Summer High School Language Immersion Programs in Tokyo, Japan

I traveled to Tokyo, Japan for the Anime and Manga program. It was an amazing experience. I met new people along the way. Our leaders were very informed and experienced. I was able to not just learn the anime and manga but also the Japanese culture. My host family was welcoming and I enjoyed my time with them. A great life experience.

Going to Japan was something I had dreamed about for a long time. I was introduced through anime and manga, but quickly became fascinated with their history, language, and culture. Participating in the Experiment gave me the opportunity to experience the things I had admired and researched independently. Going to historical sites like Hiroshima Castle, viewing art at the Osaka National Art Museum, and eating cultural cuisine like Takoyaki were memories that I will always treasure. I learned so much about Japanese people by talking to the college students who accompanied us and observing people in everyday settings. This was especially true during the Homestay. Spending time in a Japanese home I got to experience a typical weekend for my family, allowing me to have an authentic perspective of what life is like in a different culture. With my homestay family I got to dress in Yukata and go to a local festival, or Omatsuri. This was the highlight of my trip! Watching Taiko and talking with local residents was such a unique experience. I’m so glad the Experiment matched me with such welcoming and lovely people! Everything from the quiet bullet train rides to the bustling area of Dotonburi were thoughtfully planned by the experiment to give greater understanding of Japan. This program was great for people who want to be introduced to Japanese culture!

I have had such a great experience during my month abroad. I have learned so much more in this short amount of time that I could have even imagined, and yet I still had so much fun on the trip as well. All the activities were so well organized and unique and really fun. Finally, all of the staff that I have interacted with on the program have been so approachable, friendly, knowledgeable, and seem like they genuinely care about the program and the kids on the program.

My study trip in Japan all felt like a wonderful dream. I learned so much about their culture, food, hobbies, and the people. They have amazing food and the people are so polite. My host family was amazing and we both loved to play volleyball and we played volleyball once a week at the gym! Overall I had a great time!

This was my first time travelling abroad and I am glad I had the opportunity to travel as part of this program. This experience was really fun, beyond my expectations. There was so much I got to do in the country within a short period of time. The reason I would pick this program again is because there is still more to explore within the country and other opportunities that I didn't get to be a part of/do because of the short time. I made a lot of friends and also got to explore a whole different place I never knew I would have gone to if it wasn't for the program. It was definitely worthwhile. My favorite part is the amazing people I met and the impact they have had on me and this experience. The leaders and teachers were also a great part of the experience they were very kind and understanding people. They also did not feel like authority and were relaxed, friendly and open minded people. They also made sure were were doing fine mentally and physically.

This program was extremely fun and a lot more eye opening than I thought it would initially be, When I first signed up, I thought it would be just a language class and go around visiting historical landmarks, then go to a high school and talk with some Japanese highschoolers and that's it. But, we did things that most people probably wouldn't be able to do in Japan without a company backing them up, such as meeting with local college students and talking to them about almost anything culture related, such as political problems in Japan, how the Japanese view foreigners dependent on their age (the older generation dislike foreigners while the younger generation don't mind/welcome them). and so on..

