World Campus - Japan Program - Unique Access to Japan

Overall rating: 9.9 based on 25 reviews

Program Description

World Campus International, Inc. offers you an opportunity to take part in short-term, non-traditional study abroad programs in Japan. You can choose to sign up for one of the 3 different sessions in different regions across Japan. Participants will have the unique chance to gain cultural and international experience as well as increase their personal and professional networks, all while enjoying the backdrop of Japanese culture, daily life and business through various activities during the programs.
In the summer of 2023, 3 sessions are taking place between mid June and mid August:
Session 1: June 15 ~ July 4 (Omuta in Fukuoka/Arao in Kumamoto, Kumamoto City, Uda in Nara)
Session 2: June 5 ~ July 24 (Suita in Osaka, Ueda in Nagano, Abiko in Chiba)
Session 3: July 25 ~ August 13 (Mito in Ibaraki, Isehara in Kanagawa, Tama in Tokyo)

Highlights

1. Experience modern Japan through local business people, politicians, and teachers.

2. Learn about Japan in interactive workshops and presentations.

3. Participate in cultural immersion activities, such as studying Japanese traditions.

4. Share your culture and volunteer your talents with ordinary citizens, school children, and the elderly.

5. Spend a few weeks living in local Japanese host families and interacting and learning from them.

What`s Included

• Housing, Meals and Transportation during the session(s) in Japan

• Program Counselors and Interpreters

• Regional Learning related expenses such as entrance fees or for guides

• Access to all Planned Community Partner Resources such as Facilities, Speakers, Special Guests, as well as Activities with Businesses, Politicians and Organizations

• All Program Content

• All Operational Expenses

Subjects

Culture, International Relations, Japanese

Program Locations

Suita, Osaka, Japan

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Overall rating 
9.9
Experience
10
Program Administration
9.8
Living Conditions
9.7
Cultural Immersion
10
Social Life
9.9
Health and Safety
10
Review This Program

Program Details

Provider:
World Campus International
Location
  • Japan: Suita, Osaka
School Term:
Summer
Languages:
English, Japanese
Participants:
American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South african, South aftican, WorldWide
Cost:
JPN Yen280,000 ~ JPN Yen800,000

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  • Dear applicants, we encourage you to leave a personal review if you have ever taken part in this program. Leaving a review will help fellow travelers to decide where to go and which program to go with as they plan their trip abroad.
    Review this program
    I first applied to this program on a whim. The website was relatively lackluster, but the pictures, dates, homestay locations, and reviews were completely different. I don't know what kind of expectations I had before coming to Japan, but as I left for Asia for my summer vacation, nothing could quite prepare me for what was to come. I ended up getting COVID and joining the program late, but the program coordinators were overly understanding and accomodating despite the headaches that caused. Despite my late arrival, I was placed with an amazing and kind host family. Of course, I had four equally amazing host families throughout the program, and I experienced different aspects of the culture with each of them. Even more than the culture I experienced during the three-and-a-half week program, I value the connections and family-like friends I've made with other participants, the staff, and the host families that I hope will never fade for many years and decades to come.
    Avatar Kai Rieffel

    I'm Definitely Coming Back

    Review by: Kai Rieffel , On: 15 Aug 2022 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    I first applied to this program on a whim. The website was relatively lackluster, but the pictures, dates, homestay locations, and reviews were completely different. I don't know what kind of expectations I had before coming to Japan, but as I left for Asia for my summer vacation, nothing could quite prepare me for what was to come. I ended up getting COVID and joining the program late, but the program coordinators were overly understanding and accomodating despite the headaches that caused. Despite my late arrival, I was placed with an amazing and kind host family. Of course, I had four equally amazing host families throughout the program, and I experienced different aspects of the culture with each of them. Even more than the culture I experienced during the three-and-a-half week program, I value the connections and family-like friends I've made with other participants, the staff, and the host families that I hope will never fade for many years and decades to come.
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    I am so happy I participated in WCI and got to come back to Japan after 18 years of being away. I was born in Japan but moved to the United States at the age of 4 and have not since returned until now. I forgot a lot of my Japanese when I moved to the US. Staying with host families in different cities really motivated me to relearn Japanese and surprisingly I picked it up again within the month I was in Japan. All of my host families were kind and made sure I was comfortable at all times. I felt as though they really made an effort to accommodate me and the connections I made with my host brothers and sisters are irreplaceable. I enjoyed doing various cultural activities with the other participants and getting to go places I would not have gone to on my own. I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in learning about Japanese traditions, culture, history, and of course the best part of it all... the food! I'm also grateful for the friendships I've made with people from other countries and I will treasure these relationships. If you are considering joining, I would say be open-minded, vulnerable, and willing to step outside of your comfort zone!! It's worth it!
    Avatar Fuka

    Experience of a Lifetime

    Review by: Fuka , On: 05 Aug 2022 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    I am so happy I participated in WCI and got to come back to Japan after 18 years of being away. I was born in Japan but moved to the United States at the age of 4 and have not since returned until now. I forgot a lot of my Japanese when I moved to the US. Staying with host families in different cities really motivated me to relearn Japanese and surprisingly I picked it up again within the month I was in Japan. All of my host families were kind and made sure I was comfortable at all times. I felt as though they really made an effort to accommodate me and the connections I made with my host brothers and sisters are irreplaceable. I enjoyed doing various cultural activities with the other participants and getting to go places I would not have gone to on my own. I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in learning about Japanese traditions, culture, history, and of course the best part of it all... the food! I'm also grateful for the friendships I've made with people from other countries and I will treasure these relationships. If you are considering joining, I would say be open-minded, vulnerable, and willing to step outside of your comfort zone!! It's worth it!
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    2019 Alumni
    I believe World Campus Japan is the most profound and comprehensive exchange program to experience and learn about Japanese culture. Since I wanted to experience Japan and its culture, I joined WCJ in 2019 where I participated in the first session of its Japan summer program which took place in Kyushu. At WCJ I was part of a group of diverse young people frow all over the world with whom I shared enthusiasm for Japanese culture. With these amazing young people, I made one of the strongest and closest friendships in my life, and we stay in contact and meet up even now, 2 and half years later.

    The number of cultural activities and events in WCJ is enormous. I got to experience Japanese martial arts like kyudo, kendo, karate or shorinji kenpo. I was amazed to witness the environment and flow of Japanese education through several interactive visits of elementary schools, high school and even a university. I could also feel Japanese spirituality through various shrine and temple visits and many other activities like learning about Japanese traditional theatre. The activities of WCJ are incredible not only for its content but more importantly for the wonderful warm interactions with local communities which was unapparelled.

    The activity program was simply amazing, however the thing that had the largest impact on my life was the time spent with Japanese host families. The wonderful families I stayed with embraced me as if I was their own child and treated me with such kindness I didn’t know existed. Even though I did not know Japanese language, I created the strongest and deepest relationships in my entire life, particularly with one of the families. These interactions changed my life in unimaginable ways and showed me what life is truly about, those beautiful human interactions. WCJ completely changed my view on life and world and defined me as a human being. The values I have now were born from that unforgettable life-changing experience. Thanks to WCJ I understood who I am and what things are important for me in life. In other words, I found myself through that experience.

    WCJ is the most amazing program in terms of feeling and getting to know Japan and Japanese culture. It is also best in nurturing beautiful and lasting relationships and connections all over the world. I can honestly say that WCJ was the most meaningful and best thing that happened in my life. The things that are my greatest happiness now were all born from that very experience.
    Avatar Martin Kolafa

    The most defining experience of my life

    Review by: Martin Kolafa , On: 10 Nov 2021 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    2019 Alumni
    I believe World Campus Japan is the most profound and comprehensive exchange program to experience and learn about Japanese culture. Since I wanted to experience Japan and its culture, I joined WCJ in 2019 where I participated in the first session of its Japan summer program which took place in Kyushu. At WCJ I was part of a group of diverse young people frow all over the world with whom I shared enthusiasm for Japanese culture. With these amazing young people, I made one of the strongest and closest friendships in my life, and we stay in contact and meet up even now, 2 and half years later.

    The number of cultural activities and events in WCJ is enormous. I got to experience Japanese martial arts like kyudo, kendo, karate or shorinji kenpo. I was amazed to witness the environment and flow of Japanese education through several interactive visits of elementary schools, high school and even a university. I could also feel Japanese spirituality through various shrine and temple visits and many other activities like learning about Japanese traditional theatre. The activities of WCJ are incredible not only for its content but more importantly for the wonderful warm interactions with local communities which was unapparelled.

