By Kristopher M, Teen Summer Language Camp Japan-Kyoto Summer 2025
Kristopher is a First Time Traveler Scholarship recipient who traveled to Kyoto with Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan! He spent two weeks over the summer studying Japanese, exploring Japanese culture, and getting to know his Japanese host family. Keep reading to hear more about his experience and what you should (and shouldn’t) spend your time and money on!
Pace yourself with your Money!
Something to remember about smart spending in a foreign country is to remember not to spend all your money in one place. Get truly authentic items that might mean something important to you. If you can find what you are looking for online or easily back at home, then why get it in your foreign country? Remember you are working with limited luggage space to bring your items home and you would hate to have to leave or throw away something that you can’t fit in your luggage to bring home with you. Don’t go on crazy shopping sprees because you would hate to run out of money in a foreign country. A guide for shopping in your foreign country is to avoid super touristy areas and spend some good time searching for a good but reasonable place. Don’t buy something basic that you see in every store. Get something unique that has personal value to you.
Bonding
Make sure to spend a lot of time bonding with your host family and really getting to know them. Remember that they are letting you stay in their home, so treat it with respect and better than your own home. Your host family was nice enough to let you into their home, so spend time with them. Grow your connection and keep in touch with them even after your trip is over.
Try everything! I live by “try before you deny.” Always give your host family’s cultural and homemade food a try, who knows it might become your new favorite.
Make New Friends
Put yourself out there. When trying to make new friends in a brand-new country it can prove to be very difficult. It might seem like it’s not even worth it to try, but I assure you it is. Go out there and talk to people. I bet they are in the same boat as you. But remember, one key component of going to your host country is that you’re going to leave. That may be one of the hardest parts of the trip. It will be an amazing trip but time flies while you’re having fun. Make the most of it.
If you enjoy it a lot, you may want to consider returning, and to make your trip a truly great one and worth the wait, choose Greenheart! They made my trip so truly worth it, and I loved how well they put everything together. I wouldn’t have had such a great time if it weren’t for them. Thank you, Greenheart!
Thanks for sharing these great tips to help others make the most of their time abroad, Kristopher!
Are you ready to start your own adventure abroad? Click on these links to learn more about Greenheart’s Teen Summer Language programs and scholarship opportunities.
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