GoAbroad

Discover Yourself in Osaka, Japan

by: World Class Programs

4.84 (38)VerifiedSince 2016

Our Japan summer program lets students experience the Land of the Rising Sun with hands-on courses in the heart of Osaka, plus day & weekend trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Yokohama, and Hiroshima! Students explore Japan from the feudal period to the modern day. Our instructors are experts in Japanese culture and language, and are committed to providing students with a safe and unique abroad experience that they will remember for a lifetime! World Class Programs is a study abroad program that focuses on giving high school students educational, safe, and worldly experiences. This summer study abroad program is designed for students of all academic backgrounds who want to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and lifestyle. In this pre-college program, students will have an array of options for course study, including Eastern History, Manga and Anime Creation, Philosophy, Japanese Language, and Cuisine.

Program Highlights

Experience the unique culture and lifestyle of Japan.

Enjoy delicious local food like ramen, okonomiyaki, taiyaki, and red bean mochi.

Climb Fushimi Inari Taisha and walk the 10,000 torii gates along the way.

Learn about anime and manga and the rich culture that comes with it.

Grow as a person and become an independent world traveler.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Hiroshima, Japan
  • Kyoto, Japan
  • Nara, Japan
  • Osaka, Japan
  • Tokyo, Japan
Starts At: $2000-$5000
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Terms Available:
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 9-20
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Art History
  • Arts
  • Asian Studies
  • Classical Studies
  • Conflict Studies
  • Culinary Arts
  • Culture
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Food Science
  • Foreign Language
  • Geography
  • Government
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Independent Study
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Japanese
  • Languages & Linguistics
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Liberal Arts
  • Philosophy
  • Photography
  • Political Science & Politics
  • Religious Studies
  • Service Learning
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Theology
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Visual Arts
Focus Areas:
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Art
  • Christian
  • Experiential Learning
  • History
  • Jobs
  • Journalism
  • Language Immersion
  • Music
  • Self-Discovery
  • Study Abroad
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Apr 01, 2026

Awards

Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated High School Abroad Providers 2024Top Rated High School Abroad Organization 2022Top Rated Organization 2021 - High School Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.84

Total Reviews

38

Exciting and new adventures that happened with the World Class program!

August 24, 2026by: Isabella LopezLinde - United States
5

This year I participated in the Osaka World Class program and I loved it! I experience many exciting activities with much to see and do. From sight seeing to eating delicious food, all of it was great. Hiroshima was one of my all time favorite places that we went to by far, it was a long day of traveling, but 100% worth it. I specifically remember the Hiroshima peace memorial, while it was a solemn memorial they still had a beautiful tribute to the lives lost. Informing others on how big this impacted their community and how they moved on from this. This program allowed the opportunity to immerse myself in an atmosphere where I can learn and understand the Japanese culture.

Osaka World Class 2026

August 23, 2026by: Kristin Duvall - United States
5

Two of my daughters went to the 2026 Osaka World Class program. They absolutely loved it! From exploring Japanese temples, to visiting historical sites, learning Japanese language and cuisine, to shopping, they enjoyed every day to the fullest.

This Was Such A Once In A Lifetime Experience!!!