    The activity program was simply amazing, however the thing that had the largest impact on my life was the time spent with Japanese host families. The wonderful families I stayed with embraced me as if I was their own child and treated me with such kindness I didn’t know existed. Even though I did not know Japanese language, I created the strongest and deepest relationships in my entire life, particularly with one of the families. These interactions changed my life in unimaginable ways and showed me what life is truly about, those beautiful human interactions. WCJ completely changed my view on life and world and defined me as a human being. The values I have now were born from that unforgettable life-changing experience. Thanks to WCJ I understood who I am and what things are important for me in life. In other words, I found myself through that experience.

    WCJ is the most amazing program in terms of feeling and getting to know Japan and Japanese culture. It is also best in nurturing beautiful and lasting relationships and connections all over the world. I can honestly say that WCJ was the most meaningful and best thing that happened in my life. The things that are my greatest happiness now were all born from that very experience.
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    2019 Alumni
    I first heard about World Campus through a friend of mine who worked as staff member back in the early 2010’s. I had made a comment how I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, and the way he described World Campus it sounded like the perfect way to do so. After looking into the program, I decided I wanted to get the full bang for my buck and was determined to take all three sessions. After graduating high school, I worked for a few years, applied and dropped out due to lack of funds, and worked until 2019 when I finally had enough to go. I spent almost every dollar I had to join World Campus, and I can safely say It was worth every dollar.
    You experience not only the culture of Japan, but so many sights and sounds. I visited cultural sites, schools, cultural fairs, and almost everything in between. And everywhere I went, I felt welcomed by the incredible communities we worked with. And beyond the fact that you’re in the beautiful country of Japan and experiencing the culture first hand, you make connection with fantastic people who will be apart of your life for as long as you live. In the nine weeks I spent in world campus over the course of the three 2019 sessions, I made so many new friends who were either other students from around the world, or amazing community members whose greatest desire was to show us their amazing country and culture.
    But more than all of that were the host families we stayed with.
    I’ve never experienced such hospitality in my life. Every week, we move cities and stay with new host families who graciously take us in and treat us like one of their own. And frankly, by the end of the week, we were a part of their family. I think that’s the thing I loved most about World Campus. Yes, I got to experience a country I’ve been fascinated with my whole life. Yes, I got to make close friends with people from across the globe. Yes, I came home with enough stories to write a book or two. But more than that, I found a family I never knew I had. In fact, I found several families, all of whom mean more to me then any experience I had (not to say the experiences weren’t phenomenal).
    In World Campus, you get far more than just a trip to Japan, you get the most in depth experience you can possibly get. I stayed for 3 sessions, which took me to 9 different cities in Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Osaka, Nara, Kanagawa, Ibaraki, Chiba, and Tokyo, and in every city we saw amazing sights and did amazing activities.
    I’d recommend World Campus to anyone who wants to experience Japan in the best possible way. I will always remember my experiences in it, and I’d defiantly say that this program is worth every dollar.
    Avatar Paul George Newman

    The Best Summer of My Life!

    Review by: Paul George Newman , On: 30 Dec 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    2019 Alumni
    I first heard about World Campus through a friend of mine who worked as staff member back in the early 2010’s. I had made a comment how I’ve always wanted to visit Japan, and the way he described World Campus it sounded like the perfect way to do so. After looking into the program, I decided I wanted to get the full bang for my buck and was determined to take all three sessions. After graduating high school, I worked for a few years, applied and dropped out due to lack of funds, and worked until 2019 when I finally had enough to go. I spent almost every dollar I had to join World Campus, and I can safely say It was worth every dollar.
    You experience not only the culture of Japan, but so many sights and sounds. I visited cultural sites, schools, cultural fairs, and almost everything in between. And everywhere I went, I felt welcomed by the incredible communities we worked with. And beyond the fact that you’re in the beautiful country of Japan and experiencing the culture first hand, you make connection with fantastic people who will be apart of your life for as long as you live. In the nine weeks I spent in world campus over the course of the three 2019 sessions, I made so many new friends who were either other students from around the world, or amazing community members whose greatest desire was to show us their amazing country and culture.
    But more than all of that were the host families we stayed with.
    I’ve never experienced such hospitality in my life. Every week, we move cities and stay with new host families who graciously take us in and treat us like one of their own. And frankly, by the end of the week, we were a part of their family. I think that’s the thing I loved most about World Campus. Yes, I got to experience a country I’ve been fascinated with my whole life. Yes, I got to make close friends with people from across the globe. Yes, I came home with enough stories to write a book or two. But more than that, I found a family I never knew I had. In fact, I found several families, all of whom mean more to me then any experience I had (not to say the experiences weren’t phenomenal).
    In World Campus, you get far more than just a trip to Japan, you get the most in depth experience you can possibly get. I stayed for 3 sessions, which took me to 9 different cities in Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Osaka, Nara, Kanagawa, Ibaraki, Chiba, and Tokyo, and in every city we saw amazing sights and did amazing activities.
    I’d recommend World Campus to anyone who wants to experience Japan in the best possible way. I will always remember my experiences in it, and I’d defiantly say that this program is worth every dollar.
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    At first I was afraid and didn't know, what to expect. As a japanology student I knew a lot about Japan already, soI was starting the program with lower expactations. But I was wrong. It was the most amazing and exciting experience of my life! The people, the opportunities, the community... everything was absolutely amazing and it took my breath away! Living with host faamilies and sharing each others culture and opinions and different perspective is very exciting and it opens your mind. Also getting to know other participant's and their differences, I've learned so many thing about various countries which you would never learn at school. You get to do thing you would normally never have a chance to and you get to know Japan and other countries from it's core- Highly recommend!
    Avatar Tereza Kovalská

    Best experience of my life!

    Review by: Tereza Kovalská , On: 11 Nov 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    At first I was afraid and didn't know, what to expect. As a japanology student I knew a lot about Japan already, soI was starting the program with lower expactations. But I was wrong. It was the most amazing and exciting experience of my life! The people, the opportunities, the community... everything was absolutely amazing and it took my breath away! Living with host faamilies and sharing each others culture and opinions and different perspective is very exciting and it opens your mind. Also getting to know other participant's and their differences, I've learned so many thing about various countries which you would never learn at school. You get to do thing you would normally never have a chance to and you get to know Japan and other countries from it's core- Highly recommend!
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    From July 24 to August 12, 2019 I participated in the World Campus Japan program. During my time I explored Mito, Abiko, and Tama with the program, but I also got to see Tokyo and Asakusa with my host families. Although my time in Japan was rather short, it was the best three weeks of my life and I think about it everyday.

    When you participate in the World Campus Japan program you get to experience Japan in an entirely different way, almost as a local. You get to experience home stay, which is the most exciting part of the entire program. You get to experience home cooked Japanese meals, which are delicious. You also get the chance to see how your host family lives, what they do for fun, etc. Even though I only stayed with my host families for a week, I bonded with them all and I still talk to them to this day even though I've been home for two months now. I'm going back to Japan in a couple of months and I've already made plans to visit all of my host families again and I can't wait to see them.

    My review of World Campus Japan wouldn't be complete without mentioning the participants, the counselors, and the program director. My group was rather small, I think there were around twelve of us. We were from all over the world and after spending three weeks doing almost everything together, you get incredibly close with each other. I still speak to some of the participants to this day and I hope that someday we see each other again.

    The counselors in the program were amazing. The other participants and I noticed how hard that they worked for us and we all greatly appreciate it. The counselors have a tough job of running the town/cities that you visit and organizing it all. They also have the job of translating the language so people who can't speak Japanese know what's going on. The counselors are also there for you if you need to talk to them about anything. They are incredible.

    The entire program wouldn't be possible without Hiro, the program director. You have your interview with him before you get accepted into the program and you will be communicating through him all the way until you arrive to Japan. When I participated in the program, it was my first time traveling abroad. Hiro makes everything as simple and smooth as possible. If you have any questions or issues, you can go straight to Hiro and he'll help you. Just like the counselors, he is incredible.

    World Campus Japan is an amazing program that everyone should participate in. You get to make connections in Japan that can last a life time as well as making friends with the other participants. If I could do it all over again, I would.
    Avatar Johnny Pfifer

    A Truly Unique Experience

    Review by: Johnny Pfifer , On: 31 Oct 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    From July 24 to August 12, 2019 I participated in the World Campus Japan program. During my time I explored Mito, Abiko, and Tama with the program, but I also got to see Tokyo and Asakusa with my host families. Although my time in Japan was rather short, it was the best three weeks of my life and I think about it everyday.