PICKY EATING: Although I have no food allergies, I was a picky eater and was worried if I would be able to eat anything in a foreign country, but to my surprise everything just tasted so good that it didn't matter. Coming back to America, I've been able to get over most of my bad eating habits, and will eat almost anything now. (I also know that this may vary from person to person.) MEETING AND MY GROUP: When I first arrived at the airport, it was difficult to socialize because I was nervous meeting the people that I have been looking forward to since I got the Group List. Some questions that popped into my head were, "What if they think I'm weird?" "Will I be able to get along with them within the month?" But, all my worries and stress was blown away in just a couple hours. They people that I traveled with had amazing talents, personalities, and opinions to share. I came to love everyone that I traveled with like they were family. I assume it was also partly because we were living in close proximity with each other and we would be the first and last thing we see and hear each day. ARRIVAL & BRIEFING OF WHAT WE DID: When I first arrived to Japan, I was dying of the heat and humidity, but I believe on the third day I adjusted and got somewhat used to it. Our main mode of transportation was the train and our feet. I like to believe that I gained a lot of leg muscle from all the walking. We explore many districts in Tokyo, did a lot of shopping, ate/tried really good food, and met and conversed with Japanese people to the best of our abilities. DAILY SCHEDULE: An average day for me during the program was waking up, getting ready (brushing, eating, etc.), and having a short meeting. We would then attend class, be guided around the district (or do an activity such as candy making or calligraphy), and be given free time to explore (in groups of at least 3) for the remainder of the time we were in the district. We would then head back to our accommodation and be given free time (after a debrief if there is one) to go wherever we wanted with in the boundaries that were set for us. HOMESTAY: Everyone's host family experience is different, and for me I loved my host family. They were very sweet, understanding and patient. We spent as much time as we could together with just the 4 days we could stay ?. With my family, we cooked together and went to the park, aquarium/amusement park, and ramen museum. We would also relax in the living room with each other, talking and enjoying each other's company. SCHOOL: When the itinerary said that we would be going to a Japanese High School it was nothing like how I imagine we would be doing it. I thought that we would be attending a class like normal, but instead we were welcomed by a committee made up of students who were really good at English. Their skills were definitely better than our skills in Japanese. We paired up with a buddy, and learned about each other school life through conversation and tours around the school. OPINION: The experiences I had through this program was definitely unique and could not be replicated. I would like to encourage anyone who is interested to immerse themselves into another country's culture. I had such a great time that when I arrived back in America I wished that I was still in Japan. And, although it hasn't been too long since I got back I am still in contact with my host family and friends that I traveled with. So, although I miss seeing everyone in person I believe that it's not a "Goodbye forever", but a "Goodbye for now" and "See you soon."

During the winter of 2018, I looked up Japanese Language Programs for High School Students and found this Program. I wasn't sure whether to sign up for this Program or the many others you can find across the web but I am so glad I chose this one. What interested me most in this program was the Home Stay aspect, staying with a family and acquiring language knowledge through a more natural setting. Through this program I was able to meet friends I still talk to and a family I hope to never lose contact with. I noticed through the very few other reviews that hardly any negatives are mentioned in them, I thought this was odd so I'll try and talk about both the good and the bad. I went on LanguBridge's Japan E Summer program. The staff: The staff in the program are very supportive, there will likely be at least two English native speakers that will be there to help you every step of the way. Throughout the Program, there were some misunderstandings between me and the Teachers as they were not native speakers but the trip leaders helped me out each time to avoid any problems. I was very grateful to most of the staff, they helped the trip become less stressful and so much more enjoyable. Other students in the Program: I arrived at the airport the first day worried that meeting 20 strangers would be super awkward and that I would leave having made no friends but I was so wrong. I am extremely shy, talking to complete strangers was something completely out of my comfort zone but luckily the program leader connected everyone to a Facebook group chat so we could talk to each other beforehand. It made everything less stressful. I made some friends I hope to never lose. You have multiple opportunities to talk to people from the other class. Multiple times after class and even once during the weekend I hung out with my friends in Harajuku, Akihabara and Ueno Park. Hanging out with everyone were some of my fondest memories. Host Family: I loved my Host Family, They have become like a second family. If I had known how great they were I wouldn’t have had any doubts to go to Japan with this Program. They helped me so much over the three weeks. In my family, I had two younger brothers (13,15), an older sister (16), the Parents and grandmother, aunt and cousin also stayed over for a couple of nights. They brought me to a summer festival, I got to see my younger brother’s baseball games and we even got to eat out a couple of times. My favorite moments were playing card games with my host siblings, even though there was often a language barrier, they were encouraging, loving and everything I could have asked for in a family. We’re still in contact. Morning and Evening Transport: The transport is long unless you’re lucky but the shortest my year was 45 minutes, mine was close to over 2 hours and that was one-way. It is likely that after a week the excitement of traveling alone will have worn off. I found myself later having memorized the scenery which ultimately aided in not getting lost later. Though since the commute was so long I got lost It was part of the experience. It was in those moments that I felt I grew the most and became more independent. Some of the things you could do on the commute are: Brining a book, Studying the previous day’s lesson or just looking out the window. I would go on my phone and listen to music offline to avoid wasting my data. Many days I found myself unable to do anything because of rush hour. Rush hour was an experience, to say the least. Locals will push you to get in, there is hardly any space to move so I would recommend that you stand in front of the seats as it is always less crowded there. Classes: The classes were my least favorite part of the trip. Though I didn’t dislike them and they allowed me to meet amazing friends, I quickly fell into a routine and I found myself becoming distracted. I wish the program had had a higher level class as I was not a beginner. I was put in the intermediate class but the level was still quite low. Overall though the lessons were interesting and we often had field trips which added an element of change to the routine. We went to Akihabara, A local shrine and an animation museum. Tips: Some tips I have for future participants are: First, BRING SUNSCREEN!! I left it at the bottom of my suitcase and ended up with a really bad sunburn which didn’t leave until after the end of the trip. Second, don’t be scared to talk Japanese with your family and practice. They don’t expect you to be fluent or even know much more than a greeting. They chose to be hosts because they want to help you! Finally, don’t worry so much. It’s truly an amazing experience and whether or not everything ends up the way you wanted/expected, you’ll certainly leave having learned something. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories and new bonds which will make the whole trip worth it.

