Location
  • Japan
    • Tokyo
    • Osaka
    • Fukuoka
    • Nagasaki
Term
Summer
Subject Areas
Asian Studies Communications Cultural Studies East Asian Studies Education Global Studies Hospitality Humanities International Relations Peace Studies Religious Studies Service Learning Tourism +3

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
2750
Price Details
Program Fee Includes:
* Housing
* Meals
* Transportation during the Tour
* Program Staffing
* Regional Learning related expenses such as entrance fees or for guides
* Access to all Planned Community Partner Resources such as Facilities, Speakers, Special Guests, as well as activities with Businesses, Politicians and Organizations
* All Program Content
* All Operational Expenses

What the Program Fee doesn't Include:
* Transportation from your home to the designated meeting place in Japan and then from a designated place at the end of the tour in Japan back to your home.
* International health insurance for the tour time.
* Extra spending money for souvenirs, socializing, shopping, replenishing toiletries, etc.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare
Oct 22, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
66 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

World Campus International, Inc. offers you an opportunity to take part in short-term, non-traditional study abroad programs in Japan. You can choose to sign up for 3 weeks, 6 weeks or 9 weeks programs. Participants will have the unique chance to gain international experience as well as increase their personal and professional networks, all while enjoying the backdrop of Japanese culture, daily life and business through various activities.

What does having this kind of "unique access to Japan" mean?
1) A great chance to see Japanese cultural sites, eat delicious food and learn about Japanese traditions.
2) An opportunity to experience an authentic Japanese lifestyle by staying with host families.
3) A way to learn about modern Japan through interacting with local politicians, business people and teachers.
4) An opportunity to share your culture and volunteer your talents in activities with ordinary Japanese citizens, school children, disabled people and the elderly.

Video and Photos

Program Dates

Application Deadline
Program Dates
-

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 61 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.6
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.95
  • Housing 4.95
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 61 reviews
Default avatar
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
15 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Adam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Amazing Adventure!

I was a part of the last session in the program during the summer. It was an incredible experience, especially meeting new people a part of the program and connecting with my wonderful host families, all of whom I still message. The program was well-paced with each day filled with activities or trips to historical sites along with bonding activities for the group. I learned so much during the trip and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to have traveled through an informative and fun program. I highly recommend this program to those interested in living abroad in Japan.

Pros
  • Adventure
  • Connecting with host families
  • Free time for solo travel
29 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nils Phillip
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience with World Campus Japan

I participated in all 3 sessions, and it has been an amazing 9 weeks, 9 cities and 9 host families. We went all over japan, from Isa, south in Kyushu and all the way to Tokyo and Mito in the east. Im a bit introverted, but all the families welcomed me and let me live as a new familymember. I got to try a lot of new foods and I learned many japanese traditions and customs and also some japanese. Some of the families were extra eager and even brought me to theme parks like DisneyLand, DisneySea and Universal studios theme park. And my first family brought me to a place where we could try on Samurai gear and pose with katanas. I loved it.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The first day of the program when I met all of the other members and the host family I was going to live with, I got very nervous. As I mentioned, im very introverted, but I simply thought to myself «f it, let’s just go». I just ignored my fears, knowing that I probably wasn’t the only one. And it worked out great. I didn’t talk as much as the others, but we all got along quickly, and I realized there wasn’t really anything to worry about after all.
Pros
  • Fun new activities (martial arts, rice planting)
  • New foods
  • New friends
35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Stina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The weeks I spent with World Campus Japan this summer were unforgettable!

The main thing that made my three week stay so incredible was the people I encountered. From the other participants, with whom I shared so many moments, to the organizers and locals who were all so excited to show off their hometowns and favourite activities. The thought of meeting so many new people seemed daunting at first, but pushing through my nervousness rewarded me with so many fond memories!

The activities planned for us varied greatly from day to day and helped me learn much about Japan and myself. Of course, not everything fit my interests, and trying so many new things could be a little scary. However, fumbling through tasks together with everyone made everything fun! Personally, I enjoyed activities like watching professionals demonstrate sword techniques, rice planting, visiting shrines, and trying activities with locals the most. Working towards the Arigato event and presenting it for the host families and getting to visit schools and universities were also very cool.