    When you participate in the World Campus Japan program you get to experience Japan in an entirely different way, almost as a local. You get to experience home stay, which is the most exciting part of the entire program. You get to experience home cooked Japanese meals, which are delicious. You also get the chance to see how your host family lives, what they do for fun, etc. Even though I only stayed with my host families for a week, I bonded with them all and I still talk to them to this day even though I've been home for two months now. I'm going back to Japan in a couple of months and I've already made plans to visit all of my host families again and I can't wait to see them.

    My review of World Campus Japan wouldn't be complete without mentioning the participants, the counselors, and the program director. My group was rather small, I think there were around twelve of us. We were from all over the world and after spending three weeks doing almost everything together, you get incredibly close with each other. I still speak to some of the participants to this day and I hope that someday we see each other again.

    The counselors in the program were amazing. The other participants and I noticed how hard that they worked for us and we all greatly appreciate it. The counselors have a tough job of running the town/cities that you visit and organizing it all. They also have the job of translating the language so people who can't speak Japanese know what's going on. The counselors are also there for you if you need to talk to them about anything. They are incredible.

    The entire program wouldn't be possible without Hiro, the program director. You have your interview with him before you get accepted into the program and you will be communicating through him all the way until you arrive to Japan. When I participated in the program, it was my first time traveling abroad. Hiro makes everything as simple and smooth as possible. If you have any questions or issues, you can go straight to Hiro and he'll help you. Just like the counselors, he is incredible.

    World Campus Japan is an amazing program that everyone should participate in. You get to make connections in Japan that can last a life time as well as making friends with the other participants. If I could do it all over again, I would.
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    In 2018 I joined World Campus Japan for the second time, but that year i decided to say for two sessions - session 2 and 3 (6 weeks in total). Even though I was a participant at session 2 the previous year, I decided to join again, and I don't regret it even for a second. The amount of memories I have, and the experience I got, is priceless.
    First of all, I got to meet new people from different countries. At the time I was 19 and felt young. Sometimes I wondered "Ok, so, what if I am one of the youngest there?". The answer is that it doesn't matter! I felt like a part of a huge international family. You get to do so many great things together when you attend the activities, and I promise you, you get to have a lot of fun at the Arigato Event (An event where participants dance, show their culture, and say thank you for everything to the families and community). I got to know many amazing people, and some of them I plan on visiting soon in their countries.
    Second of all, the host families. It seems scary at first to stay with people you don't know, but it feels so good after you get to spend time together! I don't really speak any Japanese at all, and we still managed to establish a great connection. I taught them about my country, and they taught me about Japan. It seems like they also rediscovered a bit about Japan as well :) I also tried to teach them English, and I could learn some Japanese. At the end of the program, I could actually understand a bit! I miss all my host families, and I keep in touch with all of them. We exchange messages, and send postcards.
    Third of all, the activities are great. I never felt bored, and I made my comfort zone so much bigger than before I joined World Campus. I got to try Ninja Training, met kids at school, visited a soy sauce factory, played with children, went to Oyama Mountain, made my own chopsticks, interacted with students, and so much more. I felt like not only I was learning about the Japanese culture, but I was also learning about myself.
    If you have the opportunity to join the program - do it! I can't imagine a better trip to Japan, and a better way to spend my vacation-money. You will feel like a part of a huge family!
    Avatar Adriana Maria

    Experience Japan as a local

    Review by: Adriana Maria , On: 30 Mar 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    In 2018 I joined World Campus Japan for the second time, but that year i decided to say for two sessions - session 2 and 3 (6 weeks in total). Even though I was a participant at session 2 the previous year, I decided to join again, and I don't regret it even for a second. The amount of memories I have, and the experience I got, is priceless.
    First of all, I got to meet new people from different countries. At the time I was 19 and felt young. Sometimes I wondered "Ok, so, what if I am one of the youngest there?". The answer is that it doesn't matter! I felt like a part of a huge international family. You get to do so many great things together when you attend the activities, and I promise you, you get to have a lot of fun at the Arigato Event (An event where participants dance, show their culture, and say thank you for everything to the families and community). I got to know many amazing people, and some of them I plan on visiting soon in their countries.
    Second of all, the host families. It seems scary at first to stay with people you don't know, but it feels so good after you get to spend time together! I don't really speak any Japanese at all, and we still managed to establish a great connection. I taught them about my country, and they taught me about Japan. It seems like they also rediscovered a bit about Japan as well :) I also tried to teach them English, and I could learn some Japanese. At the end of the program, I could actually understand a bit! I miss all my host families, and I keep in touch with all of them. We exchange messages, and send postcards.
    Third of all, the activities are great. I never felt bored, and I made my comfort zone so much bigger than before I joined World Campus. I got to try Ninja Training, met kids at school, visited a soy sauce factory, played with children, went to Oyama Mountain, made my own chopsticks, interacted with students, and so much more. I felt like not only I was learning about the Japanese culture, but I was also learning about myself.
    If you have the opportunity to join the program - do it! I can't imagine a better trip to Japan, and a better way to spend my vacation-money. You will feel like a part of a huge family!
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    When I heard about this program from my friend, I immediately decided to apply. I was excited but started to have my doubts about it a week before my flight. I was going far away from my home and all familiar to me for almost a month. But when I arrived, I realized that I had nothing to be afraid of. I met many amazing people from different countries and backgrounds and we did many interesting and exciting things together. From cooking, visiting interesting historical sites and schools to completing a ninja training and dancing at Arigato events. And whenever I had a problem or needed help with anything, the councillors were always ready to assist me with anything, which made the experience even better for me. I've learnt so many things, especially how to work with people from different countries that see things differently than me, how to fit into a community of people even if I don't speak their language and they don't speak mine and also how to be considerate of other cultures and how to work with them. I felt really happy the whole three weeks that I spent with World Campus in Japan and I have many great memories. And I will never forget the great families that I stayed with and all the people I met while being a part of WCJ. They really made me feel like a part of their community and I saw things not only from a tourist's point of view which is a thing that not many other programs can achieve.
    Avatar Anna Kovbuz

    Feel like a local in Japan

    Review by: Anna Kovbuz , On: 28 Feb 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    When I heard about this program from my friend, I immediately decided to apply. I was excited but started to have my doubts about it a week before my flight. I was going far away from my home and all familiar to me for almost a month. But when I arrived, I realized that I had nothing to be afraid of. I met many amazing people from different countries and backgrounds and we did many interesting and exciting things together. From cooking, visiting interesting historical sites and schools to completing a ninja training and dancing at Arigato events. And whenever I had a problem or needed help with anything, the councillors were always ready to assist me with anything, which made the experience even better for me. I've learnt so many things, especially how to work with people from different countries that see things differently than me, how to fit into a community of people even if I don't speak their language and they don't speak mine and also how to be considerate of other cultures and how to work with them. I felt really happy the whole three weeks that I spent with World Campus in Japan and I have many great memories. And I will never forget the great families that I stayed with and all the people I met while being a part of WCJ. They really made me feel like a part of their community and I saw things not only from a tourist's point of view which is a thing that not many other programs can achieve.
    Overall rating 
    9.7
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    8
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    The overall prgramm was a really good experience, at first it's a bit intimidating to meet so many new people at once but there was no reason to be worried at all. The staff and the other participants were nice and all the host-families were welcoming.
    The fear of maybe doing or saying somthing wrong didn't last for long either, because of the help I got from everyone.
    I experienced the japanese livestyle from inside an that in three different households, it seems so different at the beginning and normal at the end because of the great hospitality, I really felt as if I was part of their families.
    I got friends with everyone during those 3 weeks and am still in contact with some of them to this day.
    It was 3 weeks of great people, interesting and fun experiences and a great first time in Japan.
    Avatar Vandervaeren Jean-Michel

    A choice well taken

    Review by: Vandervaeren Jean-Michel , On: 29 Jan 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    The overall prgramm was a really good experience, at first it's a bit intimidating to meet so many new people at once but there was no reason to be worried at all. The staff and the other participants were nice and all the host-families were welcoming.
    The fear of maybe doing or saying somthing wrong didn't last for long either, because of the help I got from everyone.
    I experienced the japanese livestyle from inside an that in three different households, it seems so different at the beginning and normal at the end because of the great hospitality, I really felt as if I was part of their families.
    I got friends with everyone during those 3 weeks and am still in contact with some of them to this day.
    It was 3 weeks of great people, interesting and fun experiences and a great first time in Japan.
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    World Campus... When I write this it's been just over five months since my session ended. And I still think about the people I met in Japan last summer, about the things we did there, all the amazing experiences we had almost every week. It's an experience that stays with you, and can change you for the better. As I explain in the vlog (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqMUv0DQiOE), it got rid of a large part of my performance anxiety. And can you believe it?? I'm actually a part of a dance team now! So many nice team mates and so many fun moments with them, and it's all thanks to World Campus. But that's only the arigato event. World Campus has tons of other stuff to offer. Think shrine visits, traditional Japanese dance, host family days where they take you on a fun day out, visits to schools or universities, museums, and a lot of other things. And one thing that remains constant through it all is the interaction with the locals. There are of course the host families, but also the local volunteers who help make that particular week a success, random people you might meet somewhere, or people who make individual activities possible. After World Campus is over, you'll have gained a deep understanding of Japan, the Japanese, and their culture in the way a regular tourist never could have.

