World Campus - Japan Program

I just wrapped up an incredible 9-week program, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the very beginning, I made unforgettable memories as I travelled Japan, experiencing the culture, meeting to the locals and to understand Japan in a way I didn't before.

Diving right into World Campus' Summer Program was a truly unforgettable experience. I built lasting relationships with both the local families that hosted me and my fellow participants learning not only about Japan but about what brought others to Japan.

The schedule was packed with fun, interactive activities that kept every day exciting. We did things most tourists never do, with each week bringing new challenges and adventures all across the country.

If you’re looking for a summer full of adventure and cultural immersion, this program is definitely the way to go! It was an amazing way to spend my summer, and I hope you get the chance to experience it too!

I was a part of the last session in the program during the summer. It was an incredible experience, especially meeting new people a part of the program and connecting with my wonderful host families, all of whom I still message. The program was well-paced with each day filled with activities or trips to historical sites along with bonding activities for the group. I learned so much during the trip and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to have traveled through an informative and fun program. I highly recommend this program to those interested in living abroad in Japan.

I participated in all 3 sessions, and it has been an amazing 9 weeks, 9 cities and 9 host families. We went all over japan, from Isa, south in Kyushu and all the way to Tokyo and Mito in the east. Im a bit introverted, but all the families welcomed me and let me live as a new familymember. I got to try a lot of new foods and I learned many japanese traditions and customs and also some japanese. Some of the families were extra eager and even brought me to theme parks like DisneyLand, DisneySea and Universal studios theme park. And my first family brought me to a place where we could try on Samurai gear and pose with katanas. I loved it.

The main thing that made my three week stay so incredible was the people I encountered. From the other participants, with whom I shared so many moments, to the organizers and locals who were all so excited to show off their hometowns and favourite activities. The thought of meeting so many new people seemed daunting at first, but pushing through my nervousness rewarded me with so many fond memories!

The activities planned for us varied greatly from day to day and helped me learn much about Japan and myself. Of course, not everything fit my interests, and trying so many new things could be a little scary. However, fumbling through tasks together with everyone made everything fun! Personally, I enjoyed activities like watching professionals demonstrate sword techniques, rice planting, visiting shrines, and trying activities with locals the most. Working towards the Arigato event and presenting it for the host families and getting to visit schools and universities were also very cool.

My host families were ultimately the highlight of the trip. In the beginning, I stressed a lot over whether I would fit in, if miscommunications would occur, or if I would seem impolite in general. But the families I stayed with were all so incredibly kind, and sharing daily life with them made me feel at home. Miscommunication did still occur, but everything always turned out fine and even gave us some laughs. Their excitement and generosity allowed me to participate in many thrilling activities and still feel at ease. And most of all I appreciate my new wonderful host siblings! I hope to be able to visit them all again in the future.
Spending so much time doing activities and being with the families leaves little free time, so if you are excited for more touristy sightseeing, I would recommend setting aside some weeks for yourself either before or after the program. The programs also vary in how hectic it is, so some days left me quite tired while others were more peaceful.
Still, I cannot recommend going enough! Especially if you are interested in Japan as a country, cultural exchange in general, want the opportunity to try less common experiences or just want to meet new people. Deciding to apply might have been one of the best decisions I have made!

Attending the World Campus International program was one of the best decisions I’ve made- my only complaint was that I didn’t stay longer! I attended the third session of the program and enjoyed all three cities I got to experience in Japan. Staying with a host family is truly and experience like no other and learned more than I ever would if I just came to Japan as a tourist. You not only leave the program with lasting bonds with your host families, but also all program participants. Every day was unique and you have the opportunity to share your own unique culture and backgrounds. This is a trip I will never forget and will continue to recommend to students of all ages.

I was lucky enough to get the experience to join world campus the summer of 2017, and I had one of the best summers of my life. Getting to experience Japan together with amazing fellow participants, leaders and host-families was truly an unforgettable experience.

I joined the program with very limited japanese skills, and this proved to be a non-issue, as even the host families that spoke limited english proved extremely friendly and helpfull, and we found that communication still worked.

As of writing this review, my stay with world campus helped change the trajectory of my studies into Japanese and Japan studies, and because of the unique window you get into japanese culture and living, joining a program like this is truly special, and something I can recommend wholeheartedly to everyone with an interest in going abroad to Japan.

The World Campus Japan program offers a unique experience and is naturally more academically challenging than booking your own trip to Japan! Being out of my comfort zone and connecting with citizens in a way I would never have been able to do as a regular tourist are the things I reflect most positively about. During the day it would always be in English and therefore not as interesting to me, but at the end of the day we'd all come home to very friendly hostfamilies, all excited to hear about our days and ready start sharing delicious meals. The staff was always prepared to help and answer questions, both before and during the program.

I went on the third and last session to Abiko, Mito and Tama, all right outside of Tokyo, and I had a great experience. First of all, the host families were so open, and loving and made me feel like a part of their family, despite my poor Japanese language skills. The program was packed with cultural activities such as karate with Japan's female national champion, traditional dances and calligraphy. Being a part of a group with many different nationalities, I also learned a lot from the other participants. The program was well-planned and organised, and everything felt very authentic, which was important for me. I am sure that I will go back to visit my host families again when I have the opportunity to do so.

All things considered, I really recommend this program. For me, one session was enough as the program is quite packed, but I do wish I could experience the other sessions too looking at the activities and locations!