August 21, 2026by: Linnea Mersinger - United States
5

Oh my gosh, where do I even start with this program? It was absolutely, positively, mind-blowingly amazing! Seriously, I can’t even begin to express how incredible it was. From the very first day, I was in love with World Class Programs. The energy, the staff, the excitement, the sheer awesomeness of it all was just overwhelming in the best way possible. First off, the people and teachers at World Class Programs were just the best. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and it felt like I was part of a big, happy family right from the start. The instructors were super knowledgeable and passionate about what they were teaching, and it was so inspiring to see how much they cared about helping us succeed. They continuously went above and beyond to make sure we understood everything and were always there to answer any questions we had, no matter how silly they might have seemed. And the activities! Oh my goodness, the activities were just out of this world. We got to do so many cool things that I never even thought I’d get the chance to try. There were trips to places like Kyoto, Nara (to see the deer!!!), Himeji, Hiroshima (on the peace day festival) and Tokyo! We also played group games, and even some fun, unexpected surprises that kept us on our toes and made every day an adventure (don’t even ask me about the “karaoke” experience! Haha). I learned so much and had a blast doing it. It was, seriously, like being in a dream. But it wasn’t just the people and activities that made this program so amazing. It was also the environment. Japan. Oh Japan. Japan was just beautiful, with stunning views and a vibe that was both really chill and relaxing, and also energizing at the same time. It was the perfect setting for us to focus, learn, and grow, and I felt so lucky to be there. Every morning, I would wake up excited to see what the day had in store, and every night, I would go to bed feeling grateful for the incredible experiences I had. I also have to mention how much I learned. This program was not just fun and games; it was also incredibly educational. I took the Japanese history course for my major and Photography for my minor. I gained so much knowledge and skills that I know will be super valuable in the future. The way the information was presented was so engaging and easy to understand, and I felt like I was really absorbing everything. Being able to EXPERIENCE things rather than just talk about them was great. It was like my brain was a sponge, soaking up all the amazing stuff being thrown at it. And let’s not forget about the friendships I made. I met so many awesome people who I will never forget. We had so much fun together, whether we were playing “taco cat goat cheese pizza”, hanging out during breaks, watching movies, or just chatting about life. Even though we all just met, It was like we had known each other forever, and I felt so lucky to have them in my life. We even planned to stay in touch after the program ended, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us. In conclusion, this program was just the best experience of my life. It was everything I could have ever hoped for and more. I learned so much, met so many amazing people, and had the time of my life. I will always look back on this program with fond memories and a heart full of gratitude. It was truly an incredible experience, and I am so thankful to have been a part of it. Thank you World Class Programs!!!

The Tori GatesSleep Over :)The Golden Temple

This was the greatest summer EVER!!!

August 21, 2026by: Abbi Kelly - United States
5

As a study abroad student in Japan, I am having so much fun! And I highly recommend this to others who might be interested in this! There are tons of fun and interesting adventures!! And the teachers are the BEST!! I’m currently in Japan and I leave tomorrow! I am excited to see my family, but also I genuinely don’t wanna leave Japan. I feel like I could stay here another week!

Living My Dream For Three Weeks!

August 21, 2026by: Lily Wallace - US Virgin Islands
5

Let me tell you, World Class Programs is the way to go, especially the Japan program. If you’re wanting to experience a fun and exciting adventure that broadens your worldview, this is it. Throughout the three weeks, they not only made me feel safe and supported, but also like family. The staff were also super nice and helped you keep on going even when you were tired. We were all in it together! The activities were also all immersive and varied, so you get a good mix of history, culture, and souvenirs to bring home! If your a history buff, you’ll be especially happy!This is a program that everyone, atleast once in their life, needs to experience!

My time at world class programs

August 21, 2026by: Robin Scheldberg - United States
5

I went on a 3 week study abroad trip to Japan in 2026 and I had sososo much fun! I was nervous about traveling alone but all the staff were friendly and experienced in travel, so they took all the stress away. The whole trip all the staff were extremely kind, fun and understanding. They always accommodated everyone’s needs. I had lots of fun doing the classes and genuinely learned so much more than I knew before this trip. I felt like I was learning even outside of class in the funnest way possible, I feel like I might even be able to navigate a train station by myself! I really enjoyed free time and I bought so much stuff. I loved going to the malls and animate, my clothing and figure collection has grown substantially. This trip was genuinely a once in a lifetime experience and I had worlds of fun. My only con is that I wish we could have our own rooms the whole time, mostly because I’m a big introvert and I just enjoy having my own space!! Everyone on the program and not was so friendly and Japan is a great place to visit, especially with world class programs!!

Yummiest food in all of Osaka!!! Right next to the round 1 arcade, thank me later.Kyoto Tea Ceremony, even if you don’t like tea (like me) you still get to learn about the ceremony and wear beautiful clothes!!Harajuku, Tokyo

Sophia’s Japan Trip

August 21, 2026by: Sophia Lopez-Linde - United States
5

This trip was a rich experience that helped me learn about the local life as well as enjoy the simple and fun experiences in Japan. From the quiet shops to the towering skyscrapers, every day was a new adventure. The nature in Nara, tech in Tokyo, and the cuisine in Osaka all stole my breath. It was an amazing trip and couldn’t recommend it enough. Not only that, but it teaches kids social skills and cues. Going to a different country will teach far more than we know.

