World Campus International, Inc.

The World Campus - Japan Programme met and exceeded my expectations. It is a one of a kind experience that allows you to visit numerous cities, connect with a range of host families and meet like-minded people from around the world who want to make a positive impact! The staff are attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. They provide support to participants, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and try something new everyday. You have the opportunity to visit schools, communities and businesses whilst exploring each city! The programme has changed me and enabled me to see the world from a different perspective, which I highly value, appreciate and cherish. Thank you World Campus family!

I always knew that Japan was one of my top travel destinations, but I wanted a unique cultural experience. My summer in Japan was truly unforgettable thanks to World Campus! I was able to meet so many kind and friendly people during my 3 weeks in Japan. I developed strong connections with my host families and continue to stay in touch with them all! With World Campus, I was able to experience true day-to-day Japanese life and culture in a way I could have never experienced as a tourist on my own. Our activities ranged from receiving exclusive tours, visiting cultural heritage spots and fun school visits. Being able to try authentic home cooked meals alongside popular restaurants, attending festivals and wearing traditional kimonos are only a few of the activities I was able to enjoy. We also had free days to explore Japan in addition to the fun activities prepared on the programme!

My three weeks at World Campus International was nothing I have experienced before, nor probably will again. Due to a lack of word count, I will try to summarise my thoughts below in a somewhat concise manner: I applied for the program since I had previously visited Japan as a tourist, but craved a deeper understanding of Japanese values shaped society, family and industries - in an effort to come closer to the ”in-between-the-lines-culture”. What a tourist never sees. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. It was my first exchange outside of academia, and my first time staying at host-families houses, so I really had no idea or expectation coming into experience. I will admit I was a bit nervous about staying at someones house, anticipating having to put s lot of effort in keeping up appearances and remaining respectful. While this is of course part of the exchange, the result was something else entirely. All three families opened their arms for me, welcoming me as their daughter for a week. We cooked together, we played together - we even went to the hospital together! They cared so well for me when I got sick, something I am so thankful for. They made me feel safe in a foreign environment, guiding me through the do’s and dont’s of Japanese day-to-day life. Most of all, I am so grateful for the exchange of values, etiquette and thoughts during my host stays. Furthermore, the host families were always highly engaged in what the Local Organising Committee had planned for us in each city - schedules that you could tell were specifically thought out prior to our arrival. One could also tell that the local staff in each city were so eager and keen on caring for each participant - all while showing their city’s proud achievements. While the schedules were most often packed, so much care had been put into it, to give us the best image and experience of Japan. Do not get me wrong, this program challenged me in ways I did not expect. But, as I started to reflect, it also made me grow as a person. Putting oneself in uncomfortable situations, what with a language barrier, in an environment one is not entirely familiar with, does tire you after a bit. However, pulling through, and reaping the rewards of the hard work was perhaps one of the most fulfilling things, now that I have finished it. I think what surprised me the most was how close one could become both with locals, but also the attending staff and participants during the course of three weeks. It is truly bittersweet that I will not meet everyone in the same context again (…never say never!), since I really enjoyed the time we spent together during the activities. Whether it was practicing the thank-you event for the host families and LOCs, or to chatting around during lunch, or goofing off while folding origami. I came into this program with a lot of personal ambitions, but left with a much broader, comprehensive understanding of not only Japanese society, but about myself, others and how to work together as a team. So, if anything, I would recommend World Campus International not only for the exclusive insight one gets behind the curtains of the otherwise highly glamourised and touristy Japan , but also for the amazing friends you make along the way - whether its your host families, or fellow participants! And to the incredible people I met - see you in October!