Japan Summer Program
Tokyo Exchange 2026
A Homestay-Based Summer Experience in Japan For Portland Area High School Students
Program Overview
-
Program Dates: June 15–25, 2026 (10 days)
-
Location: Japan (Tokyo & Kanto region)
-
Accommodation: 4-night homestay with Japanese host families
-
Pre-Departure Preparation: Five required online sessions focused on language and cultural learning
-
Language: English support provided (Japanese not required)
-
Supervision: Experienced bilingual staff accompany and support the group throughout the program
Info Sessions
Application Deadline
March 15 | 11:59 PM (PT)
*Early Bird rate available on a rolling basis.
Pre-Departure Online Sessions (Required)
Apr. 16 / Apr. 30 / May 14 / May 28 / Jun. 11 | Thursdays | 6:00–7:00 PM (PT)
Info Sessions
Recording is available here.
Application Deadline
March 15 | 11:59 PM (PT)
*Early Bird rate available on a rolling basis.
Pre-Departure Online Sessions (Required)
Apr. 16 / Apr. 30 / May 14 / May 28 / Jun. 11 | Thursdays | 6:00–7:00 PM (PT)
Not a Tour. A Real-Life Experience in Japan.
This is not a sightseeing trip or a typical summer camp. Japan Summer Institute is a 10-day immersive program where students live with Japanese host families, connect with local teens, and experience everyday life in Japan. Learn by living. Connect by sharing daily moments.
Who This Program Is For
Tokyo Exchange Japan Summer Program is designed for:
-
High school students (ages 14–19) in the Portland area
-
Students interested in Japan, language, culture, or global experiences
-
Those who are looking for more than tourism — a real cultural exchange
-
Families seeking a safe, meaningful, and educational summer program
No academic requirements or Japanese language experience are required.
However, students are expected to:
-
Approach cultural differences with respect and openness
-
Be willing to learn, listen, and accept guidance from the program director and staff
-
Follow program guidelines and instructions to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone
-
Demonstrate curiosity, flexibility, and a genuine desire to learn from others
We value motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to engage far more than grades or prior knowledge.
Who This Program Is For
Japan Summer Institute is designed for:
-
High school students (ages 14–18) in the Portland area
-
Students interested in Japan, language, culture, or global experiences
-
Those who are looking for more than tourism — a real cultural exchange
-
Families seeking a safe, meaningful, and educational summer program
No academic requirements or Japanese language experience are required.
However, students are expected to:
-
Approach cultural differences with respect and openness
-
Be willing to learn, listen, and accept guidance from the program director and staff
-
Follow program guidelines and instructions to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone
-
Demonstrate curiosity, flexibility, and a genuine desire to learn from others
We value motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to engage far more than grades or prior knowledge.
During the program, students will take part in both homestay and group-based experiences designed to support learning, reflection, and a smooth transition between settings.
-
Homestay:
Students will spend four nights with Japanese host families connected to our partner high school. Each participant will be paired with a host student and will spend the weekend living alongside the host student and their family, experiencing everyday life in Japan. -
Group Activities:
Before and after the homestay period, students will participate in group site visits and shared activities. These experiences allow students to reflect together, build community within the group, and ease the transition into and out of the homestay experience.
This structure balances individual immersion with group support, helping students feel grounded while engaging deeply with a new cultural environment.
Homestay & Group Activities
During the program, students will take part in both homestay and group-based experiences designed to support learning, reflection, and a smooth transition between settings.
-
Homestay:
Students will spend four nights with Japanese host families connected to our partner high school. Each participant will be paired with a host student and will spend the weekend living alongside the host student and their family, experiencing everyday life in Japan. -
Group Activities:
Before and after the homestay period, students will participate in group site visits and shared activities. These experiences allow students to reflect together, build community within the group, and ease the transition into and out of the homestay experience.
This structure balances individual immersion with group support, helping students feel grounded while engaging deeply with a new cultural environment.
Homestay & Group Activities
Homestay & Group Activities
During the program, students will take part in both homestay and group-based experiences designed to support learning, reflection, and a smooth transition between settings.
-
Homestay:
Students will spend four nights with Japanese host families connected to our partner high school. Each participant will be paired with a host student and will spend the weekend living alongside the host student and their family, experiencing everyday life in Japan. -
Group Activities:
Before and after the homestay period, students will participate in group site visits and shared activities. These experiences allow students to reflect together, build community within the group, and ease the transition into and out of the homestay experience.
This structure balances individual immersion with group support, helping students feel grounded while engaging deeply with a new cultural environment.
