Culture Study Abroad Programs in Japan

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.

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!!!

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!

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!

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!!

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.

Spending a week in Isa City with World Campus International was one of the most memorable parts of my time in Japan. Staying with a local host family gave me the opportunity to experience Japanese culture in a way that simply wouldn't have been possible as a tourist. From sharing meals together to learning about everyday life, every moment felt authentic and meaningful. Each day brought a new experience, whether it was planting rice, visiting local schools and meeting students, exploring historic shrines, learning about traditional wine-making, or taking part in community activities. Every experience helped me better understand the culture while creating memories I'll never forget. The food was incredible, the people were unbelievably welcoming, and the unique experiences were amazing. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for an immersive, hands-on cultural experience that they'll remember for years to come.

I came into the homestay program a little nervous what to expect and if I would even enjoy it. However on the first night when I was assigned my family and walking up to greet them I know that I would love every second of it. I truly can not express in this review how dear to me my host family is. Every night we sat down at the dinner table I felt like one of their own children and I am sincerely grateful for everything they shared with me. I had travelled around Japan for 2 weeks with prior with the Shirane Foundation and experience the culture of Japan for a touristy perspective but this homestay opened me up to see the true beauty of Japan in a way very few visitor get to see. From the simple thing of the unique bathroom to the everyday mannerism. All in all this review does not give justice to the wonderful experience I had and the amazing people I had the honor of meeting and share a few days of my life with.

I came into the home-stay completely unsure of what to expect but that aspect made this experience so great. As a first time visitor to Japan I was super nervous to immerse myself into Japanese culture and a brand new host family. It seemed like something I would never do and honestly it felt unreal. However, as soon as I met my host family I was showered with so much care and comfort. They made me feel like family from day one. I actually met most of my host family's sisters and brothers day one then later I met a lot of their friends and their families. It was amazing to be able to speak to such a wide variety of people! I was learning so much about Japanese culture and customs. Everyday was so unique and my host family always did their best to make my time as enjoyable as they could. For example, other than taking me to meet so much of their family, they took me to shrines, parks, and different cities in the area. It truly felt like I was in a new world and my host family was giving me the opportunity to experience it all. I can not recommend this experience enough. Being with my host family was such an invaluable experience I will never forget. Additionally, another aspect that made this experience so great was the activities I did with World Campus International. Everyday morning after an afternoon with my host family we were taken to do different activities in the home-stay area - immersing myself deeper in Japanese culture. Some of my favorite activities were going to an OSEN (Japanese bath house) . I have never been so relaxed after taking a bath. It was an experience I can not imagine having anywhere else. Furthermore, going to a Junior-High school was such a great experience. I got to meet students such as myself and learn what it meant to live and learn in Japan. I made a lot of friends that I still talk to today. Then I had a lot of fun at a Park Golf activity we did. We had the chance to golf with Japanese locals that were REALLY GOOD at golf. The locals were super nice and it was great to learn a little about the golf world from a different perspective. The locals I played with gave me a lot of tips to improve my game and like everything on this trip it was just amazing to do this experience. Firstly, none of this would be possible without World Campus International so Thank you to them. All the staff made me feel involved and immersed in every activity. Making sure everyone knew exactly how what we were doing that day contributed to Japanese culture. A lot of thanks goes to them as well for making sure we were in the right places when we needed to be. Secondly, this experience may be scary at first but it is truly remarkable. I can not recommend this program enough. I have gained a better understanding of Japanese culture than I would of just visiting cities. I was taught more things then I can count and I feel I gained the understanding required to come back on my own! If you are looking for the experience of your life then please apply for this experience. Lastly, I recommend to anyone applying to the program to be very open minded. This program will challenge you to step completely outside your comfort zone. If you embrace this fact it will elevate your trip, without a doubt. Thank you World Campus International!

Spending a week in Isa City with World Campus International was easily the highlight of my time in Japan.Staying with a local host family allowed me to experience the culture on a deeply personal level. Every single day was packed with unforgettable experiences: planting rice in the local fields, visiting schools to connect with local students, exploring historic shrines, and learning about the fascinating traditional wine-making process The food was delicious, the cultural immersion was unmatched, and I left with incredibly close friends from all over the world. I cannot recommend this program enough to anyone looking for a unique, hands-on, and heartwarming adventure

Thanks to my experience with World Campus Japan I created life-long connections, not only with the other participants, but also with the local Japanese communities encountered during the trip. The constant and active cultural exchange is what makes this program deeply unique. On the one hand, the fellow participants and staff members all proved to be caring, responsible, interesting, and like-minded people, and therefore enabled me to feel safe and at home, despite being on the other side of the world. On the other, the Japanese host families revealed their kindness and availability, by welcoming us all in their lives and treating us like family. The days were all full of stimulating activities, and their variety allowed us to experience the Japanese culture in all its aspects. It is for these reasons that I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a way to familiarize with Japan, its people, language, landscape, and traditions. The amount of gratitude (mixed with a lot of nostalgia) I felt after completing the program further highlighted the impact it had in my life. I will never forget my days in Japan with World Campus.

In my junior year, I had the opportunity to spend my fall semester studying in Tokyo with Middlebury College. Since I tested into the J5 level Japanese language class, I had the opportunity to take two classes with local students taught entirely in Japanese, challenging myself to not only comprehend lectures at a high language level but also communicate with my peers at a college level. Even though the campus was an hour away from Tokyo's center, the convenient public transportation made it very easy to go out into the city with friends. We even made outside of the prefecture to Saitama, Osaka, Tottori and more on breaks and weekends, exploring Japan while we could. I found that, through this program, we had a lot of space to immerse ourselves in Japan's vibrant and diverse culture and become a part of the city ourselves. Additionally, the program put an emphasis on sustainable development, which taught me how to be more environmentally aware and live sustainably. This instilled positive habits into my lifestyle, which I find myself still enforcing today even though I have returned to my home country. Overall, Middlebury's program gave me an amazing space to advance my Japanese language skills while exploring Tokyo as a city.

