High School Study Abroad in Japan

Join Travel For Teens on this journey to Japan, the Land of The Rising Sun. Japan is a country of ancient cultures, strong traditions, and the technology of the future. Perform meaningful community service in Tohno – an area devastated by the 2011 Tsunami. You will enjoy a cultural exchange with teens from a local high school, spend a day in the rice fields, and get to know the people who call Tohno home. In addition to our service work, you will visit the evocative sites of Hiroshima, try your hand at the ancient art of karate, taste the best sushi of your life, and experience the scramble at the world-famous Shibuya crossing. From the flashy cityscape of Tokyo to the peaceful temples of Kyoto and the majesty of Mt. Fuji, Japan will astonish even the most well-traveled students.

In Japan, ancient gods and centuries-old customs meet cutting-edge modern life and innovative society. From the ritual tea ceremonies, graceful gardens, and sacred shrines to the world's first high-speed train, Shibuya crossing, and sparkling cityscapes, Japan has a wide range of timeless and timely experiences to explore. Immerse yourself and develop fluency in the Japanese language and culture by living with a host family and studying at a local high school. While culture shock is real, it won't take long before you feel at home with your host family and navigate your new life easily. In time, you’ll become a cultural insider. Although academics are challenging and social harmony is a cultural priority, the Japanese aren’t quite the perfectionists they’re made out to be. Wabi-sabi, for example, is a zen aesthetic and idea roughly translated as an acceptance of life’s imperfections. Still, Japan is a perfect place to expand your cultural horizons, language skills, and understanding of where the world has been and where it’s going.

GoEco's Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Immersion program on Sado Island, in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, is an extraordinary experience combining conservation work with cultural immersion. As a participant, you'll support local wildlife conservation efforts aimed at protecting native species habitats. This hands-on experience offers insight into the complexities of conservation work. The program also includes the preservation of ancient temples on the Island, contributing to the upkeep of significant cultural sites. Additionally, you'll engage with local communities, conducting educational workshops for children. These workshops aim to foster environmental awareness among the island's younger generation. Plus, immerse yourself in traditional Japanese customs and practices, gaining a deeper understanding of the country's rich culture.

At THINK Global School (TGS), the world's only traveling high school, students live and learn across four countries each year, gaining the skills, perspectives, and friendships needed to thrive in today's interconnected world. In an age of constant digital connection, TGS prioritizes authentic human experiences through real-world immersion and genuine cultural exchange. Students ages 16–18 experience life in up to 8 countries over two years while earning a fully WASC-accredited diploma. Instead of textbooks and lectures, students dive into project-based learning through TGS's innovative Changemaker Curriculum, tackling real-world challenges while drawing inspiration from each host country's culture, environment, and community. With a 4:1 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive individualized guidance from multicultural educators who act as mentors. Since 2010, TGS has called 34 extraordinary countries home, creating a truly global classroom. TGS uses sliding-scale tuition based on family circumstances, ensuring accessibility for qualified students from all backgrounds who have a passion for travel and a desire to improve the world.

Explore ancient castles, Buddhist temples, and modern trends as you learn about Japanese culture during this unforgettable journey through Tokyo and Kanazawa. During the Tokyo Fusion program, you’ll spend time with local students and learn about their school day. You’ll dive into language lessons, draw manga art, and try the art of sword fighting. You’ll see the hot districts in Tokyo and also the hidden gems. Along the way, you’ll savor the food and the new friendships you’ll make on this one-of-a-kind adventure. We also offer a combination program that combines our popular programs, Japan: Tokyo Fusion and Seoul Searching: Modern Korea. For one week, you will explore the hidden alleys of Tokyo and a classic castle in Kanazawa. The next week, you will be off to Seoul, learning to dance like a K-pop star and diving into Korea’s delicious cuisine.

An exchange year in Japan offers endless opportunities to uncover its rich traditions and modern wonders. Immersing yourself in the language and culture of this extraordinary country will not only enrich your life but also give you a distinctive edge in your future endeavors. This island nation is a land of striking contrasts, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge innovation. Beneath the vibrant energy of Tokyo, the world's largest city, lies a deep respect for history and timeless customs. From serene rock gardens to bustling cityscapes, Japan offers a unique blend of the old and the new. Learning Japanese language and culture will unlock a wealth of future opportunities. Your host family might welcome you into a home adorned with tatami mats, the soft and fragrant flooring of tradition, or feature shoji screens that bathe rooms in a gentle light. You’ll savor exquisite meals of fresh seafood like sushi and enjoy dishes that celebrate shun, or the finest seasonal ingredients. Together with your host family and new friends, you’ll partake in cherished holiday celebrations, embracing the heart of Japanese culture.

