Language Camp in Japan

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  • Overview

    Challenge your understanding of Japan through full language and cultural immersion at one of Greenheart Travel’s language camps in Japan! We welcome all language levels, including beginners.

  • Eligibility by Location

    Fukuoka

    Fukuoka, a city of 1.5 million people, is a beautiful coastal city in Southern Japan. Its size makes it an excellent place for teenagers and first-time travelers who may be intimidated by Tokyo’s vast urban sprawl. The language school has air-conditioning and WiFi, is near the central park, and is a short walk from the main train station.

    Eligibility Requirements for Fukuoka

    • Must be between 14 – 19 years old
    • No language experience necessary, but you are required to learn the hiragana alphabet before starting your program. We will provide you with some helpful resources!
    • Be in good* mental and physical health
    • Have a genuine interest in learning Japanese and immersing yourself in the culture

    *What does it mean to be in good mental health?

    *Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to a well-adjusted student. Sending a student with pre-existing conditions on a long-term exchange program could exacerbate whatever challenges the student was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of all high school abroad applicants.

    Therefore, we may not be able to accept students who have struggled with any kind of mental illness, specifically within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. Each student will be addressed on a case by case basis and ultimately it is Greenheart Travel’s in-country partner who holds the right to accept or decline a student based on their individual policy.

    These include, but are not limited to:

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
    • Eating disorders
    • Chronic debilitating migraines
    • Bipolar Disorder

    All students who currently experience one or more of these conditions will be required to submit an addendum to the terms and conditions as well as a letter of support from their current mental health specialist. If the student’s mental health issue has been managed (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will still require a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc) as part of the application process.  We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly before securing these documents.

    Tokyo

    Have you always dreamed of living in the world’s most populous city? Then Tokyo is the place for you! As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is the heart of the country’s government, business, and cultural influence. With so much to see and do, Tokyo can be a little overwhelming to visitors, so we recommend this destination to more experienced students or travelers.

    Eligibility Requirements for Tokyo

    • Must be between 16 – 19 years old (no exceptions)
    • No language experience necessary, but you are required to learn the hiragana alphabet before starting your program. We will provide you with some helpful resources!
    • Be in good* mental and physical health
    • Have a genuine interest in learning Japanese and immersing yourself in the culture

    *What does it mean to be in good mental health?

    *Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to a well-adjusted student. Sending a student with pre-existing conditions on a long-term exchange program could exacerbate whatever challenges the student was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of all high school abroad applicants.

    Therefore, we may not be able to accept students who have struggled with any kind of mental illness, specifically within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. Each student will be addressed on a case by case basis and ultimately it is Greenheart Travel’s in-country partner who holds the right to accept or decline a student based on their individual policy.

    These include, but are not limited to:

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
    • Eating disorders
    • Chronic debilitating migraines
    • Bipolar Disorder

    All students who currently experience one or more of these conditions will be required to submit an addendum to the terms and conditions as well as a letter of support from their current mental health specialist. If the student’s mental health issue has been managed (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will still require a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc) as part of the application process.  We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly before securing these documents.

    Kyoto

    Full of shrines, teahouses and markets, Kyoto is routinely hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. Picture yourself biking along narrow streets and strolling across bridges in this city of 1.5 million, often called a “city with a small-town feel.”  A short walk from the Gion district, the language school’s location is perfect for history lovers! The school has 9 air-conditioned classrooms with WiFi internet access in the lounge and common areas.

    Eligibility Requirements for Kyoto

    • Must be between 14 – 19 years old
    • No language experience necessary, but you are required to learn the hiragana alphabet before starting your program. We will provide you with some helpful resources!
    • Be in good* mental and physical health
    • Have a genuine interest in learning Japanese and immersing yourself in the culture

    *What does it mean to be in good mental health?

    *Moving to a new culture and staying in unfamiliar surroundings without your normal support structure can be very stressful, even to a well-adjusted student. Sending a student with pre-existing conditions on a long-term exchange program could exacerbate whatever challenges the student was previously facing. In order to ensure the safety of our participants, we must be rigorous in our pre-screening of all high school abroad applicants.

    Therefore, we may not be able to accept students who have struggled with any kind of mental illness, specifically within the last 2 years and/or are reliant on medication to address their existing mental health condition. Each student will be addressed on a case by case basis and ultimately it is Greenheart Travel’s in-country partner who holds the right to accept or decline a student based on their individual policy.

