Program Summary:
- Program: Classic program
- Program length: Short and Long programs
- Vaccinations: Yes
- Discounts and Scholarship: Yes
- Language criteria: Yes
- Language course: No
- Soft Landing Camp: No
Classic Program
If you are looking for a cultural experience for 2-3 months, or an Academic Semester or Year, our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy what they have to offer while immersing yourself in local culture.
Perfect for students who:
* Who can be more flexible in where and what they study
* Want to have a cultural experience
* Interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
* Grow as a person and improve language skills
Classic Program Information
Age and eligibility
- the students should be between 15 and 17 years of age as of April 1 of the Japanese academic year, starting on April 1 and ends in March 31, of the students’ enrolment regardless of the arrival date.
- Any student who is currently in their final year of high school cannot apply for a January departure the following year. Japan does not accept recent graduates.
- Japan will only accept students a minimum B-grade average grades over the last two years.
- The program dates for Japan are not flexible.
- Japan does not accept students who are vegan/vegetarian and limits on special dietary requirements.
- Please check with our office if you have any medical conditions as this may affect your application.
- Personality – students should be mature, sociable, emotionally stable and have open and flexible attitude and willingness to adapt to Japanese life and people.
Language criteria
To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least two years of formal Japanese study and attained a minimum proficiency of N4 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Each applicant’s Japanese level will be assessed by our overseas partner.
Program Length
Programs are available for an Academic Semester or Academic Year in April or August/September. 2 & 3 Month programs are also available.
Schools
In Japanese high schools, the typical school hours are from 8:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday, with classes ending at noon on Saturdays. This schedule is not uncommon in Japan. While after-school activities are not mandatory, the school provides exchange students with free study hours, allowing them to choose whether or not to attend regular classes.
Exchange students are expected to have a sufficient level of Japanese proficiency to understand instructions from teachers. It is important to note that sports are compulsory in almost all high schools.
Vaccinations
Students are required to be vaccinated and have received their standard childhood vaccinations for their age group.
Soft Landing Camp
Not available on programs in Japan.
Visa
Visas are required, subject to program length. Your Program Coordinator will provide further information in preparation for your exchange program.
Students traveling on Australian & New Zealand passports, with programs up to 90 days, generally travel as “tourists” and do not need to apply for a visa prior departure. However, for programs extending beyond the 90-day period (including Semester & Academic Year programs), students are usually required to apply for the necessary visa.
Program Coordinators will provide the essential visa documents so students can lodge their visa application. Please note that Program Coordinators are not Registered Migration Agents and cannot represent the applicant. Program Coordinators will provide “guidance” where possible, however the responsibility of lodging the visa falls upon the student/parents. Visa application requirements differ per destination and, on top of the visa documents provided by your Program Coordinator, students will need to provide additional documents such as birth certificate, bank statements, police check certificate, passport photos, letter of parental consent, etc.
Visa application fees (set by the foreign Authority) fluctuate depending on the destination and may vary from $180 to $700. These costs exclude expenses such as translations, official stamps (Notary Public stamp, Apostille stamp), national police certificate, passports photos, express post envelopes, etc. In some cases, students must attend an in-person consulate / visa agency appointment, which may incur additional personal expenses for travel such as purchasing flights (Interstate flight or international flight if no representation in your home country), petrol costs, tolls, accommodation, etc.
Canada:
Students must have received their routine childhood vaccinations appropriate for their age. In addition, Canada requires full vaccination against Meningococcal (MenACWY). The Covid-19 vaccine is recommended but not mandatory.
USA:
Students must be up to date with their routine childhood vaccinations for their age group. Additionally, your host school in the USA will require further immunisations to meet national guidelines, such as the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine and a TB test conducted within six months before arrival. While Covid-19 vaccination is recommended, it is not mandatory.
Other Countries:
Students must be up to date with their standard childhood vaccinations. While the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended, it is not compulsory.
