AFS aims to provide 30% of our students with scholarships or grants
Find out about our range of scholarships, grants and fundraising
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be between 15 years to 17 years and 11 months
- For the MEXT Intensive Scholarship Programme you need to be between 15 year 6 months and 18 years 6 months
- Enrolled in an NZ school
- You can’t have graduated from school in New Zealand
- Language requirements: Strongly recommended to study Japanese
- Vaccinations recommended
- No tattoos and piercings
Visa is done online or couriered
What's included in your experience
- Airfare
- Airport Pick-up
- Host Family Placement
- Housing
- Meals
- School Placement
- Individual Contact Person
- Medical Insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- School Transport
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Re-entry Orientation
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Cultural Tours
- Visa and Passport Fees
- Stipend
- School Uniform
Host Family & Community
You can live anywhere in Japan, but most likely in suburban and rural areas. Japanese society also has a strong respect for seniority. Keeping the home clean is also a high priority, so expect to help your host family with daily chores and activities. In most Japanese families, traditional food is important and meals are shared together. Take off your shoes and change into slippers when you enter anyone’s home.
Food
Food is art in Japan, and your host family will most likely prepare some amazing meals. The Japanese diet consists largely of rice, noodles, fresh vegetables, fruit, meat (mostly pork and chicken) and seafood. Meals are eaten with chopsticks. Rice and green tea are part of almost every meal. For dessert, you can try traditional wagashi, which includes delicious treats like mochi (a kind of rice cake) flavored with sweet red bean paste.
School
Education and academic achievement are top priorities in Japan. Schools in Japan run from April to March (Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 3.30 pm). You will wear a uniform and commute by bike, bus or train. All students take part in a school cultural festival and a sports festival which are held every year. After the school day ends, you’ll participate in a tradition called souji, when everyone gets together for 30 minutes to help clean the school and grounds. You can also join other extracurricular clubs and activities.
Language
Japanese is the official language of Japan and it will be good to have some prior knowledge of the language before the program. Having a basic knowledge of English will be helpful. Host schools and local AFS chapters will offer Japanese language lessons upon arrival.
Alumni Stories
A Year in Japan: Emma’s Insight
Step into the world of Japan through the eyes of an AFS alumni, Emma. From its rich traditions to modern life, discover how she exchange year in Japan was filled with cultural discoveries and personal growth.
My AFS Adventure in Japan: Student’s Story
Explore the wonders of Japan through the personal story of two AFS alumni. Learn how their year abroad immersed them in the country’s unique customs, language, and way of life.
Exploring Japan with MEXT: Jay’s Journey
Learn how Jay’s experience in Japan, supported by the MEXT scholarship, opened doors to new opportunities and personal growth. From mastering the language to embracing Japanese culture, discover how this life-changing scholarship shaped his month abroad.