Japan
Study abroad in Japan, famous for its ancient history, high-speed trains, and beautiful temples.
Why study in Japan?
Japan is an incredible place to study. It’s a place where ancient history co-exists with mind-blowing modern technology. Explore ancient temples and catch high-speed trains. Relax in beautiful Japanese gardens and admire dazzling skyscrapers. If you love the idea of immersing yourself in a totally unique culture, you’ll love studying in Japan.
It is honestly such an amazing life-changing experience that you can’t put a price on. The lessons, information, skills and things you never thought you would learn, you learn. It is so valuable but at the same time it is so fun and interesting.
Holly, Auckland
Placements
You can choose to study in Japan for as little as three months or as long as one academic year. Gap year students are welcome to apply but must NOT be 18 years or older by the 31st March in your program (although some exceptions can be made by negotiation). All students will receive a three-day orientation on arrival in Narita, which includes full lodging, orientation workshops, and a trip to AEON shopping mall. For academic year students, a farewell party is held at the end of the exchange. Japanese schools have strict regulations: you must wear the correct uniform and no piercings, tattoos or hair colouring is allowed.
Placements are mostly in rural towns in the southern area of Honshu. The map below shows some of the places our past students have been placed. All of our host families are carefully vetted. We conduct home interviews, inspections, and police checks to ensure our students are placed in a secure and supportive living environment.
We aren’t currently offering exchanges to Japan. Please check back again later.
Duration
Departs
Returns
Application deadline
Price
Covered expenses
Included in the fee:
- School and family documents for your student visa application
- Visa application guidance and submission
- Placement in a suitable host family and school
- Full board and lodging with a host family, excluding school lunches
- Pre-departure orientation in NZ and arrival orientation in Japan
- Meet and greet at the airport in NZ and at the airport in Japan
- Transfer to your host community from Narita (and back again)
- Farewell party at the end of the exchange for academic year students
- Monthly progress reports to your parents
- Ongoing monitoring by the host organisation
- 24/7 emergency assistance in Japan and NZ
- Certificate of completion upon return
Other costs
Not included in the fee:
Flights
You are responsible for paying all domestic and international airfares between your home and Narita.
Insurance
You will be required to purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to your departure. You will also need to register with Japanese National Health Insurance in Japan. This covers 70% of all medical bills. However, you will still need to purchase travel insurance in NZ to get cover for your journey, luggage, and personal items.
School setup
You will be required to pay for school equipment, a uniform, and extra-curricular activities. The exact cost varies depending on your school.
Spending money
We recommend allocating approximately $450 NZD spending money per month to cover things like transport, school lunches, and weekend activities.
Optional trips
It’s a good idea to save some money for optional trips organised by your host family or your host organisation in Japan.
Eligibility
Students must be:
- Aged 15 by the 1st of April and NOT 18 years or older by the 31st March in their program year
- A New Zealand Citizen or hold Permanent Residency
- Enrolled in a high school
- Willing to learn Japanese prior to and during the exchange
- Fit, well, and have a suitable personality profile
- Academically motivated
- Willing to adapt to the Japanese diet. Japan does not accept students with special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.
Visas
NZIIU will guide you through the visa application process, and unlike most countries there is no charge for the application.
Language
Students are required to study Japanese for at least one year prior to departure. They need a good understanding of the language – both written and oral.
Financing and scholarships
We know that financing your exchange might be a bit of a challenge, but don’t let that hold you back from pursuing the experience of a lifetime! NZIIU offers a select number of scholarships each year to exceptional students who require some financial assistance, as well as fundraising kits.
Explore now »NZIIU fundraising kit »
Meet our past students
Meet our NZIIU Student Ambassadors at one of our information day events! These students who have recently been on exchange have done it all, and are here to share their knowledge, experiences, and stories from exchange.
Learn More »