Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Price | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | Feb | $73,800 | 14.11-17.11 | |
| Overseas Summer Programs | 23 June 2010 | 4 August 2010 | $25,000 | 15-18 |
| August | July | $73,800 | 15.4-18.4 |
Japan
Although the exact origins of the Japanese people is unknown, it is generally accepted that people from the North and South Asian areas inhabited Japan 10-20 thousand years ago, when Japan was still connected to the Asian continent by land. During the 5th – 6th century, there was a large migration of people from the Chinese continent, which brought with it philosophies, technologies, writing and Buddhism, which transformed the Japanese culture.
Until the late 1800s Japan contacts with foreign cultures was extremely limited. After this time, Japan established contact with the outside world and embarked on a policy of modernisation along Western lines. Within a mere 100 years, Japan has become a modern, industrially developed, democratic country. In spite of its modernisation and accompanying facade of Westernisation, Japanese traditional customs, patterns of communication and values still play an important, if not dominant role in daily life.
The weather in Japan is relatively mild, with four clearly defined seasons. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean, however, the humidity level remains high all year round, especially in summer. The climate varies in different areas of the country, snowfall is very heavy in northern Japan, while in the South and on the Pacific coast rainfall is more predominant.
AFS in Japan
AFS in Japan, is known as AFS JAPAN ASSOCIATION INC. Founded in 1955, AFS Japan has almost 1,000 volunteers throughout Japan and over 1,000 students in combination of Year and Short Programs visit Japan annually.
Host Schools
The Japanese school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year. Most schools adopt a three-term year, from April to July, September to December and January to March. Students usually attend classes five or six days a week, attending school from 8.30am to 3pm on weekdays, and in the mornings on Saturdays.
School is the center of social activities for Japanese students. AFS students take an active part in classes, clubs, and various school events, and are expected to participate fully in school life. AFS students must be prepared to conform to school rules and follow the same schedule as their Japanese peers, joining extracurricular activities, and mixing with as many students as possible, providing opportunities for forming friendships and for gaining understanding the Japanese culture.
Host Families
Nuclear families are predominant in Japan, but there are also extended families with three generations living together. Family has great importance in Japanese culture and it is considered especially important to respect the elderly and keep close ties with relatives. Typically, the father is the decision maker for major family matters, however the mother plays a large role in matters such as the children education and family finances.
For the official website of AFS Japan, please refer to the front page.