Classic Program Prices for Japan
Limited Spots are available for Japan
| Length | Arrive | Program fee NZD | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year | Aug/Sept 2025 | $19,450 | Limited spots Please call our office |
| Academic Semester | Aug/Sept 2025 | $17,450 | Limited spots Please call our office |
| Short Program 3 Months | Aug/Sept 2025 | $14,450 | Limited spots Please call our office |
| Short program 3 Months | Nov 2025 | $14,450 | May 30, 2025 |
| Academic Year | Mar/Apr 2026 | $19,450 | Jun 30, 2025 |
| Academic Semester | Mar/Apr 2026 | $17,450 | Jun 30, 2025 |
Each destination has a budget for flights included in the fee. If flight costs are above this budgeted amount, a Flight Surcharge may apply. Please see our Money Matters page for program inclusions, the flight surcharge policy and other important pricing information.
Program start dates are indicative arrivals in the destination & students attending the Soft Landing Camp (if available) will depart earlier. Program start dates serve as approximate arrival dates at the destination and subject to change. We will notify you of your confirmed program dates ahead of time to prevent any confusion or inconvenience.
Please note: Scholarship & Early Bird Discounts are not available for this program.
LIVE Online sessions
If you would like to find out more information on our programs, please attend one of our free LIVE Online Information Sessions to:
- Meet our staff
- Hear comprehensive information on all aspects of exchange
- Ask questions
- See questions asked by other students and parents
Information evenings run for about an hour.
They are friendly, free and are the best way for us to address your specific questions in person.
Still considering where to go on exchange?
An overview of all programs, prices and application deadlines can be found here.
Please click and scroll across to see our destinations
Canada
Enjoy your exchange experience at an excellent high school in warm, welcoming and diverse Canada, the most multicultural country on earth! Extraordinary nature, vibrant cities and respected academic achievements for your future!
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France
Your high school exchange will show you why France is the world’s top tourist destination: rich historical sites, stunning nature, fantastic food and a vigorous debating tradition in a world language spoken by almost 100 million people!
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Argentina
Argentina is well-known for its natural scenery, modern cities and fashion but also for tradition and hospitality. It is an ideal destination for exchange.
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Denmark
Denmark is one of the happiest nations on earth with some of the best quality of life. Enjoy the hospitality along with an outstanding education system.
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Finland
There’s something pure in the Finnish air and spirit that’s incredibly vital and exciting; with the trendsetting modern capital of Helsinki counterbalanced by vast forested wildernesses in the north and east. Try something different on exchange in Finland.
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Germany
Your high school exchange in Europe’s economic powerhouse is a great opportunity to invest in your future while discovering rich German language and culture, an open, welcoming society and many stimulating experiences!
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Ireland
The Emerald Isle welcomes you in English and in Gaelic, to great schools, warm families, dynamic cities and close-knit small towns. Ireland has become a hotbed of innovation but remains rooted in rich traditions you will love!
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Italy
Spend your high school exchange in astonishing Italy, from beautiful medieval towns to mountains and seashore; discover capital cities of design; enjoy fabulous farm-to-table food, and learn the world’s most romantic language!
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Netherlands
Who hasn’t heard of Amsterdam, the capital of culture, coffee houses and canals? Its mesmerising beauty is hard to overestimate, and yet a surfeit of stunning metropoles are only hours, or even minutes, away by train.
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Australia
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with your neighbours! Australia beckons with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class education. Discover a both similarities and differences, make lifelong friends as a high school exchange student in Australia.
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Norway
Norway is, by any standards, one of the most beautiful countries on earth – discover Norwegian traditions and culture on exchange in Norway
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Spain
Open doors by studying a great world language in a country with mountains, ocean and medieval villages all within reach, and a laid-back culture where you can learn and enjoy at the same time!
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Sweden
Sweden’s progressive society also provides an ideal climate for innovation and economic advancement. Your high school exchange here will also reveal why the country is consistently among the world’s happiest!
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United Kingdom
Some of the world’s best schools are in the UK. Combine rich culture and history, beautiful countryside, enthusiastic sports clubs and exciting excursions during your exchange in the UK.
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USA
Being a high school exchange student in the USA is like embarking on an adventure filled with new friendships, diverse cultures, and a world of educational opportunities. It’s an experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories.
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Japan
Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. Engage in authentic cultural experiences, attend Japanese high school, and build lasting friendships. This program offers a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, enhance language skills, and gain a global perspective that will undoubtedly shape your future.
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Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
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