I'm Definitely Coming Back

I first applied to this program on a whim. The website was relatively lackluster, but the pictures, dates, homestay locations, and reviews were completely different. I don't know what kind of expectations I had before coming to Japan, but as I left for Asia for my summer vacation, nothing could quite prepare me for what was to come. I ended up getting COVID and joining the program late, but the program coordinators were overly understanding and accomodating despite the headaches that caused. Despite my late arrival, I was placed with an amazing and kind host family. Of course, I had four equally amazing host families throughout the program, and I experienced different aspects of the culture with each of them. Even more than the culture I experienced during the three-and-a-half week program, I value the connections and family-like friends I've made with other participants, the staff, and the host families that I hope will never fade for many years and decades to come.