Tough but Rewarding

Personally, I had a lot of issues before starting the program. I had undiagnosed mild depression and social anxiety. Nevertheless I would do it over if I had the chance. I cried a LOT honestly, and I had fights with my host family who said I was ungrateful(they wouldn't really explain how...so I couldn't fix it...). Also they were the head of that area's AFS committee. I could not ask for help with the problem because the members only spoke Japanese and my contact for these matters was my host mom's best friend. At least at school there was another exchange student who was with the Rotary Club and her guide/teacher took me under her wing.
School itself was more of a self studying period, where I sat in classes but did my own thing. I admit I was lazy and studied only a little. I got along with my classmates, though I was a bit quiet. I made some friends and I went out with them on weekends to eat and visit other cities like Osaka,Kyoto, and Nara. The train system is amazing!
During the summer it was so humid I thought I was melting but during the winter it snowed(WE HAD TO WEAR OUR SKIRT UNIFORMS). I am not used to the cold at all! LA weather forever!
And don't get me started on riding a bicycle through the wind and rain with that skirt that flew in my face all the time. I fell a lot haha.
And being shoved into a train full of people(I got someone's head hair in my mouth one time)(I was also next to a really cute guy once though heh).
I have a lot of fond memories, now that I've distanced myself from the experience. During this time I was constantly anxious, but I kept on keepin' on somehow.
I really grew as a person. I'm more empathetic and open to trying new things and taking chances. Also I know so much more about Japan and the language, which will be good once I become an English teacher there. My host mom was an English teacher in fact, so she allowed me to practice(or used me lol) with her students. She even offered me an online teaching job once I returned home but...
Unfortunately when I returned to the U.S. and went back into the normal school routine I realized how bad my depression had become. It was only once I became suicidal that I sought help, and now, about a year later, I am finally getting better through medication(which I wish I had years ago!)
So I think it's challenging if you have a mental illness but it's possible! Another girl in the program had bipolar and social anxiety. We aren't alone at all.

I rambled more than I thought I would.
It's cliche but it was the best and worst of my life so far. Honestly the program is alright but your experience will probably be completely different based on where you are placed(which is random). Also the effort you put into learning the language and participating will define your success.

I only spent half a year in Japan, which was enough for me, but not enough to become completely fluent(for most people at least). And I didn't get to experience spring and golden week :( such a bummer.

Overall if you know you can do it, go for it! But try to get a scholarship(it's expensive enough buying food, clothes, and the occasional souvenir) or try the Rotary Club(they're free).