Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFS year programme (academic year) | April 2010 | February 2011 | $12,600 + $80 visa | 15 - 18 |
Japan is where ancient gods and centuries-old customs meet cutting-edge modern life and an innovative society. From the ritual tea ceremonies dating from the 14th century and graceful gardens and shrines to the world’s first high-speed train and modern skyscrapers, you’ll discover your own Japan. You might already know about some aspects of Japanese culture, such as legendary samurai and ninja masters, intricate Shinto shrines, karaoke, or sumo wrestling, but there is a whole lot more waiting for you there.
A Japanese proverb says that the nail that sticks up gets hammered down. This saying illustrates the Japanese concern for blending in and getting along with society at large. Japanese people do not call attention to themselves and are notably polite. They prize teamwork, cooperation, industriousness, loyalty and consensus.
Family life
Family is the foundation of Japanese society, bound by a strong sense of position, obligation and responsibility. Early on, Japanese children learn the importance of group awareness and devotion, to forgo personal gain for the benefit of the group as a whole, and to value group harmony. Elders are respected, and Japanese children are taught to hold their elders in the highest regard. Parents tend to keep a close eye on their children’s behaviour, and high school students are rarely allowed to go out after the evening meal.
School life
The school year consists of three terms (April to July, September to December, January to March), separated by holidays, or two terms (April to September, October to March) depending on schools. The school week runs for five days (or six for some private schools). Weekdays, public school classes begin at 8 or 8:30am and end at 3 or 3:30pm. Most students are required to wear uniforms. Japanese teenagers devote themselves almost entirely to schoolwork and extracurricular clubs.
AFS Japan does not accept graduates (i.e students who have finished year 13), pre-existing Japanese skills are required, and smokers and vegetarians are not accepted.
