Summer student exchange?

People who have used the AFS program to go on a summer long trip to Japan as an exchange student...?

• I want to go to Japan in about two years over the summer and see what it's like to be a high school student. Using the AFS program..about how much would that cost? I read about it and a lot of people recommend it...but I have a budget of about four thousand dollars...maybe pushing it a few more hundred at the most...that's just for the program, of course, though. I have the spending money taken care of...I would realllyyy appreciate it. I have been searching all day. Thanks! Also, if there's another program that's in my budget...allows you to stay with a host family...and let's you go to a japanese high school for the summer..then I'm up for options...And if you've been an exchance student can you explain in detail what it's like. I'm really interested. I heard it's really hard.

• Answer:

  My son did a year in Japan with AFS and I have been very involved for several years, though no longer. If you can stretch your budget to a year, you will get more out of the experience. I was on selection for 5 years and many students started off saying they would do the 8 week session. Some did and regretted not staying for the year.Others changed to the longer programme and were very glad they did. Some of the reasons are - it takes a while to settle into school and with your family. You are almost settled and have learned about the culture and are starting to enjoy it all and it is time to go home. The language - means you are just starting to get a grasp of the language, and again, you have to leave. It usually takes about 4 months to start to really understand, and have conversation. By 6 months you can be pretty good. If you put the work in .This of course also makes everything you do easier and more enjoyable.So in a way with the short 8 week session you are having the pain, and missing out on the gain. Once you dream in Japanese( or any language ) you have a good understanding and are thinking in that language. That takes 4-6 months with total immersion, from the many students I knew who went to a wide range of countries. It can be hard. You are going to a different culture, family, school etc. You will learn a lot about yourself, and learn to be independent and resourceful.......you will grow hugely as a person.Having been an exchange student opens many doors! But it is not for everyone and you need to be honest with yourself as to how flexible and adaptable you can be. If that really is all you want to do, then go for it. But do think about doing the year.The difference in price is not that much if I recall. AFS is good to go with and in Japan it was well run.