With its complex mix of tradition and modernity, Japan is an ideal place to explore a new culture. By attending a local high school and living with a host family, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Japanese life. This is your chance to get to know the language, customs, and people of the nation called “The Land of the Rising Sun”. Japan’s culture is complex and full of contrasts, so you’ll experience an exciting and educational adventure.
Your host family
In Japan, nuclear families are the most common but there are also extended families with three generations living together. The father often appears to be the major family decision-maker, but the mother also has a strong say, especially in relation to matters such as children’s education and family finances. Respecting elderly people and maintaining close ties with relatives is considered to be very important.
Your school
A very big part of your year will be spent at school. At school you are expected to obey the rules, follow the same schedule as other students, join in after-school activities, and mix with as many students as possible. The school year is from April to March. Most schools have a summer holiday from mid-July to the end of August and a winter holiday from late Dec. to early Jan., but there are regional differences. For example, the winter holiday is longer in Hokkaido where it is very cold. Public schools have classes five days a week from 8:30 am to late afternoon, but the number of public high schools that have classes on Saturday mornings is on the increase. Private schools also have classes on Saturday mornings. There are mid-term and final exams.
The Asia-Kakehashi Project is an initiative of the Japanese government to promote the learning of Japanese and to support students with great financial needs who would not be able to participate without this opportunity. They also support the idea of offering this opportunity to refugee families in G7 countries who are suffering from the damage caused by war or conflict in their home countries. In 2023, the project starts on a small scale, with two students from each country, making a total of 60 participants from 25 countries and regions who will come to study in a Japanese high school for 4 months, from mid-November 2023 to mid-March 2024. (ALL documents must be submitted by July 21st!) Program costs are fully covered, i.e. we do not charge participation fees for this scholarship program.