    These include, but are not limited to:

    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
    • Eating disorders
    • Chronic debilitating migraines
    • Bipolar Disorder

    All students who currently experience one or more of these conditions will be required to submit an addendum to the terms and conditions as well as a letter of support from their current mental health specialist. If the student’s mental health issue has been managed (post-medication) for over 2 years, we will still require a note from his/her relevant practitioner (psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist, etc) as part of the application process.  We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly before securing these documents.

  • Dates & Level Requirements

    Summer 2024 Dates

    Tokyo: 

    • Availability from June 3rd to August 30th, 2024
    • Minimum age: 16
    • This location has reached full capacity for all June start dates.
    • Availability for complete beginners in Tokyo is limited for Summer 2024. Please email travelapplications@greenheart.org to discuss your options if you are a complete beginner.

    Kyoto:

    • Availability from June 3rd to August 30th, 2024
    • Minimum age: 14
    • This location has reached full capacity for all June start dates.
    • Availability for complete beginners in Kyoto is limited for Summer 2024. Please email travelapplications@greenheart.org to discuss your options if you are a complete beginner.

    Fukuoka:

    • Availability from July 1st to July 26th, 2024
    • Complete beginners must start on July 1st or July 15th.
    • Minimum age: 14
    • This location has reached full capacity for all June start dates.

    Special Notes:

    • Students will fly in the day before their program start date and start language classes on Monday.
    • The program ends on September 1, 2024. Please plan accordingly to the amount of weeks you want to participate.
    • The minimum program length is 2 weeks for all locations.
    • The maximum program length is 4 weeks for all locations.
    • Please note programs fill up fast so if you are interested you should apply as soon as possible.
    • Availability for each start date may differ depending on your current language level. Once you have submitted your application and completed a language assessment, Greenheart staff will either confirm your preferred start date or offer suitable alternatives based on your current language skills.

    Determine your Level

    Start dates are determined by language proficiency levels, please see below to determine what level you are.

    Complete Beginner Student

    You have never studied Japanese before. You do not know how to read any hiragana, however you must learn to read hiragana before your arrival! We will send you a study guide upon acceptance.

    Low Beginner Student

    If you are familiar with the concepts listed below, but do not understand all the concepts listed in the “intermediate beginner student” section, you would be considered a Low Beginner Student!

    • How to read hiragana
    • Daily greetings
    • “X ha Y desu” sentence pattern
    • How to make question sentences
    • “[noun] no [noun]” phrase
    • Numbers 1 – 10,000
    • Saying the time
    • Pointing words “ko”, “so”, “a”, “do”
    • Negative sentences “ja nai desu”
    • “dare no” ~noun

    Intermediate Beginner Student

    If you are familiar and know all the grammar/vocab concepts listed above AND below, you are considered an Intermediate Beginner Japanese student and you will be placed in a higher class.

    • The particle “mo”
    • The sentence ending particles “ne”, “yo”
    • Verb conjugation
    • Present tense verbs
    • Particles
    • Time reference
    • Inviting friends to places (“~masenka?”)
    • Word order
    • The topic particle “ha”
    • Frequency adverbs

    Advanced Beginner Student

    If you are familiar with all previously listed grammar concepts including the ones listed below, you are considered an Advanced Beginner Japanese student. You can begin on any start date you would like.

    • Past tense verbs
    • Past tense of “desu”
    • Describing where things are
    • “arimasu” / “imasu”
    • Adjectives / adjective conjugation
    • “suki na” / “karai na”
    • “~mashou” / “~mashou ka”
    • Counting
    • “te” -form
    • “~te kudasai”
    • “~te mo ii desu”
    • “~te ha ikemasen”

    Want to study in Japan for longer than just a summer? Check out our High School Abroad Japan program!

  • Costs & Inclusions

    2024 Program Costs

    Fukuoka Program Cost:

    • 2 Weeks: $3,110
    • 3 Weeks: $4,060
    • 4 Weeks: $5,010

    Tokyo Program Cost:

    • 2 Weeks: $3,920
    • 3 Weeks: $5,030
    • 4 Weeks: $6,140

    Kyoto Program Cost: 

    • 2 weeks: $3,670
    • 3 weeks: $4,700
    • 4 weeks: $5,740

    Please note, all prices are listed in USD. 

    If you are interested in a program that is longer than 4 weeks, please email travelapplications@greenheart.org.

