Foreign exchange to Japan.

Foreign exchange in Japan?!?

• So I am going my junior year of high school to Japan. This question is open to anybody who has done foreign exchange in Japan, who lived in Japan, or who has lived there and knows a lot about it :D I have studied a lot about the culture, so although I'm sure I will have culture shock, it won't be that bad because I will know a little bit of what to expect. I am taking online Japanese classes and so far only know a little bit, but my exchange will be in a year and a half so I will be a lot better at the language then. I will be going for a semester. So I have a few questions . . . What is appropriate/not appropriate to wear as a teenage girl in Japan? What is the typical home-life like of a Japanese teenager? What is the "social-scene" at Japanese high schools like? How will I be treated as a tall American girl? What will be expected of me not only from my school, but from my host family? Will it be easy for me to make friends if I am an outgoing person? What did teenagers do for fun on weekends/after school in Japan? Is it basically expected for me to join an after-school club/activity? If so what is a fun one to join that is fun and social and co-ed and not too physically demanding? What are schools like there? What advice can you give me? What are some basic Do's and Don'ts?

• Answer:

  What is appropriate/not appropriate to wear as a teenage girl in Japan? i think you should wear what the harujuku kids wear! haha jk, i'd dress modestly It gets really hot in the summer, and the winters are not extremely cold either What is the typical home-life like of a Japanese teenager? Boring! You take trains everywhere though, so thats pretty cool. What is the "social-scene" at Japanese high schools like? same as in the US i guess. Kids are super smart there though, LIKE SUPER SMART!!! How will I be treated as a tall American girl? people will stare, esp. if you have blond hair. What will be expected of me not only from my school, but from my host family? idk, that is sorta a personal question. Will it be easy for me to make friends if I am an outgoing person? self explanatory What did teenagers do for fun on weekends/after school in Japan? watch tv, haha. Umm shopping? There are lots of amazing stores! Is it basically expected for me to join an after-school club/activity? If so what is a fun one to join that is fun and social and co-ed and not too physically demanding? Chess Club! haha, umm no. Idk, depends what your school has to offer. Maybe something w/ foreign relations b/c ur from the US, right? What are schools like there? Big, and everyone looks the same! haha, (b.c of the uniforms) What advice can you give me? don't miss the trains!! they will leave w/o you!! What are some basic Do's and Don'ts? do- have fun take advantage of opportunities dont- miss your family too much, be snooty to ur host family, mention how small the houses are (land is super expensive)