    Another constant is the other participants. It's hard to imagine if you've never done something like World Campus, but it's amazing how close you'll grow to the other participants. Don't underestimate how close you'll grow to a group of friendly, like-minded people roughly your age from all over the world that you spend so much time and share so many amazing experiences with. The group truly fosters a great environment to have World Campus in.

    And how could I forget. The wonderful staff! Travelling together with the participants are some staff members who guide the participants and are responsible for all kinds of things. They are very nice people and do an excellent job. Not only at organising and guiding, but whenever needed, you can always talk with them about whatever it is that's bothering you. They're not called counsellors without good reason ;)
    Avatar Stijn Bekker

    World Campus will stay with me. Always.

    Review by: Stijn Bekker , On: 16 Jan 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    World Campus... When I write this it's been just over five months since my session ended. And I still think about the people I met in Japan last summer, about the things we did there, all the amazing experiences we had almost every week. It's an experience that stays with you, and can change you for the better. As I explain in the vlog (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqMUv0DQiOE), it got rid of a large part of my performance anxiety. And can you believe it?? I'm actually a part of a dance team now! So many nice team mates and so many fun moments with them, and it's all thanks to World Campus. But that's only the arigato event. World Campus has tons of other stuff to offer. Think shrine visits, traditional Japanese dance, host family days where they take you on a fun day out, visits to schools or universities, museums, and a lot of other things. And one thing that remains constant through it all is the interaction with the locals. There are of course the host families, but also the local volunteers who help make that particular week a success, random people you might meet somewhere, or people who make individual activities possible. After World Campus is over, you'll have gained a deep understanding of Japan, the Japanese, and their culture in the way a regular tourist never could have.

    Another constant is the other participants. It's hard to imagine if you've never done something like World Campus, but it's amazing how close you'll grow to the other participants. Don't underestimate how close you'll grow to a group of friendly, like-minded people roughly your age from all over the world that you spend so much time and share so many amazing experiences with. The group truly fosters a great environment to have World Campus in.

    And how could I forget. The wonderful staff! Travelling together with the participants are some staff members who guide the participants and are responsible for all kinds of things. They are very nice people and do an excellent job. Not only at organising and guiding, but whenever needed, you can always talk with them about whatever it is that's bothering you. They're not called counsellors without good reason ;)
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    In the year 2016 I had my first experience of Japan, and I’m very happy that it was with World Campus. It’s a while ago by now, so my review is a little late. But that doesn’t change the fact that I remember my time with World Campus as a very good and fun experience where I could learn a lot and meet a lot of new friendly people from over the world.

    With World Campus Japan it’s possible to experience Japan in a way that you would never do if you go as a tourist. I haven’t been to Japan as a tourist yet, so I guess I can’t actually make a comparison. But I honestly think it would be incomparable (I will see in the summer when I’m going back to Japan as a tourist). What I know for sure though is that you don’t get the same experience as a transfer student; after I had been to the first session of World Campus Japan 2016 I went as a transfer student to Tokyo. And while I had fun in Tokyo as well and got to meet a lot of new friendly people, there is nothing like my time in Omura, Arao and Kumamoto with World Campus.

    The way I got to be a part of Japanese families during my stay and in a direct way learn about Japan was my favorite part of the program. They gave me a place to sleep, a chance to try amazing Japanese food and the possibility to get to know and learn about them. At the same time though, visiting Japanese schools, trying to do Kyuudo(and failing…) and even visiting a Japanese sword smith along with all the other activities were all great in their own ways and gave a special insight into Japan. I never thought that I would rather be doing something else than doing the activities with the rest of the group.

    I would recommend this program to anyone with an interest in Japan. I love it and while I haven’t had the opportunity to go again because of studies and work, I really hope I can go again soon!
    Avatar Towa Svensson

    An experience of Japan like no other

    Review by: Towa Svensson , On: 16 Jan 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    In the year 2016 I had my first experience of Japan, and I’m very happy that it was with World Campus. It’s a while ago by now, so my review is a little late. But that doesn’t change the fact that I remember my time with World Campus as a very good and fun experience where I could learn a lot and meet a lot of new friendly people from over the world.

    With World Campus Japan it’s possible to experience Japan in a way that you would never do if you go as a tourist. I haven’t been to Japan as a tourist yet, so I guess I can’t actually make a comparison. But I honestly think it would be incomparable (I will see in the summer when I’m going back to Japan as a tourist). What I know for sure though is that you don’t get the same experience as a transfer student; after I had been to the first session of World Campus Japan 2016 I went as a transfer student to Tokyo. And while I had fun in Tokyo as well and got to meet a lot of new friendly people, there is nothing like my time in Omura, Arao and Kumamoto with World Campus.

    The way I got to be a part of Japanese families during my stay and in a direct way learn about Japan was my favorite part of the program. They gave me a place to sleep, a chance to try amazing Japanese food and the possibility to get to know and learn about them. At the same time though, visiting Japanese schools, trying to do Kyuudo(and failing…) and even visiting a Japanese sword smith along with all the other activities were all great in their own ways and gave a special insight into Japan. I never thought that I would rather be doing something else than doing the activities with the rest of the group.

    I would recommend this program to anyone with an interest in Japan. I love it and while I haven’t had the opportunity to go again because of studies and work, I really hope I can go again soon!
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    I have travelled with WCI every year since 2013, and since 2014 as a program counselor. I would like to share my experience with WCI after 6 years of travelling with them. Before my WCI days, I travelled to Japan two other times, once in an academic context and once as a tourist with friends. In my experience, World Campus is hands down the best way to experience Japan, and an opportunity to develop yourself as a person.

    The first main feature of WCI I would like to emphasize is the host families. Each perticipant stays with one family for each week, and it is amazing how deep a bond can form in such a short time. I have made many life-long friendships with my host families based just on the one week I stayed with them, and am still in regular contact with them. Staying with a host family also gives you something you could never get as a tourist - a close experience of the real Japanese culture. I'm not talking about the "billboard culture" that is served to tourists, but the daily lives of Japanese people, and by staying with three host families, you will get a good picture of their lifestyle.

    We usually have participants from over 10 different countries, and I have also made many international friends for life from our own participants and from the Japanese communities we have visited.

    The second main feature is the hands-on curriculum. By living the Japanese culture and participating in the local Japanese communities we become familiar with Japanese culture by doing rather than by reading. By living like the Japanese for a few weeks we also become more aware of the peculiarities of our own cultures, in everything from your daily routines to the structure of the family and community.

    I would recommend the World Campus - Japan program to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons, learn about their own and other cultures, and meet great people.
    Avatar Espen Nielsen

    The best way to experience Japan

    Review by: Espen Nielsen , On: 15 Jan 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    I have travelled with WCI every year since 2013, and since 2014 as a program counselor. I would like to share my experience with WCI after 6 years of travelling with them. Before my WCI days, I travelled to Japan two other times, once in an academic context and once as a tourist with friends. In my experience, World Campus is hands down the best way to experience Japan, and an opportunity to develop yourself as a person.

    The first main feature of WCI I would like to emphasize is the host families. Each perticipant stays with one family for each week, and it is amazing how deep a bond can form in such a short time. I have made many life-long friendships with my host families based just on the one week I stayed with them, and am still in regular contact with them. Staying with a host family also gives you something you could never get as a tourist - a close experience of the real Japanese culture. I'm not talking about the "billboard culture" that is served to tourists, but the daily lives of Japanese people, and by staying with three host families, you will get a good picture of their lifestyle.

    We usually have participants from over 10 different countries, and I have also made many international friends for life from our own participants and from the Japanese communities we have visited.