Experience Japan’s dynamic blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modern life on this immersive summer exploration program. Wander through neon-lit Osaka, visiting street markets and sampling regional cuisine before traveling to the historic temples of Nara. In rural Tajima, stay in traditional ryokan and learn local crafts, ceramics, and soba-making while connecting with community hosts. Continue to Kyoto to explore tranquil shrines, Zen gardens, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Conclude in Tokyo, riding the bullet train and diving into contemporary art, fashion, and technology.

Developed in collaboration with the New York Institute of Finance (NYIF), this immersive summer experience in Tokyo is an outstanding opportunity for ambitious high school students to pursue their passion and gain practical insights into the ways that emerging technologies are transforming global finance. Dynamic sessions led by NYIF experts will cover topics from digital assets to AI-driven investments, while collaborative innovation labs and a competitive Fintech Pitch Challenge helps students develop both the insight and confidence to become the next generation of financial innovators. Beyond the classroom, students will visit major financial institutions and other industry sites for a behind-the-scenes look at how they shape the global economy. Beyond the classroom, students will experience the dynamic culture of Tokyo while visiting iconic sights including the Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa Temple, and TeamLab’s digital art exhibit, experiencing the energy and creativity that define Japan’s capital.

Explore unique art, culture, and food through workshops, cultural activities, and language lessons. The three-week summer abroad program, Japan: Arts, Food, & Culture, is for students drawn to the region and interested in topics such as Japanese cuisine, contemporary and traditional art forms, and an immersive experience in a new environment. Amidst the push toward cultural globalization in the internet age, Japan continues to uniquely blend long-held traditions with innovative trends in technology and art. Through immersive workshops, interactive cultural experiences, and language lessons, students delve into the fascinating history, refined elegance, and cutting-edge modernity that define Japanese culture. Visit our website or inquire today to learn more about this program.

Immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture with intensive classes, hands-on practice, and exciting cultural experiences. Begin in Tokyo, where you’ll develop your skills in hiragana, kanji, and conversational Japanese through 20+ hours of formal classes, peer practice, and daily immersion. Explore Tokyo’s vibrant districts, from anime and manga in Akihabara to fashion in Harajuku, and enjoy authentic cuisine like sushi and ramen. Deepen your understanding of Japanese daily life during a 3-day homestay with a local family, learning to cook traditional dishes, participating in school activities, and exploring shrines and museums. Depending on the group size, students may also have the opportunity to visit other cities, such as Osaka, for a broader perspective. Conclude your journey in Tokyo with a reflection on your growth and receive a language certificate documenting your hours of formal and experiential Japanese learning.

Spend your summer immersed in a new culture and environment! Join our summer camp in Japan. What makes Ayusa so special? We pride ourselves on teaching Japanese and providing you with a complete cultural immersion experience. You learn the cultural differences between your country and Japan through daily excursions, such as visiting the unique Tokyo districts of Akihabara and Harajuku. Anyone can provide tourist-like activities. However, unlike other programs, Ayusa offers various opportunities to interact with local people. Volunteer at Japanese elementary schools, make friends at a Japanese high school, and visit Japanese households. Just as Ayusa students from Japan have been able to experience America fully through personal interactions, we now provide you with the chance to do the same in Japan.

Tohoku International School (TIS) offers a robust and engaging Secondary School Program for students in Grades 7-12 in Japan. Students are part of a vibrant learning community, where they can explore a diverse curriculum that includes English, History, Science, Mathematics, Japanese, Global Issues, Physical Education, and the Arts. With the support of a dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) team, students with limited English proficiency can thrive in an immersive classroom environment. TIS emphasizes experiential learning through exciting field trips around the Sendai area, annual ski trips, and bi-annual domestic and international trips. The Global Issues course is a standout, encouraging students to collaborate with other international schools to address pressing world issues. The BYLT (Bring Your Own Laptop) Program integrates computer technology skills into the curriculum, ensuring students are well-prepared for future academic and professional endeavors.

Teikyo University Kani High School, located in Gifu, Japan, offers a top-quality International Baccalaureate (IB) education for international students. As part of the Teikyo University Group, this high school prepares you well for higher education and future opportunities. You will experience a mix of strong academics and Japanese culture during your high school years. Your three-year program starts with Pre-DP classes, which you will take alongside non-IB Japanese students. These classes get you ready for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in your second year. By the end of the program, you will earn both a Japanese high school diploma and an IB diploma, giving you an advantage in your future studies.

This program is for anyone interested in learning how the world works and exploring the global issues impacting our lives.  In the spring semester, students will learn the workings of communist and capitalist economies and gain insight through on-site assignments and case studies. As the program progresses, we explore how the world is handling issues like global warming, immigration, terrorism, globalization, and the uses of artificial intelligence while immersed in Eastern cultures. We will visit Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Singapore, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Dates: mid-January — late April 2026 The High School Study Abroad Program – Spring Semester in Asia is open to all secondary school students registered in public, private, or separate schools worldwide.