The best way to experience Japan

I have been to nine different countries on various occasions, and among all of them, nothing even comes close to my experiences in Japan with World Campus. There is a good reason I have joined that program three times already.

Through traveling with World Campus I have stayed with 16 host families, all of whom welcome me back whenever I go to Japan. I have made friends with people from all over the world, including China, Sweden, The Netherlands, USA, Qatar and others. And perhaps most importantly, World Campus has allowed me to develop as a human being. All of this, despite not knowing a single word of Japanese before joining. One the other hand, the program has taught me how to communicate without a common language, and also taught me some Japanese.

Overall, what World Campus does right is their hands-on approach - learning by doing. Wouldn't it be cool to see a real samurai demonstrate how to use a katana? You know what would be even cooler? To then have the samurai hand you their sword and teach you how to use it. World Campus has offered me plenty such experiences. I didn't just get to watch an elementary school teacher teach their class, I got to join them teaching. I have practiced zen meditation with a real buddhist monk, and joined a traditional tea cermony organized by a true master. And I have experienced things I never had imagined even existed, such as how to do furoshiki - an old way of wrapping your belongings in practical and decorative Japanese cloth.

The core experience however, the one that really makes you feel that you get to see Japan from the inside, is being able to live with host families during your entire stay. By living with other families, I was able to observe and take part in daily routines, eat authentic homemade food that can't be found anywhere else, and truly feel like I was a part of the family. Through sharing culture from my own country, I also learned a lot about myself.

I heartly recommend this program to anyone looking for a unique, life changing and unforgettable experience!