Study Abroad in Japan

  Japan

• Tokyo: 
Tokyo

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months

Description: East and West. Tradition and innovation. Industry and family. Shinkansen (bullet train) and tatami (straw mats). Hospitality and privacy. As a YFU student in Japan, youll discover a land of contrasts.

Japanese culture meshes Japans history with its present-day influences: one night, you and your friends may enjoy singing karaoke; another evening, you may attend a performance of traditional theater like noh or kabuki. You might read haiku one day and a novel by Yukio Mishima the next. The Japanese enjoy newer sports like snowboarding and baseball, as well as traditional sports like sumo wrestling and kendo (fencing).

If your interests are culture, international business, and the world, understanding the Japanese people is a definite plus. Japan is a major economic world power; the need for individuals who understand Japanese culture opens up endless opportunities for Americans who have actually lived there.

Highlights: Academic Year & Semester Program: Offered through Scholarship Only

When you go to school, youll find yourself in one of the senior high schools, and two things may surprise you. One is that most schools are quite largeaveraging 1,000 studentsand the other is that you will probably have to wear a uniform. School uniforms are not covered by the program tuition. While the curriculum is compulsory, you will probably enjoy learning new things in subjects like Japanese classics or contemporary Japanese language. You can also attend elective classes that include subjects such as art and calligraphy. With your host siblings or new friends, you might go to club activities after school, such as karate.

Semester students have the opportunity to engage themselves in Japanese culture not only through living with a host family but also by participating in occasional special activities arranged by YFU. These special events and day-trips provide students with time to meet other YFU students while learning more about Japanese culture and life.

To be eligible for a 2008 YFU program to Japan students must have a birth date between April 2, 1990 and April 1, 1993.

James Bradley Peace Foundation Scholarship
The James Bradley Peace Foundation Scholarship, formerly known as the Sons of Iwo Jima Scholarship program, provides academic year scholarships to China and Japan. Open to all US high school students, but with a selection priority for students attending specific high schools. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Previous participants on a YFU exchange are not eligible. Only US citizens may apply.

Japan-US Mutual Understanding Program for the 21st Century (JUMP) Scholarship: Semester
Open to students with freshman, sophomore, or junior standing at the time the application is submitted. Students must hold a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Only US citizens may apply. Applicants should have strong interest in Japanese language and culture. No prior foreign language study is required. Students will be responsible for a program tuition contribution. This amount will be determined by the scholarship provider and will be between the amount of $600-$2000. The amount, once determined, will be the same for each winner.

Discover Japan: Offered through Scholarship Only
Japan will come to life for you when you arrive for your six-week stay with your host family. Whether you are participating in activities to understand Japanese culture such as experiencing a tea ceremony, flower arrangement, or a traditional local summer festival, your cross-cultural experience will enhance your understanding of real Japanese culture.

A full list of summer scholarships and the scholarship application are available on our Scholarships page.

Cost in US$: inquire for more information

Participants Travel to Japan in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network

Youth For Understanding USA's Mission Statement: Youth For Understanding (YFU) prepares young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world.

Year Founded: YFU in 1951