World Campus International

Program Reviews

Andreas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The highlight of my summer

World Campus International (WCI) was a fantastic experience and a major highlight of my summer. I signed up for the last session, which was a three-week program held in Inzai, Abiko, and Tama. Having had the unique opportunity to live with an actual Japanese family as opposed to staying in a hotel, I came to see a completely different side of the country than what I initially had in mind. This experience later motivated me to start a beginner course in Japanese to hopefully be able to better maintain the relationships I made while there.

Even when not spending time with my foster family, the rest of the program gave me ample opportunities to immerse myself not only in the culture but also in the history and lifestyle that Japan had to offer. WCI staff were understanding of participants’ needs and constantly made efforts to make the entire participating group feel welcome. I can comfortably say that there were no issues I ran into that I couldn’t either discuss or outright solve with the help of the staff team.

I wholeheartedly recommend WCI to anyone looking to intensify their experience in Japan and get a more lively experience than just roaming around cluelessly. My trip has not only improved my understanding of the country but also given me a reason to come back.

I'd rate the experience 11/10 any day of the week, ありがとうございます WCI。

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
This program allowed me to try an Onsen, better known as a bathhouse! It's worth noting that it was during a family day and not a scheduled program activity, but still something I got through WCI.

A common staple for a lot of Japanese people, the onsen is definitely one of the more obscure things for a european mind to wrap it's head around. While not bad (actually rather great), it's definitely a very unique experience.
Pros
  • Having the opportunity to live with a Japanese family and see the culture through a native's eye
  • Making connections that would've otherwise been impossible
  • Participating in group activities and indulging in local traditions and foods
Cons
  • Could be overstimulating
  • Depending on prior japanese knowledge, ones undestanding might be limited
  • A fixed schedule means that one might not have as much time to roam freely as desired
Elias
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An exceptional experience!

From the moment I landed in Japan, I was met with staff members who were friendly, helpful and enthusiastic! World Campus Japan gives you unique insight into Japanese culture, language and traditions that you wouldn't be able to experience anywhere else! I was extremely impressed by the team's organisation and planning. There was always something to look forward to and many new people to meet! The programme encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. I am extremely pleased I had the chance to take part in the programme! Thank you!

Beverley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Summer!

I always knew that Japan was one of my top travel destinations, but I wanted a unique cultural experience. My summer in Japan was truly unforgettable thanks to World Campus!

I was able to meet so many kind and friendly people during my 3 weeks in Japan. I developed strong connections with my host families and continue to stay in touch with them all! With World Campus, I was able to experience true day-to-day Japanese life and culture in a way I could have never experienced as a tourist on my own. Our activities ranged from receiving exclusive tours, visiting cultural heritage spots and fun school visits. Being able to try authentic home cooked meals alongside popular restaurants, attending festivals and wearing traditional kimonos are only a few of the activities I was able to enjoy. We also had free days to explore Japan in addition to the fun activities prepared on the programme!

What was your funniest moment?
Going to a Japanese photo booth with my host family and using silly filters to edit our photos!
Pros
  • Excited, generous host families in each city
  • Kind staff always ready to help
  • Safe environment and friendly participants
Jonathan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Decision I could have made

I had already visited Japan three times before joining this program, and felt like I was lacking in crucial experiences. I took a risk with applying to this program and attending. I had very few expectations for what my experience would look like. This program completely changed my idea of Japan and allowed me to live with various families and become part of the family. That in itself is something special. When I signed up, I didn’t have huge expectations. I just wanted to practice my Japanese and maybe discover a few places tourists would not know about. But what I got was so much more. From the unique and engaging curriculum to the unforgettable host family experience and the incredibly warm, welcoming community, every part of the program made me feel like I truly belonged. If you’re on the fence or unsure about what your experience might look like, take the leap. Trust the process. The staff and community volunteers go above and beyond to make it meaningful, fun, and unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time in Japan or your fourth, this program offers a whole new perspective that you just won’t get as a tourist. I joined for one reason and left with memories, friendships, and a deeper connection to Japan.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I were to do this program again, I would take risks in my interactions with school students and host families. At the beginning of the session, I was scared of speaking Japanese and being judged. I was afraid that I would cause more problems by trying, and end up inconveniencing everyone more. After a while, I took the risk, and I am glad I did. I was able to have more unique experiences that I probably would not have gotten if I continued to only speak Japanese.
Pros
  • Host family interactions
  • Delicious food
  • Safe Environment
Cons
  • fast paced
Mark
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

World Campus Japan 2024 Experience

I'm leaving this review a little late, but if you're looking for a study abroad program in Japan, this is definitely the best choice! I attended the second and third session with my friend and met so many people from a variety of countries!

This program gives exclusive access to Japanese lifestyle as you literally live with Japanese families. Everyone was so excited to meet us and very welcoming to their homes. The staff were also very kind and hospitable to everyone in the program. We were given access to areas that regular tourists can't visit such as schools and universities. I'd say the best part of this program was hanging out with the university students during our Personal Day.

