Looking for good Japan Study Abroad Programs?

Is this a legitimate way to study abroad in Japan?

• I am 15 (will be 16 at time of program) and reside in the UK. I am hoping to live and study in Japan after in finish secondary school in June 2012. At first, I had placed all my faith in study abroad exchange programs (which cost a hellish amount of money and don't usually offer your destination of choice), but have had no luck. I have only recently began looking for homestay host families online. Basically, what I am asking is, would it be possible to live with a host family in Japan, and at the same time, apply for and attend a japanese senior high school while I am there? I cannot contact the japanese embassy until tomorrow, and my japanese language skills are coming along nicely (if this helps). Thank you...

• Answer:

  If you are going to study abroad as a high school student, you'll have to be enrolled as a high school student in the UK. If you are planning to do your higher education in Japan, I STRONGLY advise you to get your A-levels in the UK. I am sorry, but you don't stand a chance in entering university through the Japanese stream - and without 12 years of education in a foreign country (you would only have 11), you would be ineligible for the non-Japanese stream too. Studying abroad for a term or a year is fine - but you really need to get your qualifications in the UK before applying to unis here. Without a university degree you cannot live in Japan (unless you are married to a Japanese national, and even then without a degree you will have trouble getting work).