My experience on the trip

August 27, 2025by: Isabel Miles - American Samoa
5

I had a amazing time in Japan! I learned a lot about the history of the country, saw many amazing sites, made awesome memories, and tried new things. I made some really good friends on this trip and always felt safe so I would recommend it for teenagers who are looking for life experience. The housing situation is great in Osaka and Tokyo and most of the time we were well fed. Meals could run late at times, but they always made sure to feed us. I recommend the history major because in that one you will take the most advantage of the country your in, sometimes even getting to see more sites than the other majors. But all in all I had an amazing time and am super glad I did it!

This was when we went to Nara which was amazing!

Sunset in Osaka, Sunrise in Kyoto, Departure in Tokyo!

August 19, 2025by: Eduardo Abascal - United States
5

In short, this program offers an adventure of a life time in the 3 biggest cities of Japan. From climbing a mountain in Tokyo, to visiting the Osaka Castle, everyday is filled with fun, learning, and support from the amazing staff on this trip. The staff here are what make the trip so enjoyable, in fact one of the staff, Derick, bought me and my friends Uno at a convenient store in Kyoto and we had loads of fun playing it along the trip. We also got to go to a traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto where we wore traditional ceremonial clothing and got to whisk our own matcha

Amazon Japan Trip

August 18, 2025by: Olivia Steese - United States
5

This study abroad was genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The staff really takes time to connect with the students as well as teaching them in fun and effective ways. The program was so well planned and I really feel like I made the most of my three weeks in Japan. There was such a great balance of education and fun activities. The other students on the trip were incredible, and I made friendships I’ll never forget. I loved this study abroad so much and will cherish the time I spent in Japan with World Class Programs.

Best trip ever!

August 17, 2025by: Veronica black - United States
5

this trip was so fun everyone was so sweet and kind and they all felt like family. i’m totally gonna do it again next year. the classes were fun and so were all the activities. it was definitely a lot of walking but they were really supportive if you needed a break or stay back for a day. definitely went to A LOT of shrines and temples which was fun but also meant a lot of walking. had a lot of stuff to ship back so make sure to bring extra money for that. overall one of the best things i’ve ever done and im so happy i got to do

Good first experience of Japan

August 16, 2025by: Aether Nelson - United States
4

I had a great time, the staff were amazing and very helpful and supportive as well as accommodating the needs of students. The classes and activities we did we really fun and the amount of free time we had was great

This was just perfect.

August 16, 2025by: Anders Larock - United States
5

This was a delightful expedition to the great and beautiful land of Japan. I was ecstatic to greet my professors and fellow peers on this adventure of a life time. In my time here I expanded my horizons greatly due to the guidance and intellect of my highly experienced and knowledgeable professional staff. I have obtained numerous memories during my travels and made many new palls along the way. It is a great tragity that this journey is at it's end, I hope to make my return in the near future. I give my complete and full appreciation to Derek and his elite samurai and master of the blade.

Loved this trip!

August 16, 2025by: karmela freeman - United States
5

Singlehandedly one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. I had been anticipating this for 8 months, and safe to say it did not disappoint at all. I am insanely grateful to have experienced everything that I did on this trip. Very friendly group and staff, and would 100% recommend to others!!

Japan 2025

August 16, 2025by: Carly Krasnow - United States
5

World class programs is one of the best programs there is and I highly recommend it. Going to Japan with them is my favorite thing I have ever done! On this program I got to see some incredible places and eat really yummy food! One of my favorite places I went wile on this trip was Nara! The deer were really cute and fun. If you are considering going on this trip you should! The staff are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet. They make sure everyone has an amazing time and you will see the most amazing places!

great summer

August 18, 2024by: Aiden Peterson - United States
4

This is such a great progarm because you get a lot of free time and schedule things to do. I had a great time the people are good and the food is great. The staff care about you and want you to have a great time while keeping you safe. If you want to do something that they didn't plan for they are willing to adpat to things as long as they are reasonable. They also have group flights to and from the place you are visting or take your own flight. They reaaly try to get you to embacre the culture of the country by giving you cool experinces.

peak trip

August 17, 2024by: Mark Schmidmeier - United States
5

Best summer of my life. I met a ton of cool people, the staff were awesome and the food was amazing. In my opinion I think my favorite part of the trip was Kyoto because of the sheer amount of temples and shrines there. All of the courses were cool and teach a good amount of material and let you explore many new places related to the courses. The free time you get nearly everyday is great and super fun to walk around the city with friends. There are also multiple day trips in which you travel to nearby cities. 10/10 program, would recommend.

