Immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture during this three-week summer program designed for high school students seeking authentic cross-cultural experience. You'll begin in Tokyo with orientation and intensive Japanese language classes, where placement tests on day one will help instructors tailor lessons to your level. Over 20+ hours of direct language exposure through formal classes, homestay interactions, and peer-to-peer practice, you'll develop practical skills in hiragana, kanji, and conversational Japanese while exploring Tokyo's vibrant districts—from anime and manga culture in Akihabara to cutting-edge fashion in Harajuku.

The program divides into two regional tracks depending on group size. If based in Tokyo, you'll continue language immersion while visiting historically significant sites like Meiji Jingu Shrine and Asakusa's temples, learning about Japanese youth culture through local high school visits. Alternatively, if your group goes to Osaka, you'll explore the region's cultural heritage through Kyoto's famous temples and shrines, visit the Chicken Ramen Museum, and engage with local students. Throughout this phase, you'll stay in youth hostels and practice your developing Japanese skills daily.

A three-day homestay in communities like Sagamihara or Yokohama brings intimate cultural learning—cooking homemade soba noodles, rolling sushi, participating in host family activities, and attending local high school clubs alongside your host siblings. This homestay period anchors your understanding of daily Japanese family life and deepens your intercultural communication skills. You'll return to Tokyo for program reflection before departure.

Beyond language acquisition, you'll develop critical interpersonal and practical skills: resourcefulness navigating Japan's efficient public transit system, adaptability to Japan's conservative cultural norms, intercultural understanding through peer-to-peer learning in a cohort-based model, and problem-solving in an immersive environment where English is rarely spoken. The program concludes with a language certificate documenting your formal and experiential learning hours.

Be prepared for summer heat and humidity, adventurous eating (vegetarian/vegan options are limited, and refusing food is culturally disrespectful), limited internet access, and traditional gendered spaces. The Experiment provides experienced group leaders trained in youth education, local expertise, language abilities, and health/safety management. This is an ideal program if you're a high school student with no prerequisites seeking genuine immersion, cultural competency, and tangible language skills in one of Asia's most dynamic nations.