    The second main feature is the hands-on curriculum. By living the Japanese culture and participating in the local Japanese communities we become familiar with Japanese culture by doing rather than by reading. By living like the Japanese for a few weeks we also become more aware of the peculiarities of our own cultures, in everything from your daily routines to the structure of the family and community.

    I would recommend the World Campus - Japan program to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons, learn about their own and other cultures, and meet great people.
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    Hello,

    My name is Bror and I was a participant in world campus the summer of 2018, I participated in session 2 and 3 which was in Osaka, Nara, Isehara, Mito, Abiko and Tama. In this program we had 1 week per area and 1 host family per area. I decided to go for 2 sessions instead of doing one.

    I cannot overstate how great my experience with world campus was, it was truly one of the best things in my life.

    Needless to say, this has been one of the best experiences of my life, not only have I gotten many contacts in terms of host families but I have also got multiple Japanese friends in Japan, furthermore I have some amazing people which was participating in the program with me.

    If you’re looking for a great experience in Japan, this is it
    Avatar Bror Johannes Tidemand Ruud

    Best way to get introduced to Japan from an inside perspective

    Review by: Bror Johannes Tidemand Ruud , On: 15 Jan 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    Hello,

    My name is Bror and I was a participant in world campus the summer of 2018, I participated in session 2 and 3 which was in Osaka, Nara, Isehara, Mito, Abiko and Tama. In this program we had 1 week per area and 1 host family per area. I decided to go for 2 sessions instead of doing one.

    I cannot overstate how great my experience with world campus was, it was truly one of the best things in my life.

    Needless to say, this has been one of the best experiences of my life, not only have I gotten many contacts in terms of host families but I have also got multiple Japanese friends in Japan, furthermore I have some amazing people which was participating in the program with me.

    If you’re looking for a great experience in Japan, this is it
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    Hey,
    i am a student who spent a few months in Japan during the summer 2018, and was invited by a friend to join World Campus during my trip. It turned out to be one of the greatest experiences i had in Japan.
    Of course, i was a bit nervous when i arrived. During my last two months, i had been traveling alone, or with random people i meet, and didn't really know how it would be to be living with a Japanese family, or traveling with a group of people i had never meet before. Turns out, it is actually very nice.

    Being introduced to your first host family is always a scary moment. I worried a lot about my very limited Japanese, how i would fit in, and so on. Turns out, worrying was a complete waste of time. I was welcomed into their home, and quickly felt like part of the family. While the language barrier was there, it could largely be ignored. I got to say a lot of what i wanted to say, partly through a mix of Japanese and English, and also through the use of pictures and body language. With the second family, i was already a lot more confident, and ended up making some really good friends, who i still talk to.

    The world campus group is filled with very different people, with all kinds of cultures, interests and jobs. But they all have a few things in common, like their interest in the World Campus and Japan, and you quickly end up bonding around it. I made a lot of friends, who i hope to meet again the next time i have the opportunity to travel with World Campus International.

    I have also never experienced so much about another culture as during my trip in Japan with World Campus. While you will get the opportunity to see a few of the common tourist sights, you will also see a lot more of the real culture. You will get to meet mayors of the towns, visit local schools, talk to survivors of the atomic bombs, and so much more.

    If you are interested in travelling to Japan to experience the Japanese lifestyle, and to understand the culture, or to make friends, both with the members of World Campus International, and with the members of your host families, then world campus is for you.

    Hope to see you soon!
    Avatar Simen Meidell

    My greatest experience abroad!

    Review by: Simen Meidell , On: 08 Jan 2019 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    Hey,
    i am a student who spent a few months in Japan during the summer 2018, and was invited by a friend to join World Campus during my trip. It turned out to be one of the greatest experiences i had in Japan.
    Of course, i was a bit nervous when i arrived. During my last two months, i had been traveling alone, or with random people i meet, and didn't really know how it would be to be living with a Japanese family, or traveling with a group of people i had never meet before. Turns out, it is actually very nice.

    Being introduced to your first host family is always a scary moment. I worried a lot about my very limited Japanese, how i would fit in, and so on. Turns out, worrying was a complete waste of time. I was welcomed into their home, and quickly felt like part of the family. While the language barrier was there, it could largely be ignored. I got to say a lot of what i wanted to say, partly through a mix of Japanese and English, and also through the use of pictures and body language. With the second family, i was already a lot more confident, and ended up making some really good friends, who i still talk to.

    The world campus group is filled with very different people, with all kinds of cultures, interests and jobs. But they all have a few things in common, like their interest in the World Campus and Japan, and you quickly end up bonding around it. I made a lot of friends, who i hope to meet again the next time i have the opportunity to travel with World Campus International.

    I have also never experienced so much about another culture as during my trip in Japan with World Campus. While you will get the opportunity to see a few of the common tourist sights, you will also see a lot more of the real culture. You will get to meet mayors of the towns, visit local schools, talk to survivors of the atomic bombs, and so much more.

    If you are interested in travelling to Japan to experience the Japanese lifestyle, and to understand the culture, or to make friends, both with the members of World Campus International, and with the members of your host families, then world campus is for you.

    Hope to see you soon!
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    I have always wanted to travel to Japan and experience the culture and beauty of the country. When I heard about this program I was instantly intrigued because I realized going with WCI program was the ultimate way of experiencing Japan. If I ever were to travel to japan i would probably just see Tokyo and other typical tourist things. But with WCI I got to meet Japanese people and experience their culture.

    Going to Japan with WCI was one of the best things I have ever done. I have never done this kind of culture trip before and it felt good to travel with my friend Sofia(we study the same program at our university). But I believe that you don't have to be afraid to travel alone because everyone are super friendly, caring and super nice. My three host families were so amazing and generous. They became my family during the time I was in the three different cities. Even though I didn't know any Japanese the communication worked perfectly and we had so much fun. The most imporatant thing is that you are nice to your host families and talk with them and you will have an amazing time.

    I was with session 1 and we were a small group but such an amazing and fun group with wonderful people. What I loved most was the fact that everyone in the group wanted to be there and experience Japan together. Everyone had something that they loved about Japan or wanted to experience which made the group just amazing to hang around with. I made so many new friends and we did fun things together and talked about our lives. It was just a perfect and incredible journey we did together.

    The activities we did together was fun and interesting. We went to schools and interacted with children. We experience japanese culture when we tried on Shorinji kempo, Kyudo and other amazing things. This is was i loved most about the program, all of these things we did was thanks to WCI and I would have never been able to do these things on my own. Therefore, if you want to experience the most of Japan, then I promise you that the WCI program is the best for that. Also, at the end of every stay with the host families we have the Arigatou Event. It is the most fun and awesome night where we thank our host families and dance, show our culture, sing, party, have fun etc. Don't be afraid to have super fun and go all in. :D

    In conclusion, I had the most wonderful and amzing adventure of my life in Japan, thanks to WCI. I met new people from all corners of the world and we experienced Japan together. If you wanna have a time of your life, then join WCI program. Also, it does not hurt if you love Japanese food(which I do). You will be in food heaven.
    Avatar Thomas Folke Joakim Jinton

    First time in Japan

    Review by: Thomas Folke Joakim Jinton , On: 10 Dec 2018 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    I have always wanted to travel to Japan and experience the culture and beauty of the country. When I heard about this program I was instantly intrigued because I realized going with WCI program was the ultimate way of experiencing Japan. If I ever were to travel to japan i would probably just see Tokyo and other typical tourist things. But with WCI I got to meet Japanese people and experience their culture.

    Going to Japan with WCI was one of the best things I have ever done. I have never done this kind of culture trip before and it felt good to travel with my friend Sofia(we study the same program at our university). But I believe that you don't have to be afraid to travel alone because everyone are super friendly, caring and super nice. My three host families were so amazing and generous. They became my family during the time I was in the three different cities. Even though I didn't know any Japanese the communication worked perfectly and we had so much fun. The most imporatant thing is that you are nice to your host families and talk with them and you will have an amazing time.

    I was with session 1 and we were a small group but such an amazing and fun group with wonderful people. What I loved most was the fact that everyone in the group wanted to be there and experience Japan together. Everyone had something that they loved about Japan or wanted to experience which made the group just amazing to hang around with. I made so many new friends and we did fun things together and talked about our lives. It was just a perfect and incredible journey we did together.

