Gap Program: Japanese Language, Culture, and Organic Farming

  Japan

• All Other Areas: 
Fukuoka

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Start any Monday!

Description: Live in beautiful Fukuoka, the largest city on the island of Kyushu. Its moderate climate and great location have made it popular with travelers, and its lively music scene is a magnet for young people from around the world. Nagasaki is just a few hours away, as are the hot springs of Beppu and beautiful Mount Aso.

The language institute is located in the heart of Fukuoka, close to the central train station. You will find banks, post offices and a variety of shops within easy walking distance. There is a vibrant nightlife in the neighborhood and several parks close by. With a maximum of 30 students attending at any one time, you are sure to enjoy individualized attention from the teachers and staff.

The focus is on conversational Japanese! You will have twenty 50-minute classes each week, in small groups or one-on-one with your teacher. Other options include a focus on Business Japanese or Japanese for Exams (not available from mid-June to mid-August). You can also choose to focus on Japanese traditions (ceramics, cooking, calligraphy, tea ceremony) or the Japanese Pop Culture course (manga, pop songs, youth culture). This program features 10 sessions on Japanese grammar, 10 sessions of conversational Japanese, and 5 hours of presentations and activities related to the specific cultural topics. The additional charge for these culture programs is about $80 per week.   

You will want to budget a little extra for some optional activities such as classes in Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy and cooking, or excursions to famous Kyushu sites like Mt. Aso and Beppu.

Deepen your understanding of the Japanese language and culture by living with a local host family. Homestay accommodations include breakfast each day. Dinner can be arranged for ¥ 500 per day. You will enjoy a private room and a Japanese family who wants to welcome you into their home and daily life.

Highlights: Andeo International Homestays offers individually customized Gap programs. Begin your program any Monday of the year, stay for four weeks or several months, and combine two or more programs in different countries! You can further enhance your Gap experience by including a volunteer or cultural activity. There are dozens of options - the choice is yours. We will work closely with you to design the Gap program that best fits your goals and interests.

With your Gap program in Japan, you can spend a month in Fukuoka learning conversational Japanese as well as language geared specifically to farming. Then live for one to six months on a organic farm in Japan, learning organic farming practices while polishing your Japanese as part of a family! Call for details and start dates.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: $5,775 for 12 weeks; 4 weeks to 12 months possible

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Japan Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Andeo-International Homestays's Mission Statement: Andeo-International Homestays is a non-profit organization specializing in short-term homestay programs since 1981. We design programs for students, teachers and families who are excited about developing friendships that span the globe. We work with carefully selected foreign organizations that are experienced and respected in the areas of homestays and exchange programs. Together, we coordinate all of the elements essential to a successful homestay: careful selection and matching, preparation, support and follow-up. We offer summer immersion homestay programs for high school students in Spain, France, Mexico, and Germany. We also offer programs that combine a homestay with classes, volunteer opportunities and activities in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, France, Germany and Japan. No matter which program you choose, you are sure to discover a world of new friends and adventures!

Year Founded: 1981