Japan is an ideal place to explore a new culture in high school. With its intricate mix of tradition and modernity, Japan appeals to history buffs and futurists alike. By living with a host family and attending a high school abroad in Japan, you’ll be fully immersed in Japanese language and culture, developing fluency.
Modesty, politeness, and social harmony are important parts of Japanese culture. But the Japanese are not quite the perfectionists they’re made out to be. For example, wabi-sabi, a subtle element of Japanese culture and aesthetics, roughly translates to an acceptance of life’s imperfections and impermanence.
Japan also has unique pop culture. Discover kawaii and other Japanese fashion trends. Listen to J-Pop (Japanese Pop music). And, of course, explore the birthplace of manga and anime.
School based SH-Year Program has been AFS-JPN’s core hosting program since 1963. It provides students with an opportunity to learn about Japan and Japanese through living with host family, being part of a community and attending classes at a local high school. Students are placed with a volunteer (non-paid) host family and go to a public/private high school without paying tuition. Students are expected to attend school on a regular basis, and show continued effort to their assigned school work. Students are assigned to one of 77 local chapters in Japan, where they will receive regular support while on the program.