Study Abroad in Japan

Semester Programs

Live with a host family and attend a local high school in Japan. Experience the culture, language, and daily life of Japanese teens while building lifelong connections.

School

Students will typically be placed in the first or second year at a Japanese high school. Most schools are quite large, averaging 500 to 1,000 students. You will likely study subjects like Japanese classics or contemporary Japanese language and you may also attend elective classes that include subjects such as art and calligraphy. You may attend club activities after school such as karate or judo.

Japanese schools are generally conservative and therefore the dress code in Japan may be stricter than you are used to. In Japanese schools, students do not have unnaturally dyed hair or eccentric hairstyles. Piercings, earrings, necklaces, and rings are not allowed in schools. Students cannot wear makeup, or perfume, or have visible tattoos. Female students cannot wear skirts above the knees or high heels. Male students should not have a beard or long hair. Schools in Japan almost always require uniforms. The cost of a school uniform and language training is included in the program tuition. All students will be placed in the appropriate language course as a result of a level check test at the arrival orientation.

Please note: Students may not be able to receive a transcript or a record of grades. Some schools can issue a certificate of attendance. Placement in a particular grade level, credit, or graduation cannot be guaranteed.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory National Pre-Departure Orientation which usually takes place in early-mid December. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Upon arrival in Japan, students will participate in an arrival orientation in Tokyo. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Language

Japanese. One year of previous language study is required for Japan’s long-term programs. A Japanese correspondence course is included in program tuition for long-term program participants.

Summer Programs

Live with a host family and attend a local high school in Japan. Experience the culture, language, and daily life of Japanese teens while building lifelong connections.

Orientations

All students applying for the summer program must be available for a mandatory Japan Pre-Departure Orientation which takes place just prior to the departure date. This orientation is specifically designed for American students studying in Japan and covers cultural elements such as food, language, etiquette, and arts. It is a required part of the program to prepare students for their experience in Japan.

Language

Japanese. Previous language study is not required, however, students traveling to Japan for the summer program must start language training upon their acceptance.

Discover Japan

Japan comes to life when you arrive for your six-week stay with your host family. Attending traditional tea ceremonies, practicing martial arts, and visiting local summer festivals are just some of the activities  YFU students to Japan may experience during their summer exchange. School is in session during our summer program in Japan so students may attend classes at their host high schools for a short duration. Students may attend and audit classes but are not officially enrolled in the school during their stay in Japan. Students will not receive report cards or evaluations of their performance.