How to Become a Foreign Exchange Student in Japan

Did you know that Japan is home to the most vending machines in the world? Or that the Land of the Rising Sun is also comprised of more than 6000 islands? Did you know that the Japanese archipelago and people have endless new things to teach and share with you? Choose foreign exchange programs for high school students to Japan, and you’ll have the opportunity to take a deep dive into the beautifully unique, rich history and engrossing culture.

High school study abroad programs in Japan will expose you to a whole new world.

If you’ve found yourself here, searching for high school study abroad programs in Japan or how to go to high school in Japan, then you probably already know about its unique and exciting culture waiting to be explored. You probably also already know all the ways that high school exchange programs can change your life (for the better of course).

So, what don’t you know? While most will say that deciding where to go is the hardest part of the study abroad process, deciding which of the many exciting programs you want to go with may cause a little anxiety. Not to worry, that’s why we’re here. Read on to figure out how to become a foreign exchange student in Japan — through some of the best high school exchange programs in Japan.

Keep Reading: How to Savor the Last Few Days of Your High School Program Abroad

What should I look for in high school study abroad programs in Japan?

Good foreign exchange programs for high school students to Japan will all provide similar basic amenities. These generally include housing, in-country transportation, placements in schools and/or host families, an academic program, and on-program support in case of emergencies. Language immersion, cultural activities, and excursions are also important parts of quality high school exchange programs in Japan.

Understandably, when you study abroad in high school in Japan, your program will integrate more support and group activities, and less solo free time. For many teens, their high school exchange program is their first international experience, particularly without their parents. So you can expect lots of planned activities and group time.

Additionally, most high school students may not be able to achieve high-level Japanese skills prior to their program. If the focus of your program isn't language learning, consider snagging a translating device for yourself. This one from Timekettle can be worn like a pair of AirPods!

Either way, high school abroad in Japan is a great way to learn how to travel and gain the confidence to prepare you for your next international adventure.

7 best high school exchange programs in Japan

Editor’s note: This information on high school study abroad programs in Japan was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Summer Japanese Immersion Program with Dormitory or Homestay — 9

Tokyo Summer programs guarantee students a full immersion into Japanese culture with language learning and excursions. Living with a host family will give you a glimpse into real Japanese society that few have the opportunity to experience. This program is only offered during the summer; sounds like your best summer ever is sorted.

• Focus? Language Immersion, Student Exchange
• Duration? 2-4 weeks
• When? Summer
• Read LanguBridge Education Centre reviews

2. AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Japan — 9.5

AFS-USA is a high school study abroad program in Japan that gives students an opportunity to see what life is like for Japanese teens. You’ll spend you time exploring Japan’s landscapes, cityscapes, and incredibly delectable food, while making life-long connections with your host families and new friends from school.

• Focus? Experiential learning, homestays, language immersion, student exchange
• Duration? 3-6 months; 5-8 weeks; 7-12 months
• When? Academic year
• Read AFS-USA reviews

3. Travel For Teens: Japan Discovery and Service — 9.75

Travel For Teens is full of adventure, learning, and community service. You’ll learn about Japan’s history and culture, while giving back to your host communities. Your exchange program will take you to Hikone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nikko, Tokyo, or Toon — so make sure to figure out which location is the right one for you!

• Focus? Experiential learning, outdoor education
• Duration? 2-4 weeks
• When? Year-round
• Read Travel For Teens reviews

4. Teen Summer Language Camp in Fukuoka, Kyoto, or Tokyo, Japan — 9.75

Greenheart’s summer language program will send you home ready to impress your friends and teachers with your new Japanese language skills. You’ll gain unrivaled language experience while staying with a host family; making new international friends will further enhance your immersion experience. Don’t worry about spending all your time in the classroom though — classes are limited to 20 hours per week.

• Focus? Experiential Learning, homestays, language immersion, student exchange
• Duration? 1-2 weeks; 2-4 weeks; 5-8 weeks
• When? Summer
• Read Greenheart Travel reviews

5. Study Abroad in Japan — 9.5

Language immersion, cultural immersion, and a homestay: YFU is a complete package. Youth for Understanding programs aim to show students how the culture that everyone associates with Japan meshes with its rich history. You’ll also get to know Japanese teens in class and understand how similar and different teens around the world are.

• Focus? Experiential learning, homestays, student exchange
• Duration? 3-6 months; 5-8 weeks; 7-12 months
• When? Year-round
• Read Youth For Understanding reviews

6. Japanese Immersion Summer Program — 9.33

This is summer study abroad program wants to give students an experience that immerses them in Japanese culture and lifestyle. The program is geared towards students interested in a wide variety of school subjects, helping them get ready for college. Take your pick between Hiroshima, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo.

• Focus? Experiential learning, language immersion
• Duration? 1-2 weeks; 2-4 weeks
• When? Year-round
• Read World Class Programs reviews

7. Pre-College Program Abroad in Tokyo | Putney Student Travel — 10

This three-week, pre-college program turns Tokyo into your summer campus. You’ll spend your days with site visits, cultural immersion, and travel opportunities that enhance your hands-on learning. You’ll choose your seminars and explore the city through the lens of your topic.

• Focus? Experiential learning, language immersion, student exchange
• Duration? 2-4 weeks
• When? Summer
• Read Putney Student Travel reviews

Find & Compare Foreign Exchange Programs for High School Students to Japan

High school travel abroad in Japan will brighten your future!

What will you discover when you do high school abroad in Japan?

Some final fun facts before you go off to research high school exchange programs in Japan that are best for you:

• Slurping your noodles is actually seen as polite table etiquette in Japan. That’s right, slurp away! Japanese custom states that slurping your noodles for the whole restaurant to hear shows the chef that you are enjoying your food, and it apparently helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• When greeting people in Japan, it is customary to bow rather than shake hands. Tradition says that the lower you bow, the more respect you show the other person. When you return from foreign exchange programs for high school students to Japan, be sure to update us with more fun customs and facts about this incredible country.

When considering what you want out of your study abroad experience, consider several things: when you want to travel, for how long you want to be away, and what kind of learning and travel experience you want.

Do you want to spend a summer exploring while learning? Or do you want to spend an entire academic year abroad living with a host family and becoming a part of a community? Both offer great possibilities for life-changing experiences.