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What are some good high school (Junior or Senior year) foreign exchange programs for an outgoing student from California and an incoming student to Japan?
Hi there! I'm an incoming high school junior as of August 2024 and am considering taking either a semester or a school year in Japan as a foreign exchange program out of the San Juan Unified School District. The issue is that I don't know much about compatible credits or what programs would work for low-income, 16-year-olds.
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Rurika’s Answer
Chinyere has already provided a great answer, so I'd like to add an extra program below.
The Youth For Understanding (YFU) program
https://www.yfuusa.org/study-japan/
I don't know much about this program, and I just found it on the Internet. I hope you can explore and meet the program that suits you! Good luck with your application!
The Youth For Understanding (YFU) program
https://www.yfuusa.org/study-japan/
I don't know much about this program, and I just found it on the Internet. I hope you can explore and meet the program that suits you! Good luck with your application!
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ava,
There are a couple of options to consider for high school foreign exchange programs in Japan for a Californian student:
The California-Japan Scholars Program (CJSP): This is a prestigious, state-sponsored program specifically designed for California high school students to study in Japan for a year. It offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture by living with a host family and attending a local high school. [Image of California-Japan Scholars Program]
The CJSP prioritizes cultural exchange and understanding, and doesn't require prior Japanese language study. However, there is a competitive application process, and the program is limited to a few students each year.
Independent Exchange Programs: Many private organizations offer high school exchange programs in Japan, with varying lengths (semester, year) and program focuses (language immersion, homestay, cultural exploration). Here are some resources to get you started:
* AFS Intercultural Programs ([https://afs.org/](https://afs.org/))
* Council for Educational Travel ([https://www.cetusa.org/](https://www.cetusa.org/))
* World Endeavors ([https://www.worldendeavors.com/](https://www.worldendeavors.com/))
* You can also find many programs by searching online directories like Go Overseas ([https://www.gooverseas.com/high-school-abroad/japan?page=1](https://www.gooverseas.com/high-school-abroad/japan?page=1))
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Many exchange programs offer financial aid and scholarships to help offset program costs. Be sure to check with each program you're considering to see what financial aid options they offer. Here are some additional resources for scholarships:
* AFS Intercultural Programs Scholarships ([https://afs.org/adventurer-full-scholarship/](https://afs.org/adventurer-full-scholarship/))
* The National Security Education Program (NSEP) ([https://www.nsepnet.org/AboutUs.aspx](https://www.nsepnet.org/AboutUs.aspx))
* The Rotary Foundation Scholarships ([https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships](https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships))
Credit Compatibility:
Before you decide on a program, it's important to talk to your school counselor about credit compatibility. They can advise you on how credits earned abroad will transfer to your high school transcript.
Additional Tips:
* Start researching programs early! Application deadlines can be several months in advance.
* Consider your language skills and program options. While some programs don't require prior Japanese language study, having some basic understanding will definitely enhance your experience.
* Be prepared for the application process. This will typically involve essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
I hope this helps with your research!
Best wishes!
There are a couple of options to consider for high school foreign exchange programs in Japan for a Californian student:
The California-Japan Scholars Program (CJSP): This is a prestigious, state-sponsored program specifically designed for California high school students to study in Japan for a year. It offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture by living with a host family and attending a local high school. [Image of California-Japan Scholars Program]
The CJSP prioritizes cultural exchange and understanding, and doesn't require prior Japanese language study. However, there is a competitive application process, and the program is limited to a few students each year.
Independent Exchange Programs: Many private organizations offer high school exchange programs in Japan, with varying lengths (semester, year) and program focuses (language immersion, homestay, cultural exploration). Here are some resources to get you started:
* AFS Intercultural Programs ([https://afs.org/](https://afs.org/))
* Council for Educational Travel ([https://www.cetusa.org/](https://www.cetusa.org/))
* World Endeavors ([https://www.worldendeavors.com/](https://www.worldendeavors.com/))
* You can also find many programs by searching online directories like Go Overseas ([https://www.gooverseas.com/high-school-abroad/japan?page=1](https://www.gooverseas.com/high-school-abroad/japan?page=1))
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Many exchange programs offer financial aid and scholarships to help offset program costs. Be sure to check with each program you're considering to see what financial aid options they offer. Here are some additional resources for scholarships:
* AFS Intercultural Programs Scholarships ([https://afs.org/adventurer-full-scholarship/](https://afs.org/adventurer-full-scholarship/))
* The National Security Education Program (NSEP) ([https://www.nsepnet.org/AboutUs.aspx](https://www.nsepnet.org/AboutUs.aspx))
* The Rotary Foundation Scholarships ([https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships](https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/scholarships))
Credit Compatibility:
Before you decide on a program, it's important to talk to your school counselor about credit compatibility. They can advise you on how credits earned abroad will transfer to your high school transcript.
Additional Tips:
* Start researching programs early! Application deadlines can be several months in advance.
* Consider your language skills and program options. While some programs don't require prior Japanese language study, having some basic understanding will definitely enhance your experience.
* Be prepared for the application process. This will typically involve essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
I hope this helps with your research!
Best wishes!