Semester Programme in Japan

Tea ceremonies, graceful gardens and tranquil temples along with high-speed trains, striking efficiency and hyper-modern skyscrapers are essential to the dynamic Japanese culture.

Country Language: Japanese

Semester Programme in Japan

This school based programme has been AFS-JPN's core hosting programme since 1963. It provides students with an opportunity to learn about Japan and the Japanese language by living with a host family, being part of a community and attending classes at a local senior high school. Students are placed with a volunteer (non-paid) host family and go to a public/private senior high school. Students are expected to attend school on a regular basis, and show continued effort to their assigned school work. While most students go to ordinary senior high schools, some go to secondary schools (a combination of junior and senior high schools) or Colleges of Technology (KOSEN, a combination of senior high school and junior college which focus on engineering). In any case, students attend classes of Grade 10-12th (most likely 10th or 11th). Some private schools have religious backgrounds and students may be asked to take part in religious activities as a part of school life. In addition, 20-30% of AFS host schools are boys/girl's schools. Students are assigned to one of 60-70 local chapters in Japan, where they will receive regular support whilst on the programme.

Stay with a Host Family

During the programme you will stay with a Japanese host family for complete immersion in the culture and language.

Students can be placed in any area – large cities, suburban areas and rural areas.

Most families are traditional nuclear families, however, students can be placed in any type of family, including a family without children, a one-parent family with children, or a retired couple.

Participant Eligibility

A participant’s date of birth must be between Apr 2008 to 1 Apr 2010

Participant Age Range Upon Arrival: 15 years 5 months to 17 years 4 months

Basic English is the minimum requirement if the participant does not speak Japanese.

No specific level of Japanese is required upon arrival.

Study at a Japanese High School

Education and academic achievement are top priorities in Japan. Schools in Japan run from April to March (Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 3.30 pm). You will wear a uniform and commute by bike, bus or train. All students take part in a school cultural festival and a sports festival which are held every year. After the school day ends, you’ll participate in a tradition called souji, when everyone gets together for 30 minutes to help clean the school and grounds. You can also join other extracurricular clubs and activities.

Please see the attached AFS Japan Handbook, which will answer most of your questions about living in Japan.

You can also read the Japan destination page for some more general information.

Any other questions? Contact us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What's it like studying at a Japanese High School?

By studying at a local high school in Japan and living with an AFS host family, you’ll be fully immersed in daily Japanese life, allowing you to gradually become part of the culture. This deep level of immersion is one of the best ways to achieve fluency in Japanese.

As a high school student in Japan, much of your social interactions will take place at school. Many exchange students form friendships and learn more about Japanese traditions by joining after-school activities, such as calligraphy or kendo, a contemporary Japanese martial art.

In Japan, education and academic success are highly valued. Interestingly, high school isn’t compulsory; instead, it’s a voluntary choice students make. Teachers hold a position of great respect, and this academically rigorous study abroad experience offers excellent language-learning opportunities, as all classes, including English, are conducted in Japanese. School typically runs Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to about 3:30 pm, with some schools holding Saturday morning classes as well.

The academic year in Japan spans from April to March. You’ll likely wear a uniform and commute to school by bike, bus, or train. At the end of each school day, students participate in “souji,” a tradition where everyone pitches in for 30 minutes to clean the school and its grounds. Throughout the year, you’ll experience cultural activities like Bunkasai (school festival), Tai’ikusai (sports day), chorus competitions, and excursions. Optional school trips offer opportunities to visit popular tourist destinations in Japan and, occasionally, even overseas.

This school based programme has been AFS-JPN’s core hosting programme since 1963. It provides students with an opportunity to learn about Japan and the Japanese language by living with a host family, being part of a community and attending classes at a local senior high school. Students are placed with a volunteer (non-paid) host family and go to a public/private senior high school. Students are expected to attend school on a regular basis, and show continued effort to their assigned school work.

While most students go to ordinary senior high schools, some go to secondary schools (a combination of junior and senior high schools) or Colleges of Technology (KOSEN, a combination of senior high school and junior college which focus on engineering). In any case, students attend classes of Grade 10-12th (most likely 10th or 11th). Some private schools have religious backgrounds and students may be asked to take part in religious activities as a part of school life. In addition, 20-30% of AFS host schools are boys/girl’s schools.

Where will I live?

Students will be matched with a host family. They can be placed in any area – large cities, suburban areas and rural areas. Especially in large cities and suburban areas, houses are rather small and many people live in an apartment. It is normal that children share a bedroom.

Host families are carefully selected by AFS Japan’s staff and volunteers. Prior to selecting families, they visit the hosts’ homes for screening and conduct in-person interviews with all family members. Host families are volunteers, and are unpaid for accommodating students.

Most families are traditional nuclear families, however, students can be placed in any type of family, including a family without children, a one-parent family with children, or a retired couple.

Upon entering your host family’s home, you’ll be expected to remove your shoes and switch to indoor slippers, a common practice in Japan. Japanese homes are typically very tidy, and cleanliness is highly valued, so you should be prepared to assist with daily household tasks. Punctuality is also a key aspect of Japanese etiquette.

Meals play an important role in family life, with traditional Japanese cuisine often served. You can look forward to enjoying dishes like rice, noodles, and green tea. Keep in mind that most meals include meat, as vegetarianism is relatively uncommon in Japan.

What support will I receive?

You will not only be supported by our staff at AFS Wales, but by the broader network of AFS International.

AFS has 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programmes through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers.

You will gave access to worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance, an in-country support team and network, as well as support from AFS Wales whilst you’re in Japan.

Orientations and intercultural education before and during your programme.

You will be covered by AFS medical insurance.

All participants will receive visa support and guidance.

How will I travel?

Register your interest and send us an enquiry!

Enquire about studying abroad!

Fill out the form and AFS Wales will get back to you soon.

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Dates and fees

Arrival: 22 Aug 2025

Departure: 1 Feb 2026

This programme’s base cost is £6500 + £2000 for flights.

What's included?

Return flights.
AFS Medical and Travel Insurance (Please ensure to view the 2025 Medical Pamphlet for a detailed explanation of your coverage).
You will not only be supported by our staff at AFS Wales, but by the broader network of AFS International. AFS has 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programmes through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers. You will gave access to worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance, an in-country support team and network, as well as support from AFS Wales whilst you’re in Japan.
Transfers within Japan upon arrival and departure.
All flight taxes and oil surcharges.
20kg max suitcase plus a 10kg carry on (the size of the bag must be within 45cm x 35cm x 20cm, total 100cm). Only one bag is allowed per person. If you need additional luggage, you will be responsible for the extra fee.
Airport meeting on arrival by your host family or the host organisation.
Transport to and from your host family home.
Accommodation in a host family home.
Typically, breakfast, a packed lunch, and dinner will be provided by the host family.
Enrolment in a local school.
Most school books and teaching materials.
Commuting expenses to school covered.
Information on how to apply for your visa (if required).
Arrival (Tokyo), post-arrival and end of programme (in your local chapter) orientations in Japan.
Assistance from staff in AFS Japan and from AFS Wales.
24 hour emergency phone in AFS Japan.

Semester Programme in Japan

Tea ceremonies, graceful gardens and tranquil temples along with high-speed trains, striking efficiency and hyper-modern skyscrapers are essential to the dynamic Japanese culture.