If you're looking for thrill and excitement everyday of 30 days, then look no further than the experiment. With years of experience in sending students into foreign countries, every day was more fun than the last. I met the most amazing people on my trip, from members of my group who became family, to my amazing leaders who supported me through every problem I had. All the amazing Japanese people we met were beyond sweet and kind. You won't meet a single bad boned person on this trip. Not to mention the amazing variety of food. We did a little bit of everything, from hiking up mountains in Kyoto to view monkeys in their natural habitat, to exploring the diverse and never ending wonders of Tokyo. Feel like getting a breath of fresh air? You'll be exposed to the pure air of Japanese farm lands and the breath taking views of oceans and more. But something that'll always and forever stay with you is the homestay, and how close you'll become with your families. I miss my host mother and sister more and more everyday. Don't look past this amazing experience, it'll truly change your life.

Being able to go to Japan, through The Experiment, was one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. The Experiment offers a safe space to explore your interests individually while still supporting every aspect of your journey. Before The Experiment, I had never traveled in my life. Going to Japan for the first time seemed scary, but all the traditions and activities this program allows you to explore abroad help you not miss home, and feel comfortable even when you're across the world! Additionally, all the people you meet on the way from the students to the locals are people you will never forget!

On this trip, I had known what to expect from the itinerary, though everything that was not listed made the program so much greater. The planned activities were certainly amazing highlights, especially being able to experience animation classes from professionals in the field and learning their techniques. I would go with my group members during our free time to explore the city. We went to many different parts of Japan and there was always something new to see. Even when I went in a small group to go out and eat, I would end up finding some interesting things to see or shop for. I never imagined that I would become such close friends to all of my group members, especially since I had never experienced something like this before. We all had similar interests so we got along together very well. The later stay in Sapporo for the honestly was also a great experience. While the first half was fun and I learned a lot from it, the second half at the homestay showed me so much more, experiencing the daily life of the actual families living in Japan and learning to live like them. Overall I would say this trip was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I'm very glad I went on it.

Japan was absolutely gorgeous! We travelled to many different cities to meet all kinds of people! We interacted with college students by hanging out at the huge top-notch mall-and-train station in Sapporo and celebrated with the Farewell party with our host families! The Experiment did a fantastic job of making small yet personalised groups with other high-schoolers with various backgrounds! I had fun time with my group and my favorite moments are the water-gun fights during the ferry boat ride to Kyoto and going to the Odaiba onsen in Tokyo. The only bad thing that I have to say is that I wish the program extend much longer to over a month!! That way, I do not have to say goodbye to my new friends and families sooner. I absolutely cherish all of them. Thank you to the Experiment for giving me once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

The time I spent while in Japan was a magical one and I’m glad I was able to spend in with the people that did too. They were just as wonderful as the country and experiencing the culture and language with them was amazing. I’m so happy that I was able to do this program. Thank you!

In Japan I had lots of fun. From the streets of Tokyo to the woods of Nanae in Hokkaido, our group traveled everywhere. The anime classes we attended were great, as it was a type of learning that always introduced an exciting aspect to it. The people I met were amazing, and I'm sure to keep in touch with them.

My experience in Japan was amazing, i had a great time experiencing the culture and traditions in Japan. The food was amazing and allowed me to diversify my interest in food. This trip allowed me to grow as an individual and gain memorable experiences and friendships.

My trip to Japan was an experience that I will never forget. Not only did I expand my cultural knowledge and awareness but I also got to immerse myself in and around groups of amazing people. Never before had I felt so welcomed and thrilled to keep learning. Everyday was a day in which I felt in paradise. Japan will forever be one of my favorite places.