    The activities we did together was fun and interesting. We went to schools and interacted with children. We experience japanese culture when we tried on Shorinji kempo, Kyudo and other amazing things. This is was i loved most about the program, all of these things we did was thanks to WCI and I would have never been able to do these things on my own. Therefore, if you want to experience the most of Japan, then I promise you that the WCI program is the best for that. Also, at the end of every stay with the host families we have the Arigatou Event. It is the most fun and awesome night where we thank our host families and dance, show our culture, sing, party, have fun etc. Don't be afraid to have super fun and go all in. :D

    In conclusion, I had the most wonderful and amzing adventure of my life in Japan, thanks to WCI. I met new people from all corners of the world and we experienced Japan together. If you wanna have a time of your life, then join WCI program. Also, it does not hurt if you love Japanese food(which I do). You will be in food heaven.
    Overall rating 
    9.7
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    8
    Health and Safety
    10
    I've participated in World Campus 3 times now, in 2014, 2016, and 2018. I really can't overstate how meaningful of an experience my time with World Campus has been.

    When I first signed up for World Campus, I was only 18, and I had never even been on a plane by myself before, let alone left the country solo. I was excited, but I was also incredibly nervous. Would I make friends? Would I be safe? Would I get along with my host families? As soon as I arrived at the airport in Japan, I knew I would have nothing to worry about. Hiro greeted me warmly after walking me through every step of the traveling process, and as soon as I met my host family they treated me like I was one of their own children. All of the other participants were immediately warm and welcoming to me, and I realized that I had no reason to feel shy. I, an American, immediately made lifelong friends from places like Norway, Poland, Denmark, Canada, China, Sweden, and the UK.

    The close bonds I made that first year have lasted and remained just as strong as they were when we met. I am so close to the host families that I stayed with during World Campus that when I returned to Japan for a year long study abroad in college, I spent the New Year's holidays at their home, welcomed in as part of their family. The kindness and bond I felt from my host families is like nothing I have ever felt before; it truly feels like family to me. Even with my imperfect Japanese, we stay in communication even now.

    The cultural experiences World Campus hosted allowed me to make friends with Japanese people my age, as well as become close to members of the local community. I got to try things like traditional taiko drums, naginata, making sushi, and going to fireworks festivals. These are things I could never have tried at home, or even going to Japan as a tourist. That's the best part of World Campus to me; you're not just a tourist seeing Tokyo, you're experiencing Japanese culture and daily life the way the Japanese do, as well as being part of a family.

    No matter if you can speak Japanese or not, and even if you've never been abroad before, I would recommend World Campus to everybody. It's a truly incredible program that has changed my life and the lives of other young participants, and I wouldn't trade my memories of it for the world.
    Avatar Sydney DeBoer

    Changed my life and made me love Japan!

    Review by: Sydney DeBoer , On: 14 Nov 2018 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    I've participated in World Campus 3 times now, in 2014, 2016, and 2018. I really can't overstate how meaningful of an experience my time with World Campus has been.

    When I first signed up for World Campus, I was only 18, and I had never even been on a plane by myself before, let alone left the country solo. I was excited, but I was also incredibly nervous. Would I make friends? Would I be safe? Would I get along with my host families? As soon as I arrived at the airport in Japan, I knew I would have nothing to worry about. Hiro greeted me warmly after walking me through every step of the traveling process, and as soon as I met my host family they treated me like I was one of their own children. All of the other participants were immediately warm and welcoming to me, and I realized that I had no reason to feel shy. I, an American, immediately made lifelong friends from places like Norway, Poland, Denmark, Canada, China, Sweden, and the UK.

    The close bonds I made that first year have lasted and remained just as strong as they were when we met. I am so close to the host families that I stayed with during World Campus that when I returned to Japan for a year long study abroad in college, I spent the New Year's holidays at their home, welcomed in as part of their family. The kindness and bond I felt from my host families is like nothing I have ever felt before; it truly feels like family to me. Even with my imperfect Japanese, we stay in communication even now.

    The cultural experiences World Campus hosted allowed me to make friends with Japanese people my age, as well as become close to members of the local community. I got to try things like traditional taiko drums, naginata, making sushi, and going to fireworks festivals. These are things I could never have tried at home, or even going to Japan as a tourist. That's the best part of World Campus to me; you're not just a tourist seeing Tokyo, you're experiencing Japanese culture and daily life the way the Japanese do, as well as being part of a family.

    No matter if you can speak Japanese or not, and even if you've never been abroad before, I would recommend World Campus to everybody. It's a truly incredible program that has changed my life and the lives of other young participants, and I wouldn't trade my memories of it for the world.
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    I chose World Campus International because of the amazing pictures, videos, and reviews from participants. I loved the international feeling of the program, bringing in people from various countries such as Norway, Sweden, China, and the USA.

    My experience abroad was unique because I had a wonderful group of fellow participants. We spent most of our days together and developed amazing friendships that still connect us today. We bonded over bus-rides, jumped in the water as ninjas, and climbed to the top of mountains together. It was amazing because everyone is very different, but we were united by our experience in WCI and love for Japan! My favorite part was definitely the people. I loved my experience speaking and living with Japanese natives. I had the opportunity to learn about their day-to-day and just connect with them through having fun! I loved spending my free time with my host family. I got to know the children of my families and we had a great time playing and making crafts. I also enjoyed exploring Japan with fellow participants, going to Sunshine City, Karaoke, and PuriKura, among other amazing places.

    I would recommend WCI 100%! This program is both formative and fun, allowing participants to grow and make meaningful connections that last a life time. I will be back in Summer 2019 and look forward to seeing you there as well!
    Avatar Yusi W

    An unforgettable summer!

    Review by: Yusi W , On: 27 Oct 2018 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    I chose World Campus International because of the amazing pictures, videos, and reviews from participants. I loved the international feeling of the program, bringing in people from various countries such as Norway, Sweden, China, and the USA.

    My experience abroad was unique because I had a wonderful group of fellow participants. We spent most of our days together and developed amazing friendships that still connect us today. We bonded over bus-rides, jumped in the water as ninjas, and climbed to the top of mountains together. It was amazing because everyone is very different, but we were united by our experience in WCI and love for Japan! My favorite part was definitely the people. I loved my experience speaking and living with Japanese natives. I had the opportunity to learn about their day-to-day and just connect with them through having fun! I loved spending my free time with my host family. I got to know the children of my families and we had a great time playing and making crafts. I also enjoyed exploring Japan with fellow participants, going to Sunshine City, Karaoke, and PuriKura, among other amazing places.

    I would recommend WCI 100%! This program is both formative and fun, allowing participants to grow and make meaningful connections that last a life time. I will be back in Summer 2019 and look forward to seeing you there as well!
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    For a long time it was a great wish to visit Japan. Then I learned about World Campus Japan and everything became better than expected.

    The program gives only a hint of all the experience. It starts with the staff who organized the whole trip just perfect. And there is a lot of organization. Supported by local people and the families who allowed us to live in their homes.

    I was really lucky with my two families. To me it felt, on both places, as I would be part of the family. They showed us their places, we were invited to their friends, we tasted many dishes and cooked it together. I felt welcome and pampered.

    The program is a brilliant mix of culture, sports, nature, food and communication with people from every age group. We were invited to a tea ceremony, to a Kendo show, into a temple and so much more. We visited schools and a retirement home and a maple plantation. We saw an anime and after that we had the opportunity to talk to the filmmaker. The potluck parties at the end of every part were another of so many highlights. No, the whole trip was a highlight!

    I’m grateful for all the experience I gained. Back at home it took me a while to process all the impressions. I still stay in contact with the families and most of the other people I met there.

    This insight into Japan is really unique. I now nothing comparable that brings you closer to this great country. With all the colorful parts and friendly people. I was overwhelmed and still are, thinking of the time in Uda and Suita.

    Thanks to Hiro and all his helping hands!
    I benefitted so much from this program! It was worth every single Yen!
    Avatar Jacqueline

    World Campus Japan for ever

    Review by: Jacqueline , On: 11 Mar 2018 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    For a long time it was a great wish to visit Japan. Then I learned about World Campus Japan and everything became better than expected.

    The program gives only a hint of all the experience. It starts with the staff who organized the whole trip just perfect. And there is a lot of organization. Supported by local people and the families who allowed us to live in their homes.

    I was really lucky with my two families. To me it felt, on both places, as I would be part of the family. They showed us their places, we were invited to their friends, we tasted many dishes and cooked it together. I felt welcome and pampered.

    The program is a brilliant mix of culture, sports, nature, food and communication with people from every age group. We were invited to a tea ceremony, to a Kendo show, into a temple and so much more. We visited schools and a retirement home and a maple plantation. We saw an anime and after that we had the opportunity to talk to the filmmaker. The potluck parties at the end of every part were another of so many highlights. No, the whole trip was a highlight!