I can't wait to attend this program again, meet old friends, and definitely make more!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
When I had first landed in Japan, I was insanely scared of speaking to anyone as I had only been studying Japanese for one year and couldn't understand their normal pacing. I learned later on that the staff at convenient stores and restaurants (especially in heavy tourist areas) accommodate well to English speakers.

I made it a goal to try my best to only use Japanese, and overtime, while a 5 year old speaks better than me, I became more and more comfortable talking to my families and even staff in their native language. By the end, while I could barely understand half of what they said, I could feel what they were trying to imply. It also takes a minute for me to translate from English to Japanese, but could somewhat speak to them as well.

This program has boosted my Japanese progress 10 fold as I was constantly surrounded by the language, something I could never replicate back home in Florida.
Pros
  • Constant Japanese immersion
  • Great food with cheap prices (for an American)
  • Making new friends from all over the globe
Cons
  • Very hot during this time of year
  • Some cities feel quite boring compared to the others
  • A lot of walking for a person who travels by car every day
David
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience ever!

I think this was the best trip I ever had in my life! I got to do almost everything I ever wanted to do in Japan. Experiencing Japanese culture and history, eating the best food, making new friends and family, seeing the beautiful country that is Japan and so much more!! I very much recommend applying for World Campus to everyone!!

To get more in-depth as what I got to experience because of World Campus that I will never forget:
- eat home made okonomiyaki and sukiyaki
- go to Kyoto (with my host family)
- visit dotonburi and see Guriko aka running man
- making takoyaki
- seeing the countryside of Japan
- visit Japanese castles
- wearing a kimono
- making my own bento
- went in an onsen and drank milk afterward
- seeing the Great Wave off Kanagawa
- wearing a samurai armor

The only thing I didn't get to experience was seeing Mt Fuji but that is a good excuse to go back to Japan ^_^

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I wouldn’t call it surprising but rather surprisingly enjoyable. It was the climb up Mt. Ōyama. It was much more fun than I expected it to be. Climbing up the steep steps with my (new) friends, struggling and sweating together was such a bonding experience. Even though we were all suffering in the almost 40 degrees weather, I would do it all over again.
Pros
  • Food
  • Family
  • Friends
Lovina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unique experience

This program really allowed you to live like a Japanese person, while mostly talking Japanese, eating home cooked food, and meeting students of your own age, and talking to them really felt good. I felt like was a part of that community and i made strong connections to the participants and the host families. You were also surrounded by volunteers that gladly hung out with you, I still message them quite often! I cant recommend this enough! I cant wait to go back and visit my host family and my volunteer friends!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be prepared for he heat! Bring a fan, light clothes (that still covers you). Also an umbrella is really convenient for both rain and the sun🌞.
Pros
  • Tons of new friends
  • Feel confident to travel in japan by myself (for next trip) aswell as meeting my friends i made there
  • Learbing about culture and shinto
Cons
  • Got sick and missed out on many activities
Johan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experiencing Japan like never before

This is the program for all people who love Japan . During this program you will be able to live with japanese, speak japanense and enjoy the day with japanese. This program has it all. A culture experience that you can't get anywhere else . New friends and families for life . A truly uniqe insight into Japan with visits to schools, temples with history lessons and a talk with the staff, meeting the locals, both young and old and talking about life. This program should and not be skipped. Can truly not recommend it more.

What was your funniest moment?
We climbed this mountain in Issehara and at the top they had this fat deer you could feed cookies
Pros
  • Temple visits
  • Host families
  • New friends
Petronella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A wonderful experience!!

I’m not really sure what I expected when coming to Japan, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I travelled to Japan with hopes of experiencing the culture from a different point of view than other tourists usually do, and to make new connections with people from all over the world. Easy to say I was not disappointed.

In each city, staff was so friendly and welcoming. I always looked forward to seeing what the next place would have to offer.

My host families were all so kind and I still message them. Being able to experience their homemade food was amazing, and learning about each family members life was so interesting.

Though, I think the absolute best part of the entire trip, was getting to know the other participants. I can’t describe how incredibly lucky I feel to have met these people. Most of us still talk and see each other when possible.

I would recommend World Campus to anyone who is keen on learning about Japan and it’s beautiful culture while making irreplaceable bonds with wonderful people.

Adi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Another Side of Japan

I just wrapped up an incredible 9-week program, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the very beginning, I made unforgettable memories as I travelled Japan, experiencing the culture, meeting to the locals and to understand Japan in a way I didn't before.

Diving right into World Campus' Summer Program was a truly unforgettable experience. I built lasting relationships with both the local families that hosted me and my fellow participants learning not only about Japan but about what brought others to Japan.

The schedule was packed with fun, interactive activities that kept every day exciting. We did things most tourists never do, with each week bringing new challenges and adventures all across the country.

If you’re looking for a summer full of adventure and cultural immersion, this program is definitely the way to go! It was an amazing way to spend my summer, and I hope you get the chance to experience it too!

Pros
  • Building lasting connections
  • Peering into local Japanese culture
  • Meeting enthusiastic peers who also love Japan
Cons
  • Busy Busy Busy!! Be prepared for lots of moving and to stay hydrated :D