This trip allowed me to learn new things about Japanese culture and advance in the field I love to study, Animation. I would gladly do this again and again. I met amazing people and I still keep in contact with them. This trip is well worth the time.

This program, Japanimation: Anime & Manga was an unforgettable experience in which one can explore the culture and language of Japan, while also exploring and reflecting on yourself. I had felt extremely safe during the trip and my leaders were exceedingly helpful, whether pointing your group towards a point of interest or giving insight into adapting into the culture. There were several oppertunities and activities which encourage one to work outside their comfort zone that had created a sense of a wonderful and inviting community. This program had also aided in the development of my own leadership skills as well as providing encouragement to work outside my comfort zone more offen. There were also a variety of other things to do other than animation and manga such as admiring Japan's natural beauty, plentiful cafés, and Arcades. This program had become an unforgettable experience to me as I look forward to going abroad with The Experiment again.

My experience living in japan was amazing. My animation got along with each other pretty well. The food over there was delicious! The architecture were outstanding. The program was great because of my leaders in my group. They made sure we were safe. They made each day of our trip fun! One thing to prepare for this trip is being out your comfort zone. At one point you will taking bath in a public bath. Also, you will be walking a lot. I got to learn more about the language and culture. The animation classes were super exciting. Looking at your drawing skills improving gives you a great excitement. My homestay family was amazing. I got to participate in the shrine festival and walked around the forest with the family. Overall this trip is 100 percent worth it and safe.

I attended EIL’s Japan: Language and Cultural Traditions program this past summer and I could not dream, of a better experience. The people, the culture, the food, the experience was one that seemed out of a book, but what I found most amazing was how my view of myself changed over those four, hot summer weeks and even more once I returned. Throughout the program, there were always new challenges being presented every time we changed location, ate at a new restaurant, or met a new person. As a study abroad student in Japan that does not know a significant amount of Japanese, this was extremely challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. It became an essential survival skill to have to put yourself out there and face the difficulties. Never before in my life have I had to do that and eventually it became comfortable to be uncomfortable. I learned new ways of communication not just through language, but with hand gestures, body language, and facial expressions. Other challenges, like behavior, also changed the way I saw myself. The people there had different customs and social norms for behavior that I was not used to. Sales associates bowing, only being able to use the left side of the elevator, showing politeness by keeping your hands on the front of your body, and the manner in which you gave and received money was all brand new to me, and it taught me a lot about cultural sensitivity and customs. I had to fight against by basic social instincts because I did not want to be rude to anyone. It opened my eyes to the way others receive culture and how people adapt to the change. I saw tourists and other students either be completely fine with the shift or have this great internal war with themselves like many others were probably feeling at the time too. I began to understand the importance of culture in its most natural form. I had to experiment with my Experiment. The way I view myself now was not the way I viewed myself before those four weeks. There were a few moments in particular where I saw this shift. The first was during my homestay in Nanae, Japan. I was having a delicious dinner with my family when my host father began to tell me how “Japanese” I was in character. He praised the way I addressed people, showed respect by bowing, got along with others, and in general how I acted. Never in my life have I received such praise, and at first I didn’t know what to do with this information. It was like looking at a mirror, recognizing the way you always looked, except your reflection began to tell you things you never knew about yourself. It was a confidence boost that will survive for the rest of my life. The other time was at the end of my program during the closing ceremonies/activities. As a group, each person would tie a string around another person’s wrist and tell them something you would remember them by, or what you appreciated about them. When it came time to exchange ties with one of my group leaders, she explained how she was grateful for my quiet leadership. As a socially shy person, the idea that I could be a leader in any shape, way, or form was insane, but the sincerity of my leader’s words caught me off guard, and I realized she truly meant it. Coming home I was expected to be bombarded by questions about my experience abroad, which turned out to be an understatement, but I was still questioning myself as to how I was going to receive it. I found it very easy to answer peoples’ questions, not just because I had the time of my life, but because I had more confidence in myself to talk to people and explain what happened and what I learned. After my experience abroad I want to do so much more. I want to explore more, talk more, explore more, and learn more. My perspective on myself and the world has changed, and I couldn’t have had a better way to spend my summer than doing my program with the Experiment.