Best Study Abroad Trip Ever

August 17, 2024by: Claudette Fields - United States
5

I went on the Italy program for 3 weeks about a week before the Japan trip was going to leave. I was heavily convinced to come on the Japan trip a week before and it was one of the best decisions I have made. I love this program with all my heart and have learned so much and I have so many memories that I will hold. I love the entire staff and they we genuine friends to us and were so dedicated to keeping us safe and having fun. They were not overruling and being unnecessary when it came to telling us to do something. They were very reasonable and considerate and genuinely our friends that we could have fun and laugh with. They program is so well organized and a wonderful opportunity for any high schooler wanting to travel and go explore a new country. You truly get your money’s worth and we did not have to worry about anything when it came to the itinerary. It was all super well planned out and I loved having something new every single day. Each day was a new adventure and had a new experience. Italy was such a good experience for me that I never wanted it to end so I had to do another trip and I also plan on attending a third trip next summer before I leave for college. These two trip has made me learn so much about Japan and meet new people and I am so he for this opportunity. The staff was so accommodating and so helpful. I would recommend this program to anyone it truly is worth every penny.

TEA CEREMORY

10/10 Experience

August 17, 2024by: David Ng - United States
5

For me the program is one of the best things I’ve done in a long time. The staff are great and Derek is one of the greatest people I’ve ever met. His planning for the trip was incredible and he was able to fit in so many destinations and attractions. We were able to have an experience of a lifetime thanks to him. One of my favorite parts of the trip was the week in Tokyo. We were able to see so many things and Derek gave us multiple chances to be free and independent. We were allowed to explore and go shopping frequently which was very nice. Overall, this trip was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone.

View from Tokyo Tower.

This trip is legit

August 17, 2024by: Laila Chahayed - United States
4

Going on this trip was more of a last minute miracle for me. I was incredibly nervous that I wouldn’t enjoy my time and I would feel home sick fast. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. The trip honestly felt like a little family and I enjoyed every moment. I myself am not an athletic person and I normally don’t enjoy long walks and sight seeing, however, this trip made it all worth it. The sleeping situations were good and I was always generally comfortable. It can become tiring but the staff is so supportive and always willing to give you time to rest.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Hiroshima, Japan
  • Kyoto, Japan
  • Nara, Japan
  • Osaka, Japan
  • Tokyo, Japan

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art & Fine Arts
  • Art History
  • Arts
  • Asian Studies
  • Classical Studies
  • Conflict Studies
  • Culinary Arts
  • Culture
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Food Science
  • Foreign Language
  • Geography
  • Government
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Independent Study
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Japanese
  • Languages & Linguistics
  • Law
  • Leadership
  • Liberal Arts
  • Philosophy
  • Photography
  • Political Science & Politics
  • Religious Studies
  • Service Learning
  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Theology
  • Travel & Tourism
  • Visual Arts
  • Focus Areas
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Art
  • Christian
  • Experiential Learning
  • History
  • Jobs
  • Journalism
  • Language Immersion
  • Music
  • Self-Discovery
  • Study Abroad
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Terms Available:
  • Summer
Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
Gap Year Timing:
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

9-20

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Starts At

$2000-$5000

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Wifi Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Group Meals
  • Some Equipment
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Training
  • Laundry
  • Language Lessons
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Course Materials
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Academic Credit
  • Certificate of Completion

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More
  • Some high school, no diploma
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)

Application Procedures

  • Essay
  • Online Application
  • Written Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Japanese already?

Not at all! All of our courses are taught in English. For those interested in the Japanese Language, we offer a Beginner Japanese Language Course!

Do you accept scholarships or financial aid?

World Class Programs has a few options for those seeking financial aid. We accept outside scholarships, such as those offered by schools or study abroad/gap year organizations. Additionally, we are more than willing to customize flexible payment plans in lieu of a one-time payment. Finally, if you apply before the early application deadline (Jan. 31st), you automatically receive $500 off. We never want money to be the reason you do not join us!

Why should I study abroad in Japan?

Japan is the perfect place to learn not only about Japanese culture, but the many Eastern cultures that have influenced it. As one of the oldest nations, it is rich with ancient history, traditions, art, and architecture. What truly makes it unique, however, is that it is also furnished with highly advanced modern-day technology and transport, making it all easily accessible, especially for those who have never been out of their native country. 

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