    I’m grateful for all the experience I gained. Back at home it took me a while to process all the impressions. I still stay in contact with the families and most of the other people I met there.

    This insight into Japan is really unique. I now nothing comparable that brings you closer to this great country. With all the colorful parts and friendly people. I was overwhelmed and still are, thinking of the time in Uda and Suita.

    Thanks to Hiro and all his helping hands!
    I benefitted so much from this program! It was worth every single Yen!
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    So this year (2017) I joined WCI Japan again, and I can honestly say that I had an even better experience than last time. So many fun and interesting people made the weeks fly by as if it was an instant. Some of my best friends I've made because of world campus. With crazy Czechs, Colombian pranksters and comedic Americans you will do daily activities like the field trips back from school days. Classical Japanese artforms like Kyudo, Taiko and Kendo, visiting schools from elementary all the way up to university, wandering deep into bamboo forests, shrines and temples left, right and center- it is a hands on curriculum for sure. Doesn't that sound great?- I tell you it is.

    If you choose to join, you will enlarge your family- there is no denying it. I still keep in touch with my host families and I do get that warm feeling inside when I think of my time spent with World Campus International Japan. Finally a word of warning though. The culinary explosion of deliciousness on your pallet during your stay, might cause an addiction. For me it is soba, and I can tell you it is hard to find good soba in Sweden. //Daniel Solvold
    Avatar Daniel Solvold

    Second time around

    Review by: Daniel Solvold , On: 17 Oct 2017 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    So this year (2017) I joined WCI Japan again, and I can honestly say that I had an even better experience than last time. So many fun and interesting people made the weeks fly by as if it was an instant. Some of my best friends I've made because of world campus. With crazy Czechs, Colombian pranksters and comedic Americans you will do daily activities like the field trips back from school days. Classical Japanese artforms like Kyudo, Taiko and Kendo, visiting schools from elementary all the way up to university, wandering deep into bamboo forests, shrines and temples left, right and center- it is a hands on curriculum for sure. Doesn't that sound great?- I tell you it is.

    If you choose to join, you will enlarge your family- there is no denying it. I still keep in touch with my host families and I do get that warm feeling inside when I think of my time spent with World Campus International Japan. Finally a word of warning though. The culinary explosion of deliciousness on your pallet during your stay, might cause an addiction. For me it is soba, and I can tell you it is hard to find good soba in Sweden. //Daniel Solvold
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    This program is a great way to get a taste of Japan and its culture. When you want to know the Japanese culture is something for you, then this program is a good option to consider. Everything is well planned and makes sure that everyone has an activity that they like and will learn from. For me personally the host families were the best part. They will do their best to make you feel a part of their family. I assure you that the bond you make will remain with you forever. For people who are learning Japanese this program is a good option to help improve their Japanese and confidence. In general this program is a quick way to have fun and get new experiences, but you also get lots of chances do do something for the natives in return.
    Avatar Arthur Bettens

    Amazing introduction to Japan

    Review by: Arthur Bettens , On: 22 Sep 2017 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    This program is a great way to get a taste of Japan and its culture. When you want to know the Japanese culture is something for you, then this program is a good option to consider. Everything is well planned and makes sure that everyone has an activity that they like and will learn from. For me personally the host families were the best part. They will do their best to make you feel a part of their family. I assure you that the bond you make will remain with you forever. For people who are learning Japanese this program is a good option to help improve their Japanese and confidence. In general this program is a quick way to have fun and get new experiences, but you also get lots of chances do do something for the natives in return.
    Overall rating 
    9.7
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    8
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    I came into contact with this program through an alumni of World Campus Japan who had joined the previous year and although she told me incredible stories, it couldn't compare to experiencing it myself for me. There are multiple things that make this program so special for me. The group, the host families and also the activities all contributed to making my participation making a very unique experience and I will tell a little bit about each of them.

    First of all, the host families. Every host family will take you as part of their family for one week and also after that. They are excited to learn about you, your country and customs and also are very willing to share theirs. You become part of their family. Even now I still keep in touch with the families I stayed with.
    Next a little bit about the activities. Not every activity might sound as interesting as some others, but there’s a lot of variation and if you put in a little effort, it will pay back double. For every activity, there are people that made efforts to organize something worthwhile and will be an unique experience and they are incredibly fun and sometimes also very educational. Having activities daily for 3 weeks does sound very tiring, but every week there will be a day you’ll spend with your host family and a free day off where you can decide on your own how to spend it.
    Then a little bit about the group. When I joined the program in the 3rd session, it started out as a group of fellow participants from different countries. Over the course of 3 weeks I learned a lot about them, their respective countries and I now call most of them my friends. During the program you spend a lot of time with these people and naturally you’ll get along better with some, but after I got back home, I missed every one of them.

    One session is 3 weeks with a group of people you barely know at the beginning, and at least 3 different host families, the program is packed full of activities, but it doesn’t get tiresome at all. The people you’ll meet are very nice and usually like-minded people. This program asks you to give a little bit of yourself, but you’ll definitely be rewarded with one of the most unique inside experiences to Japan. And the chance of keeping in contact with AT LEAST one person who lives outside your country are incredibly high.
    Avatar Sabine Boom

    Japan of the Japanese

    Review by: Sabine Boom , On: 05 Mar 2017 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    I came into contact with this program through an alumni of World Campus Japan who had joined the previous year and although she told me incredible stories, it couldn't compare to experiencing it myself for me. There are multiple things that make this program so special for me. The group, the host families and also the activities all contributed to making my participation making a very unique experience and I will tell a little bit about each of them.

    First of all, the host families. Every host family will take you as part of their family for one week and also after that. They are excited to learn about you, your country and customs and also are very willing to share theirs. You become part of their family. Even now I still keep in touch with the families I stayed with.
    Next a little bit about the activities. Not every activity might sound as interesting as some others, but there’s a lot of variation and if you put in a little effort, it will pay back double. For every activity, there are people that made efforts to organize something worthwhile and will be an unique experience and they are incredibly fun and sometimes also very educational. Having activities daily for 3 weeks does sound very tiring, but every week there will be a day you’ll spend with your host family and a free day off where you can decide on your own how to spend it.
    Then a little bit about the group. When I joined the program in the 3rd session, it started out as a group of fellow participants from different countries. Over the course of 3 weeks I learned a lot about them, their respective countries and I now call most of them my friends. During the program you spend a lot of time with these people and naturally you’ll get along better with some, but after I got back home, I missed every one of them.

    One session is 3 weeks with a group of people you barely know at the beginning, and at least 3 different host families, the program is packed full of activities, but it doesn’t get tiresome at all. The people you’ll meet are very nice and usually like-minded people. This program asks you to give a little bit of yourself, but you’ll definitely be rewarded with one of the most unique inside experiences to Japan. And the chance of keeping in contact with AT LEAST one person who lives outside your country are incredibly high.
    Overall rating 
    9.7
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    8
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    Hi,
    This Programm is all about showing people Japan and showing Japanese other people. It's a simple way of experiencing the Japanese and their lifestyle, that being living with them. If you are looking for a Programm in which you will
    - Learn about Japan & the Japanese people
    - Learn about their culture
    - Experience Japanese Festivals
    ( - Go To JAPAN!)
    - Eat many kinds of Foods (The Host-Families try very hard - it's almst all delicious)
    (*cough* Nato *cough*)
    - Get to know many People
    - etc.

    Then you should consider checking out the Webpage for Details.

    If you struggle with Embarrassing situations, Too many new people or are a very untrusting person AND are not ready enough to try to fix those things then you may end up in some unenjoyable situations. However the Staff are there to help and they ensure a safe environment where all things that do not cause physical damage to simply be laughed off. (I ran into a lot of such ... special situations ... i got the nickname Anime Protagonist ... )

    The main things i gained from this Programm are:
    - A great Holiday with a lot of Fun with new Friends around the Globe
    - Places in Japan i can call home
    - Pictures to remember
    - I matured a lot as a person (i used to think americans were fools - after meting some i thought they werent actually all that bad ... then Trump happened so yeah)(point is i learned that "American A" is not the same as "American B")
    - I am confidant i could now survie in Japan on my own - nowhere close enough to "Live" there but i have learnt enough to survive there ... probably

    Conclusion:
    I recommend this to Everyne who A. has some spare money B. has an interest in Japan and C. wants to grow as a person
    I do not recommend it to those who are A. very easily Tired B. extremly shy or C. can't handle making a leap of Faith (cause you travel alone to another country and that can be scary) However if you think that these do apply to you and you want to try this programm anyways try contacting WCI and the Staff will do their best to support you.
    Avatar Michael Griffiths

    Experiencing another way of Life

    Review by: Michael Griffiths , On: 11 Dec 2016 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    Hi,
    This Programm is all about showing people Japan and showing Japanese other people. It's a simple way of experiencing the Japanese and their lifestyle, that being living with them. If you are looking for a Programm in which you will
    - Learn about Japan & the Japanese people
    - Learn about their culture
    - Experience Japanese Festivals
    ( - Go To JAPAN!)
    - Eat many kinds of Foods (The Host-Families try very hard - it's almst all delicious)
    (*cough* Nato *cough*)
    - Get to know many People
    - etc.