My host families were ultimately the highlight of the trip. In the beginning, I stressed a lot over whether I would fit in, if miscommunications would occur, or if I would seem impolite in general. But the families I stayed with were all so incredibly kind, and sharing daily life with them made me feel at home. Miscommunication did still occur, but everything always turned out fine and even gave us some laughs. Their excitement and generosity allowed me to participate in many thrilling activities and still feel at ease. And most of all I appreciate my new wonderful host siblings! I hope to be able to visit them all again in the future.
Spending so much time doing activities and being with the families leaves little free time, so if you are excited for more touristy sightseeing, I would recommend setting aside some weeks for yourself either before or after the program. The programs also vary in how hectic it is, so some days left me quite tired while others were more peaceful.
Still, I cannot recommend going enough! Especially if you are interested in Japan as a country, cultural exchange in general, want the opportunity to try less common experiences or just want to meet new people. Deciding to apply might have been one of the best decisions I have made!

Pros
  • Host families
  • Experience Japanese culture
  • Fun activities
Cons
  • Japanese summer heat can be tough
  • Not much time for solo-sightseeing
35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Annah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

If you need a sign- this is it!

Attending the World Campus International program was one of the best decisions I’ve made- my only complaint was that I didn’t stay longer! I attended the third session of the program and enjoyed all three cities I got to experience in Japan. Staying with a host family is truly and experience like no other and learned more than I ever would if I just came to Japan as a tourist. You not only leave the program with lasting bonds with your host families, but also all program participants. Every day was unique and you have the opportunity to share your own unique culture and backgrounds. This is a trip I will never forget and will continue to recommend to students of all ages.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I got the chance to attend a Japanese summer festival and even participate in the dancing and celebration!
Pros
  • Budget-Friendly
  • Immersive
  • Hands-On
64 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Isak
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An amazing experience

I was lucky enough to get the experience to join world campus the summer of 2017, and I had one of the best summers of my life. Getting to experience Japan together with amazing fellow participants, leaders and host-families was truly an unforgettable experience.

I joined the program with very limited japanese skills, and this proved to be a non-issue, as even the host families that spoke limited english proved extremely friendly and helpfull, and we found that communication still worked.

As of writing this review, my stay with world campus helped change the trajectory of my studies into Japanese and Japan studies, and because of the unique window you get into japanese culture and living, joining a program like this is truly special, and something I can recommend wholeheartedly to everyone with an interest in going abroad to Japan.

Pros
  • Meeting amazing people (Including possible lifelong friends)
  • Experiencing Japan from the inside
  • Host-families
69 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kelly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A unique experience!

The World Campus Japan program offers a unique experience and is naturally more academically challenging than booking your own trip to Japan! Being out of my comfort zone and connecting with citizens in a way I would never have been able to do as a regular tourist are the things I reflect most positively about. During the day it would always be in English and therefore not as interesting to me, but at the end of the day we'd all come home to very friendly hostfamilies, all excited to hear about our days and ready start sharing delicious meals. The staff was always prepared to help and answer questions, both before and during the program.

Pros
  • Hostfamily experience
  • Japanese food
  • Soft skills
Cons
  • We were inside quite often
172 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Suzanne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A great experience

I went on the third and last session to Abiko, Mito and Tama, all right outside of Tokyo, and I had a great experience. First of all, the host families were so open, and loving and made me feel like a part of their family, despite my poor Japanese language skills. The program was packed with cultural activities such as karate with Japan's female national champion, traditional dances and calligraphy. Being a part of a group with many different nationalities, I also learned a lot from the other participants. The program was well-planned and organised, and everything felt very authentic, which was important for me. I am sure that I will go back to visit my host families again when I have the opportunity to do so.

All things considered, I really recommend this program. For me, one session was enough as the program is quite packed, but I do wish I could experience the other sessions too looking at the activities and locations!

Pros
  • Authentic
  • Living with host families
  • Well organised
Cons
  • A bit too packed program
  • The heat during summer
172 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

The answer is no BUT before you actually participate you think it is not possible to go along with or to engage in a conversation with a person/ family which speaks Japanese only. Actually, at WCI you are trained how to fit into all environments whether you know how to speak their language or not.