485.
- Art student exchange programs in Japan high school costs $6,300 for one month.
- Yearlong programs cost from $11,500-$15,000 and semester-long programs cost between $11,595- $13,500.
Japanese foreign exchange program requirements
In order to qualify for any of the foreign exchange student programs in Japan, follow the instructions below.
- You must be at least 15 years of age and no more than 18 years of age on the date of your departure, though some student exchange programs in Japan allow for exceptions to be made for 19-year-old students and some destinations allow students to participate at the age of 14.
- International students coming to study abroad in Japan should process their Japanese student Visa.
Depending on the program selected, participants may select a Japanese exchange program for a summer, semester, or academic year.2
ALSO, READ Elementary Schools In Japan.
List of Foreign exchange student programs in Japan
Students have the liberty to select from the diverse options of the Japanese exchange programs for high schools, and most of these programs are open to high school students worldwide.
Check out this list of student exchange programs in Japan and get yourself enrolled in one of them.
- Summer Japanese Immersion Program
- AFS Intercultural Programs
- Center for Study Abroad (CSA) – Japanese Language & Culture in Kyoto
- Youth For Understanding USA
- CIEE High School Summer: Tokyo, Japan / Japanese Language
- Greenheart Travel High School Abroad Program
- Japanese language and culture experience
- Study & Intern Okinawa
- Aspect Foundation: Japan Summer Language
- LanguBridge Education Centre
1. Summer Japanese Immersion Program
Tokyo Summer Immersion is one of the best student exchange programs in Japan, right in the city that offers students an immersion experience in Japan with intense language learning and cultural explorations.
These classes are conducted by experienced instructors who go from a blend of Japanese culture and trip activities to living with our warm-hearted host families
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Summer
2. AFS Intercultural Programs
AFS is also one of the student exchange programs in Japan in Japan that offers summer programs to destinations throughout Japan. AFS is currently offering hundreds of scholarships for students flexible with their country choice and ready for an adventure.
Simply put, AFS is a high school study abroad program in Japan that gives students an opportunity to see what life is like for Japanese teens.
This is one of the foreign exchange student programs in Japan that lets you spend your time exploring the landscapes, cityscapes, and incredibly delectable foods while making life-long connections with your host families and new friends from school.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, summer
3. Center for Study Abroad (CSA) – Japanese Language & Culture in Kyoto
Another on our list of Japanese foreign exchange programs is the CSA, This is one of the student exchange programs in Japan that is budget-friendly situated in the city of Kyoto in Japan, and opens the opportunity for foreign or international students with a minimum age of 15 who wishes to study abroad in Japan, and experience adventures, cultural activities, and guided tours.
This is one of the foreign exchange student programs in Japan that allows you to experience the Kyoto area and culture, including cooking, as well as enhance your Japanese language skills.
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Cost: Low cost. All-inclusive: lessons, housing, meals, cultural activities, and guided tours are all included.
Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, MayMester Intersession, Rolling Starts, Spring Break, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester, Year Round.
Additional Program Information
Scholarships: Yes
4. Youth For Understanding USA
This is a high school study abroad in Japan that offers a homestay experience where you will live with a carefully selected host family who has agreed to open their home and their hearts, providing you with room, board, and a caring home.
While on the program, students will have the opportunity to visit important historical and cultural sites, and they will also have the chance to attend performances of traditional theatre or enjoy a night of modern-day karaoke.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester.
5. CIEE High School Summer: Tokyo, Japan / Japanese Language
Looking for foreign exchange student programs in Japan to learn the Japanese language or improve your proficiency?
This highly immersive program integrates language learning with behind-the-scenes access to some of the country’s most creative production studios.
After your morning Japanese classes, you will spend an additional hour each day practicing language outside of class – talking with an anime film creator or artist, for instance, or chatting informally with Japanese high school students during regular get-togethers.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester
Cost: Program fee includes international airfare and iNext travel insurance.
6. Greenheart Travel High School Abroad Program
Greenheart Travel’s High School Abroad Program is one of the Foreign exchange student programs in Japan which provides students (age 15 – 18) with an opportunity for a unique, rewarding experience that they will remember for a lifetime, it is a Japanese exchange high school program for students who intend to study abroad in Fukuoka city in Japan.
Location: Fukuoka, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, MayMester Intersession, Spring Semester, Winter Semester
Cost: Academic Trimester: $10,610 Academic Semester: $12,930 Academic Year: $14,260
7. Japanese language and culture experience
Looking for Japanese language schools in Japan that allow you to experience the Kyoto area and culture, including cooking, as well as enhance your Japanese language skills?
This is among the student exchange programs in Japan open to all students and adults worldwide who wish to study abroad in Japan with a minimum age of 15.
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, MayMester Intersession, Rolling Starts, Spring Break, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester, Year-Round
Cost: Low cost. All-inclusive: lessons, housing, meals, cultural activities, and guided tours are all included.
8. Study & Intern in Okinawa
Study & Intern Okinawa is among the Japanese foreign exchange programs in Japan that combines language instruction (Japanese or English), internship, & sightseeing all in one!!!
The standard program length is four weeks, however, the program can be tailored to individuals and groups starting from two weeks up to three months.
Rated as one of the best foreign student exchange programs in Japan, the Study & Intern Okinawa program is for those who need help building their resume in this globalized job market.
Location: Okazaki, Japan; Okinawa, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Academic Year, Fall Semester, MayMester Intersession, Rolling Starts, Spring Break, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester, Year-Round
Cost: The programs are much cheaper than similar programs in mainland Japan. Its four-week program costs between ¥270,000 Japanese yen to ¥320,000 Japanese yen (depending on the program chosen).
9. Aspect Foundation: Japan Summer Language
Tokyo student exchange programs in Japan have three to seven-week options. Each program consists of a homestay with a local family and Japanese conversation and language classes five days a week.
Students will participate in additional cultural activities in the afternoons, live with a host family to deepen their immersion and connection to Japanese culture, and explore Japan’s stunning landscapes, cityscapes, arts, and cuisine—savor sushi and umami flavors like ramen.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Summer
10. LanguBridge Education Centre
Interested in traveling and learning an Asian language? Then explore the experience of studying abroad with LanguBridge.
This is one of the Japanese exchange programs for high school students that offer summer programs and is open to high school or middle students aged 14-18.
It operates as a summer camp type of setting with a blend of culture, adventures, and homestay with our warm-hearted host families.
The key feature of this student exchange high school program (camp) is homestay to allow students to immerse themselves in the local language and culture, and interact with local people.
The trips and culture lessons are to complement the language classes to make a fun and enriching experience.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Program Type: Study Abroad
Degree Level: High School
Term: Summer
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is it to be a foreign exchange student in Japan?
The cost of studying abroad in Japan is not cheap, and you should be prepared to come up with a fair amount of money. For a year, the absolute minimum with one of the non-profit exchange organizations is going to be in the $10,000 USD range
How long do students travel to Japan for the Japanese exchange program?
Foreign exchange students in Japan can travel for about 4-6 weeks, an example is the FCCLA’s Japanese exchange program for high school students which offers scholarships for its members to travel to Japan which is estimated to be from 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion
Conclusively, there are many student exchange programs in Japan, This post helps you select the top 10 and we hope it helps you make a better decision, we are happy to assist you.
This brings an end to this post, You can apply to as many scholarships as possible and ensure to send in your applications early, we wish you success.