    Packaged into the Price:

    • 20 hours of language classes per week
    • Airport pickup and drop-off upon arrival and departure
    • Host family accommodation
    • 2 meals per day (Breakfast & Dinner)
    • Comprehensive medical/accident insurance
    • Track-specific cultural excursions & activities
    • Half-day arrival orientation in Japan
    • Online and on-site language level placement test
    • Comprehensive program handbook with cross-cultural communication training and Japanese culture tips
    • Certificate of completion at the end of the program for use on college applications
    • Access to Greenheart Travel Facebook groups to connect with alumni and others on your start date ahead of your program.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program 

    Our Support and Services: 

    • Extensive pre-departure advice and support your US-based program coordinator! They will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in Japan.
    • Support services from in-country staff upon arrival to Japan.
    • Online pre-departure cultural and logistical orientation before you leave.
    • 24-hour in-country and emergency support for the duration of the program, including 24-hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.

    Additional Expenses to Budget for (Estimates):

    • Daily lunch (nearby cafeteria available daily to students for approximately $5/day)
    • Public transportation to and from school each day (varies depending on placement, approximately $5/day)
    • Flight to and from Japan
    • Spending money for souvenirs or gifts

    Payment Details

    • $300 Application Fee due by the program deadline to formally apply
    • $300 Commitment Payment due after acceptance within 14 days to save your spot on a certain start date
    • Remaining balance is due 8 weeks before departure to Japan

    Worried about the program fee?

    Our goal is to help make travel accessible to everyone and we are here to help when you are deciding if this experience is financially do-able. Each year we offer scholarships for high school study abroad students! We also have a guide to fundraising your program fee, and many high school students fundraise in their hometowns ahead of their program.

    We also offer a discount to U.S. families that have hosted an exchange student with Greenheart Exchange.

    Please inquire here if you have questions about the program fee, scholarships, or fundraising for your program.

  • Host Families

    All students live with carefully selected local host families. Prospective host families undergo a rigorous screening process. Participants can rest assured that only suitable host families will be selected. In order to qualify as a host family, the prospective hosts must:

    • Successfully pass a criminal background check
    • Undergo and pass an in-person interview with program staff
    • Agree to and pass a home inspection

    Due to the small size of Japanese homes, there is usually only one student placed per host family. Some families have larger homes and can accommodate two students. In this case, they will only share rooms with students of the same gender and will be closely supervised by their hosts. If you are applying with a friend and want to share a host family, we recommend applying early as those placements tend to fill up.

    Having a Japanese host family will allow you to get to know the culture!

  • Classes & School Info

    There are 12 skill levels at the language camp divided up into the following sections: complete beginner, beginner 1, beginner 2, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced. You will take a placement test before your program to determine your skill level, and appropriate language level placement, and an additional level test the first day of class.

    Japanese Courses

    • 20 hours of class a week (4 core classes per day in 2 hour blocks)
    • Classes are taught by native Japanese teachers who specialize in teaching a foreign language
    • Lively and informal small classes with no more than 8 students per class
    • Japanese lessons focus on practical communication skills first, including grammar, speaking and listening
    • Excursions & cultural activities included in program fee to get real-world practice
    • Class hours work somewhat like a university in that, depending on the class students are placed in, they may have morning classes on some days and afternoon classes on other days. It is not possible to choose the time and the schedule for each week. The schedule gets released the week before.For example, morning classes are usually from 9:30-12:10 p.m. Afternoon classes are from 11:25-3:50 or 2:05-5:45 p.m.

    Getting To/From School

    Each day, all students will be responsible for commuting on their own from the host family’s home to the school using public transportation. This is one of the few times during the day when students will be unsupervised, but thankfully, the public transportation in Japan is very safe and we rarely see any major issues. Curious what the experience of riding public transit in Japan is like? Check out this blog with stories from our alumni!

    The public transportation will either be a train or a bus or a combination of both. In Fukuoka and Kyoto, the average commute time is about 20-40 minutes one way (50-80 minutes during high enrollment periods), while in Tokyo the commute time is about 30-50 minutes one way. 

    We provide students with comprehensive guides for riding public transportation.

    Fukuoka School Location:

    map of japan

    Tokyo School Location: Shinjuku Neighborhood

    Kyoto School Location

    Activities

    During your time in Japan, you will take Japanese classes for 20 hours per week (usually 4 hours per day). The other time is either free time spent with the host family, or there are lots of planned activities for students as well.