I feel I was able to learn a lot of valuable lessons through this experience. I've grown in maturity, independence, and learned how to adapt when things didn't work out the way I expected. I felt this program taught me how to take charge and flourish in newfound confidence. With CIEE, the communication was always available and staff were friendly and kind. However with the activities, I did find we were a bit pressed for time with a majority of them due to starting late. Despite that, the activities and day trips were super memorable and fun! Overall, I'd highly recommend this program.

Studying abroad in Japan through USAC was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made in college. Before going, I was excited but also nervous about the language barrier and whether I’d feel out of place, but USAC made the transition way smoother than I expected. From orientation to day-to-day support, it felt like there was always someone I could reach out to if I needed help.

World Campus International (WCI) was a fantastic experience and a major highlight of my summer. I signed up for the last session which was a three week program, held in Inzai, Abiko and Tama. Having had the unique opportunity to live with an actual Japanese family as opposed to a hotel, I came to see a completely different side of the country than what I initially had in mind. This experience later motivated me to start a beginner course in Japanese to hopefully be able to better maintain the relationships I made while there. Even while not spending time with my foster family, the rest of the program gave me ample opportunities to immerse myself in not only the culture but also the history and lifestyle that Japan had to offer. WCI staff were understanding of participants needs, and constantly made efforts to make the entire participating group feel welcome. I can comfortably say that there were no issues I ran into that I couldn't either discuss or outright solve with the help of the staff team. I wholeheartedly recommend WCI for anyone looking to intensify their experience in Japan, and get a more lively experience that just roaming around cluelessly. My trip has not only improved my understanding of the country but also given me a reason to come back. I'd rate the experience 5/5 on any day, ありがとうございます WCI。

I feel I was able to learn a lot of valuable lessons through this experience. I've grown in maturity, independence, and learned how to adapt when things didn't work out the way I expected. I felt this program taught me how to take charge and flourish in newfound confidence. With CIEE, the communication was always available and staff were friendly and kindThe activities and day trips were super memorable and fun! Overall, I'd highly recommend this program.

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!

My goals when studying abroad were to learn as much about Japanese culture and society as I could, and the course offerings went above and beyond this. There were too many great courses to choose from! Additionally, my homestay experience allowed me to really get a feel for what it was like to live in Japan. Through my host family, I was able to gain experiences that my peers could not. If I could go back, the only thing I would change would be to stay longer!

Coming out of the worst time of my life last year, I had little to look forward to until I found IES’s Nagoya Summer: Language and Culture program. The application process was incredibly smooth and quick, and once I was accepted, so were the travel forms and health information. Arriving with the other IES students for orientation and some field trips, we were able to form connections early while acclimating to Japan and its wonders. And as we got settled into Nanzan at our respective dorms and with host families, making more friends was even easier. Classes at Nanzan didn’t even feel like work. I found myself looking forward to going every day despite the 20 minute trek to school. It is inspiring being able to learn a language in its country of origin, while also getting to take electives and art classes to round out your experience. Apart from that, we had a lot of free time (depending how many electives you took). Nagoya has so much to offer. My friends and I would go out for lunch or dinner around various subway stations after class, frequent the izakayas and karaoke places on the weekends, and sometimes take day trips to places like Tokyo and Osaka. IES went above and beyond with this- we had a built-in weekend trip to Kyoto including our own tour guide, an art activity, and an itinerary of all the best sites to visit. My professors were wonderful, and along with the other staff at Nanzan, worked with IES to make sure we were all safe and comfortable. When I had a spot of trouble with organizing my housing, the IES program coordinators, the CJS (Center for Japanese Studies) staff, and the international director at Nanzan were all there to support me. Throughout the summer I participated in IES’s Correspondent Program as a photographer. It was amazing to record pictures of us having the time of our lives and think about how these could help future students who are looking at this program. After returning to the US, I also applied to the Ambassadors program and had a lot of fun helping the IES table at Penn State’s Education Abroad fair. I’ve been inspired to change my major to Japanese language, and I plan to participate in the JET (Japan English Teaching) program. So not only did the program give me an awesome summer, it keeps impacting me, my career path, and my hopes for the future!

When I first got confirmation that I was accepted to study abroad in Tokyo, I was both thrilled and a nervous wreck. I had never been that far from home before, nor did I know anyone else attending the program. Yet, upon my arrival, I was met with the support and guidance of the IES staff, and others in the program were in the same boat. A support system was quickly formed, and although there were several new, unpredictable paths coming my way, I wouldn't endure it alone. With all the cultural activities such as making chopsticks and glass blowing and the included field trips, we were truly urged to make the most of our six weeks in Japan. You start to fall into a routine of going to the convenience store (trust me, like, a lot), going out to karaoke, taking the train to class and throughout the city, studying in cafes. Study sessions at the cafe in the hotel we were housed in had to be some of my favorite memories, oddly enough. The hotel staff even encouraged us to practice Japanese, and I was sad to say goodbye on my last day there. I'm looking forward to the next time I can go to Japan. This experience may have been filled with unknowns, but I was lucky to have the support to make me embrace it.