Seiritsu Gakuen School
Our Partner School in Tokyo
Seiritsu Gakuen School is a well-established private junior high and high school located in the suburbs of Tokyo. Through our collaboration, participants are paired with students from the school and welcomed into host families within the school community. This partnership provides a safe, supportive, and authentic cultural exchange experience rooted in everyday life.
Pre-Departure Online Sessions
for Cultural and Language Learning (Required)
All participants are required to attend five pre-departure online sessions focused on Japanese language basics and cultural understanding.
These sessions are designed to help students feel prepared, confident, and respectful when entering their host families’ homes and local communities.
-
Dates: April 16, April 30, May 14, May 28, and June 11
-
Day & Time: Thursdays, 6:00–7:00 PM (Pacific Time)
-
Format: Online (Zoom)
Each session includes small assignments that will be directly used during the trip.
Attendance at all sessions is required.
Safety & Support
We understand that safety is the top priority for families.
-
All host families and partner schools are carefully screened
-
Experienced staff provide guidance and support throughout the program
-
24/7 emergency contact during the stay in Japan
-
Pre-departure orientation for students and families
-
Clear communication with parents before and during the program
Safety & Support
We understand that safety is the top priority for families.
-
All host families and partner schools are carefully screened
-
Experienced staff provide guidance and support throughout the program
-
24/7 emergency contact during the stay in Japan
-
Pre-departure orientation for students and families
-
Clear communication with parents before and during the program
Cost
The total program cost is $6,000, which includes all essential expenses for the 10-day program.
This cost covers:
-
Round-trip international airfare
-
Transportation within Japan
-
Accommodation
-
Most meals, including all essential daily meals and basic snacks
Students will have sufficient meals provided throughout the program.
However, students who prefer additional snacks, specialty items, or extra food beyond what is included may wish to bring personal spending money for optional purchases.
Aside from personal spending money, no additional daily expenses are expected.
Please note that the following costs are not included:
-
Passport application or renewal fees
-
Transportation to the departure airport
-
Travel insurance (participants are required to arrange their own coverage)
-
A small gift(Omiyage) for the host student and host family
Early Bird Discount
We are pleased to offer an Early Bird rate of $5,800 (a $200 discount).
To qualify:
-
Submit a complete application
-
Receive acceptance
Pay the deposit within 5 days of acceptance (no later than March 15)
Estimated Cost
The total program cost is $6,000, which includes all essential expenses for the 10-day program.
This cost covers:
-
Round-trip international airfare
-
Transportation within Japan
-
Accommodation
-
Most meals, including all essential daily meals and basic snacks
Students will have sufficient meals provided throughout the program.
However, students who prefer additional snacks, specialty items, or extra food beyond what is included may wish to bring personal spending money for optional purchases.
Aside from personal spending money, no additional daily expenses are expected.
Please note that the following costs are not included:
-
Passport application or renewal fees
-
Transportation to the departure airport
-
Travel insurance (participants are required to arrange their own coverage)
-
A small gift(Omiyage) for the host student and host family
Early Bird Discount
We are pleased to offer an Early Bird rate of $5,800 (a $200 discount).
To qualify:
-
Submit a complete application
-
Receive acceptance
Pay the deposit within 5 days of acceptance (no later than March 15)
Application Process
Japan Summer Institute looks beyond grades and language ability. We are interested in students who are curious, motivated, and ready to engage respectfully with a different culture.
To keep the application process simple and accessible, we ask for only a few required materials at the initial application stage.
Applicants will submit:
-
Online application form
-
Short personal statement
-
One recommendation letter
-
Application fee ($40)
This fee helps cover administrative costs.
If your application is accepted, the application fee will be applied toward the total program cost.
* Additional documents will be requested after acceptance and closer to departure.
After Acceptance
Once an applicant is accepted into the Japan Summer Institute, we will ask participants and their families to complete the following steps to confirm participation and prepare for the program.
These materials help us ensure student safety, clear communication, and a smooth homestay experience.
-
Parent/Guardian Consent Form
A signed participation permission form from one parent or legal guardian. -
Passport Documentation
A copy of a valid passport.
If the passport is still in process, proof of application along with another form of identification may be submitted temporarily. -
Program Deposit
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due within one week of acceptance to secure the student’s place in the program. -
Homestay & Student Information Questionnaire
A detailed questionnaire covering:-
Health information
-
Dietary needs or allergies
-
Other information relevant to the homestay experience
-
These steps confirm a student’s commitment and allow us to begin coordination with host families and partner schools in Japan.
Application will be open soon!
Sign up to receive updates and be the first to know when applications open.