    Activities and excursions form an important part of the program.  Students will choose one of the following tracks for Kyoto and Tokyo:

    • Traditional Japanese Culture
    • Pop Culture
    • Multi-Activity (a mixture of both traditional and pop culture)

    For Fukuoka, all students are placed in the Multi-Activity Track.

    Here is an example of some of the activities offered at our Fukuoka camp, but please remember these vary based on track, location, and week you are there:

    Tuesday – Yamakasa Rehearsal Watching
    Friday – Shakey’s (Pizza Party)
    Weekend – Trip to Shikanoshima
    Tuesday – Casual Conversation Lounge
    Thursday – Movie Night – The Beast and the Boy
    Wednesday – Mukashibanashi Lesson
    Friday – Daijayama Dancing and Dragon Festival
    Monthly – Volleyball Practice with Pharmacist Team

    Other activities include kimono wrapping, visiting a manga school or soba noodle-making – depending on your chosen track. All of these activities are subject to change and rotate on a 4-week basis. If you go longer than 4 weeks, you will automatically be enrolled in a conversation course for your final week(s).

    Most activities are free and if an activity requires an extra cost the student will be aware before they register for that event.

  • Arrival & Departure

    Students are picked up from the airport by either their host family or a language school representative and taken to their host family.

    All start dates are listed as a Sunday, but students need to:

    • For Fukuoka, students should arrive/depart at the Fukuoka International Airport.
      • Arrive in Japan on the Sunday start date between 8:00am and 8:00pm
      • Depart on the Sunday after their program ends after 12:00pm
    • For Tokyo, students can arrive/depart at either Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT)
      • Arrive in Japan on the Sunday start date between 8:00am and 6:00pm
      • Depart on the Sunday after their program ends after 12:00pm
    • For Kyoto, students can arrive/depart at either airport in the nearby city of Osaka – Osaka Itami International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX).
      • Arrive in Japan on the Sunday start date between 8:00am and 6:00pm
      • Depart on the Sunday after their program ends after 12:00pm
  • Why Greenheart Travel?

    Greenheart Travel has been sending teens to Japan for many years, and there are advantages of applying for this program through us:

    • 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs.
    • Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager.
    • Connect with alumni and others on the program via our Greenheart Travel only Facebook forums, before you even leave!
    • We try and make our program fees as inclusive as we can. We include things like medical insurance so you don’t run into any hidden fees down the line.
    • Greenheart Atlas Program. The Greenheart Travel Atlas is a cultural training interactive guidebook alongside five videos where you will find three main topics covered: Personal/Professional Development, Cultural Understanding, & Environmental Awareness.
    • Our alumni recommend us! GoOverseas.com Reviews // GoAbroad.com Reviews
    • Hands-on support and personal attention every step of the way
    • 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
    • Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave
    • Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs
    • We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
    • Continued support throughout your time abroad

    We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel students and alumni!

    Greenheart Global Impact Grants (GIGs)

    Greenheart GIG Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country after they return home. A GIG is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.

    Greenheart Alumni Program

    We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!

    Junior Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

    Each May Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to around 10 teen alumni to attend our annual conference in Chicago. You can see more about what Jr. GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

  • Get College Credit

    You can get college credit for the work you complete during our in-person Teen Language Camp or online classes for absolute beginners.

    How does it work?

    1. If you decide you want to gain college credit for your program, email your Greenheart Travel point of contact after you’re accepted onto the program. We will add your request for an official transcript to your enrollment.
      • Tip: If you know where you might want to get credit, Greenheart recommends reaching out to your chosen university prior to participation to understand what their transfer credit policy is and what the likelihood is of successfully receiving transfer credit for your program.
    2. Go on your program and learn as much as you can!
    3. After you successfully complete your program an official transcript will be generated by an American university of record.
    4. You will receive your official transcript via postal mail several weeks after the end of your program.
    5. Once you have an official transcript in-hand, you can share it with your university and petition for transfer credit.
      • NOTE: Credit transfer policies vary at each university and each student is responsible for discussing the possibility for transfer credit with their home institution. Greenheart Travel is not involved in the credit transfer process.

    Cost

    The fee for having an official transcript generated for your program is $425.

    Unofficial transcripts are available free-of-charge, but are less likely to be accepted by a university for transfer credit.

  • Application Process

    Committing to a language camp program can feel a bit daunting, but we are here every step of the way to make the application process as simple as possible. Below are the steps you’ll need to take to be accepted on a Greenheart Travel program.