    Then you should consider checking out the Webpage for Details.

    If you struggle with Embarrassing situations, Too many new people or are a very untrusting person AND are not ready enough to try to fix those things then you may end up in some unenjoyable situations. However the Staff are there to help and they ensure a safe environment where all things that do not cause physical damage to simply be laughed off. (I ran into a lot of such ... special situations ... i got the nickname Anime Protagonist ... )

    The main things i gained from this Programm are:
    - A great Holiday with a lot of Fun with new Friends around the Globe
    - Places in Japan i can call home
    - Pictures to remember
    - I matured a lot as a person (i used to think americans were fools - after meting some i thought they werent actually all that bad ... then Trump happened so yeah)(point is i learned that "American A" is not the same as "American B")
    - I am confidant i could now survie in Japan on my own - nowhere close enough to "Live" there but i have learnt enough to survive there ... probably

    Conclusion:
    I recommend this to Everyne who A. has some spare money B. has an interest in Japan and C. wants to grow as a person
    I do not recommend it to those who are A. very easily Tired B. extremly shy or C. can't handle making a leap of Faith (cause you travel alone to another country and that can be scary) However if you think that these do apply to you and you want to try this programm anyways try contacting WCI and the Staff will do their best to support you.
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    So I had a great time in Japan and it turned out that this program fitted me perfectly. For the last year before participating I've studied Japanese and it was a good way to put it into practice. The program doesn't require any knowledge in the language but if you do, or want to do you will get a lot of opportunities to practise while taking part in great communities. Anything from learning how to cook Japanese omelett to cutting bamboo in the forest. Weather you want to visit every shrine in sight or just want to stay around a camp fire with your host family and their friends, -turning into a dance party, this program is simply put full of opportunities and it is great. It is a great moral boost to be surrounded by 40 school children calling out your name. And the best part, except for all the nice people and delicious food, the only thing that is required from you is that you are decent and have an interest, how great isn't that? :D

    The only downside to this program is that after weeks you will have to leave your family (not your host family but family- period) and friends. Thank ... what ever or whomever you want to thank, for the internet so that you could keep in touch. Loved it!
    Avatar Daniel Solvold

    A Great Experience

    Review by: Daniel Solvold , On: 28 Nov 2016 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    So I had a great time in Japan and it turned out that this program fitted me perfectly. For the last year before participating I've studied Japanese and it was a good way to put it into practice. The program doesn't require any knowledge in the language but if you do, or want to do you will get a lot of opportunities to practise while taking part in great communities. Anything from learning how to cook Japanese omelett to cutting bamboo in the forest. Weather you want to visit every shrine in sight or just want to stay around a camp fire with your host family and their friends, -turning into a dance party, this program is simply put full of opportunities and it is great. It is a great moral boost to be surrounded by 40 school children calling out your name. And the best part, except for all the nice people and delicious food, the only thing that is required from you is that you are decent and have an interest, how great isn't that? :D

    The only downside to this program is that after weeks you will have to leave your family (not your host family but family- period) and friends. Thank ... what ever or whomever you want to thank, for the internet so that you could keep in touch. Loved it!
    Overall rating 
    9.7
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    8
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    What this program offers is a unique experience you can't really get anywhere else: the chance to have a look at Japan and its people from an inside perspective. In every city you visit, you'll become a part of a new family. In fact the host parents often insisted that I call them 'Mother' and 'Father' in Japanese. And when I left, each family always told me that I was welcome to stay in their home any time- several even called me 'Our new son'. Don't worry about the language barrier, because you can always work your way around that, and if all else fails, you can call the staff and have them translate for you.
    You could potentially experience something similar by staying in Japan as an exchange student for an extended period of time, but this program offers you the chance to have this experience in at least 3 different families over the course of 3-9 weeks. Add to that the truly unique experiences on offer, like getting to meet and speak with a survivor of the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and you've got something that's really special.
    The relationship you'll build with your fellow participants from all over the world is yet another great aspect. I've personally made friends across several continents and regions of the world as a result of my participation. And the way that the staff and their local partners take care of you is just amazing- they're always ready to help you with anything ranging from translation to planning trips on your personal days. So while it definitely costs quite a bit to join, I'd say it's money well spent- you won't really find another program that lets you do all these things so well!

    Simon, from Denmark
    Avatar Simon Presley

    World Campus- every bit as unique as they claim!

    Review by: Simon Presley , On: 11 Dec 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    What this program offers is a unique experience you can't really get anywhere else: the chance to have a look at Japan and its people from an inside perspective. In every city you visit, you'll become a part of a new family. In fact the host parents often insisted that I call them 'Mother' and 'Father' in Japanese. And when I left, each family always told me that I was welcome to stay in their home any time- several even called me 'Our new son'. Don't worry about the language barrier, because you can always work your way around that, and if all else fails, you can call the staff and have them translate for you.
    You could potentially experience something similar by staying in Japan as an exchange student for an extended period of time, but this program offers you the chance to have this experience in at least 3 different families over the course of 3-9 weeks. Add to that the truly unique experiences on offer, like getting to meet and speak with a survivor of the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and you've got something that's really special.
    The relationship you'll build with your fellow participants from all over the world is yet another great aspect. I've personally made friends across several continents and regions of the world as a result of my participation. And the way that the staff and their local partners take care of you is just amazing- they're always ready to help you with anything ranging from translation to planning trips on your personal days. So while it definitely costs quite a bit to join, I'd say it's money well spent- you won't really find another program that lets you do all these things so well!

    Simon, from Denmark
    Overall rating 
    10
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    10
    Living Conditions
    10
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10
    World Campus Japan is a program unlike I had ever seen before. You will experience things that are really exclusive. Some examples are talking with a politician, visiting the deity building, having fun while informally debating with local Japanese and hanging out with university students!

    Besides this exclusiveness I've also been able to experience the most true-to-reality daily life and culture of the Japanese citizens. Thanks to the full-homestay program I had a great time and even now I'm still in contact with some of my hostfamilies. This home-stay aspect may sound scary. Living in someone else's house with complete different cultures and sometimes even some sort of language barrier? But don't let this hold you back. As I've noticed, I was welcomed with open armes, and the Japanese families I stayed with were very welcoming and easy going. Be nice to them, and they will be nice to you. Even with differences in food, temperature and way of sleeping, I can assure you, you will feel at home very quickly. Oh, and futons really aren't that bad!

    Another great thing about this program is that it hosts people from all over the world, so besides Japanese culture, you will come in contact with many more! I'm proud to say that now I have friends from all over the world :).
    Avatar Fleurtje Meijer

    A whole new world

    Review by: Fleurtje Meijer , On: 09 Dec 2015 | Yes, I would recommend this program
    World Campus Japan is a program unlike I had ever seen before. You will experience things that are really exclusive. Some examples are talking with a politician, visiting the deity building, having fun while informally debating with local Japanese and hanging out with university students!

    Besides this exclusiveness I've also been able to experience the most true-to-reality daily life and culture of the Japanese citizens. Thanks to the full-homestay program I had a great time and even now I'm still in contact with some of my hostfamilies. This home-stay aspect may sound scary. Living in someone else's house with complete different cultures and sometimes even some sort of language barrier? But don't let this hold you back. As I've noticed, I was welcomed with open armes, and the Japanese families I stayed with were very welcoming and easy going. Be nice to them, and they will be nice to you. Even with differences in food, temperature and way of sleeping, I can assure you, you will feel at home very quickly. Oh, and futons really aren't that bad!

    Another great thing about this program is that it hosts people from all over the world, so besides Japanese culture, you will come in contact with many more! I'm proud to say that now I have friends from all over the world :).
    Overall rating 
    9
    Experience
    10
    Program Administration
    8
    Living Conditions
    6
    Cultural Immersion
    10
    Social Life
    10
    Health and Safety
    10

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