Immerse yourself into a different way of life

It's been my life-long dream to go to Japan and get to experience its culture along with meeting the people, and so when I finally got an opportunity to actually visit Japan, I was strongly debating between going on going on a solo trip as a tourist, and joining the 2023 WCI Program. But eventually I decided on participating in the program, as you could've guessed by reading this review, and I couldn't have been happier with my decision.

Instead of only going around and seeing the touristy stuff in Tokyo, this program allowed me to full on experience all the wonders of everyday life in Japan and make life-long friends.
Going in to this, I have already reached a certain level of Japanese, where I was somewhat able to communicate and have a basic conversation, since I had already been learning Japanese for 3 years at the time, and yet it was shocking to realize by just how much more comfortable I've gotten with Japanese over the 3 weeks in Japan! On an unexpected note, my speaking in English has also gotten considerably better (I'm not a native English speaker), as I got to use English every day as well. It is also worth noting, that a lot of the Japanese participants and volunteers are there with the intent to also practice their English skills.
All the Japanese people, as well as fellow WCI participants that I've met were incredibly kind and genuine people, and I was able to make very good friends with them. There is simply something special about an atmosphere filled with kindness, all the while you get to see your friends every day, and possibly even make new friends every day.

Speaking of the people, the memories you make with the three different host families you get to stay with during a session are also unforgettable. It truly felt like I was a part of the family with each of the host families in the cities of Abiko (Chiba), Mito (Ibaraki) and Tama (Tokyo). They were very welcoming, accomodating, curious to learn about my culture and also really fun. And so next to all the cultural experiences organized by the WCI, I also got to spend time with my host family every day, really letting me see what the actual everyday looks like in Japan. Whether my host sister was unbeatable at Taiko no Tatsujin (A drumming game at the game centers in Japan. Definitely give this one a try), or my host mother made the best rice I have ever eaten in my life, or my host father introduced me to the godsend of a snack called karee pan (curry bread), it is all an unforgettable experience. One of my host families even made giant letters that they hung up on the wall, welcoming me, by which I was touched. And yes, I do still keep contact with all of them.

All in all, I strongly recommend this program, regardless whether you speak Japanese at all or not, as I can guarantee you, that you will have the time of your life.