    1. Ensure Your Eligibility: The eligibility requirements, such as age or language proficiency, may be required for certain destinations.

    2. Start Your Application HereYou will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application. You’ll be able to save your progress along the way.

    3. Sign the Terms & ConditionsAfter you complete the first part of your application, you (and your parent(s) if you’re under 18) will be asked to read through and sign our Terms and Conditions which outline the requirements and policies of the program

    4. Submit your application fee: You will need to submit your $300 application fee at this point in the process. This is required in order to reserve your spot on the program and is subtracted from your total program fee.

    5. In-Depth QuestionnaireThis is the most in-depth part of the application process as it helps us get to know you better. You will need to provide detailed information about yourself, why you want to go abroad, and what you hope to gain from your experience. You will also need to upload your passport.

    6. Acceptance: Greenheart Travel will thoroughly review your application and will contact you within 1-2 weeks to confirm your acceptance. If we find something in your application that we have concerns about, we will let you know immediately. 95% of applicants are accepted on the program they apply for.

    You’re Accepted – now what?

    Your program manager will be in touch with you directly about your acceptance via email. At this point you will be required to submit a second $300 commitment payment that also goes towards the total amount (it’s not extra). This is your commitment to your start date and once we receive it is when details will start to be booked on your behalf.

    You’ll then be prompted to log back into the online portal, where you’ll be required to take the Japanese language proficiency test to secure your spot in your desired start date. You can also download the program handbook which talks more about your program, supplemental information about dealing with culture shock, and our insurance program. We will also schedule an online pre-departure orientation to answer any lingering questions you may have. You can expect to receive your host family placement 1-2 weeks prior to your start date.

  • FAQs

    I am a parent with questions, where do I go?

    Please head to our Parent Handbook page. You’re also welcome to set up a time to chat with us about your child’s program abroad here. We’re happy to chat with you about this big decision!

    I identify as LGBTQ+. How will I be supported?

    It is hard to generalize Japan as a country, but each year Greenheart Travel sends several LGBTQ travelers on the teen summer language camp. Our staff and in-country partners are very welcoming and accepting of all gender identities, and we will ensure your child is placed in a homestay that is also accepting. We can provide extra support if needed. For one of our alumni’s experiences, read this blog.

    Greenheart Travel welcomes travelers identifying as LGTBQ+, and is committed to helping you find the best program for you. We can provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests. 

    Please read more here.

    How much supervision is there?

    Students are supervised and chaperoned by school staff during the day and by the host families at night. The only time when the student may be unsupervised is when they ride the train or bus to school from their host families home.

    If a student would like to explore outside of classroom time they need to get it confirmed by the school staff.

    I can't decide between Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka. Which is a better fit for me?

    While the structure of the programs are similar, there are a few key differences to consider. The Fukuoka program has a shorter daily commute time, and the city overall is smaller and easier to navigate. Kyoto is a rising star in the tourism industry, due to its gorgeous juxtaposed traditional and futuristic cultural hubs. Tokyo is much larger and can be intimidating to people who’ve never lived or traveled in a large metropolitan area. Think of Tokyo as the “older sibling” to Fukuoka and Kyoto. If you already have travel and Japanese language experience, then you might be ready for the adventure of Tokyo. But if you’re more of a travel novice or don’t have experience in big cities, then Fukuoka or Kyoto might be a better fit for you.

    Can high school credit be earned?

    Greenheart Travel cannot award high school credit directly, but through agreements with certain U.S. universities, it is possible to gain college credit. Please talk to your school about earning credit for your child’s time abroad. Refer to this blog post for tips on transferring credit and gaining college credit.

    How many other students will there be and where are they from?

    A majority of our students are American between 14-18 years old, but enrollment ranges depending on the start date. The school can have up to 140 students at a time, although class sizes remain at and 8:1 student-teacher ratio.

    Will I be required to speak the language outside of the classroom?

    Language practice and immersion are the main priority of this program. While we do not require the students to sign a contract stating they will only speak in the local language, it is highly encouraged that they use their language skills when talking to friends, partaking in the daily excursions and at night in the residence hall or host family home. Program staff and chaperones primarily communicate and answer questions in the local language to encourage this immersion culture.

    How will this program improve my foreign language skills?

    In a traditional classroom, students may learn language skills; however, they are not forced to practice these skills in real-world situations. Through language immersion, you will learn the practical language skills in a classroom while also being forced to use them with local, native speakers during the excursions and/or host family experience. Studies show that 4 weeks of a full language immersion experience can be equivalent to a yearlong college language course because of the intensity of use.

    What are meals like?

    2 meals per day are included with your program. The students will enjoy home cooked breakfast & dinner with their local host families. For lunch, students will dine at a nearby cafeteria with their fellow students, and they should budget approximately $5-9 a day for this expense.

    What if I have an allergy/specific dietary requirement?

    We can cater to vegetarian needs quite easily. Any other specific diets should be discussed with us to see if we can arrange to have your needs met. In some cases you may need to provide your own food.

    What should I pack?

    Detailed packing instructions and guidelines are provided in the program handbook your child will receive upon acceptance, but be aware that students will be required to bring their own towels for the homestays. If you want to get a head start on packing, read this blog post.

    Can I bring my medication on the program?

    Please check with your physician to make sure your U.S. medication is permitted to be brought into Japan (some ADHD medications have restrictions). If it is, you will need to get a prescription from your physician and apply for a yakkan Shoumei, which is a import certificate you apply for and receive before you leave for Japan. The certificate must be declared to the officer at customers before you arrive in Japan. Please see here for more details.

    Do I need vaccines/shots?

    Greenheart Travel strongly recommends that all program participants be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before arriving to their destination country. If you will not be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of your program, please contact a Program Manager to confirm that your destination country will accept non-vaccinated participants.

    What happens if I get sick while abroad?

    You will be covered by mandatory health insurance as part of your program with Greenheart Travel. This is packaged into the program cost. You will receive a policy brochure and insurance card via email 1 week prior to your departure. Specific instructions and suggested doctors are included in the program handbook students receive via email upon acceptance.

    Can I apply with friends?

    Absolutely! We are happy to accept friends. Please note that due to the small sizes of homes in Japan, there is no guarantee you will be placed together in the same host family.

    What if I don’t like my host family? Can I request a new one?

    No. We do not change host families based on preferences. However, if issues arise once you are on the program, we will handle them on a case-by-case basis and may make changes if necessary.

    Are flights included?

    Flights to Japan are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for booking their round-trip airfare to Japan. We will collect your itinerary to organize your arrival and airport pickup.

    Should I fly using an unaccompanied minor service?

    Greenheart Travel does not recommend this service because the “additional” services advertised by the airlines are already provided to all travelers and are not worth the money invested by you the traveler. At any time, a student can ask an airlines professional for help finding their gate or for connecting flight information, and paying for this add-on UM service is not necessary. We have sent hundreds of semester abroad students internationally, for whom we book their flights, and we never use unaccompanied minor services. If you would like the peace of mind a UM service provides, Greenheart Travel offers more self-empowering alternatives (such as reviewing airport maps, mapping connections, etc) that we believe teach teenagers relevant life skills about traveling independently.

    Will someone pick me up at the airport?

    Yes! Either someone from our in-country partner staff or your host family will be waiting for you when you land.

    Will I have a cell phone and internet?

    We give you tips and advice for communication while abroad during your program. Students are not required to get a local Japanese phone number. They usually rent a pocket Wi-Fi and get in touch with each other via email or applications using that Wi-Fi.

    All host families (and most every person) in Japan have internet in their homes. There is also 4G internet widely available throughout the country.

    When should I apply?

    We recommend you apply as early as possible as this is our most popular teen program and start dates (especially for beginners) fill up very quickly.

    For Summer 2023 our programs in both June and July filled up and we could not take all of the applicants who wanted to go.

    The sooner you can apply the better, as acceptance, gathering documents, etc. can take a long time. Read more about why applying early is a good idea.

    After I complete my program, how can I continue studying Japanese?

    A great next step is doing our High School Abroad Japan program! You’ll go to a local Japanese high school for a trimester, semester, or academic year.

    Can I speak to current students or alumni?

    Yes! Check out our blog or you can join our exclusive teen programs Facebook group to talk to current and past students.

    We also have a list of mentors (teens and parents) that are past participants open to chatting about their experience with potential new participants. Please inquire here if you want to be put in touch with a mentor.

    Do you accept groups?

    Absolutely! If you are an educator who would like to organize a group trip, please inquire here to speak about dates, pricing, and special requests.

  • Schedule a Call

    Have questions and want to chat with a program advisor? Set up a time here:


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