Japan is where ancient gods and centuries-old customs meet the cutting edge of cool modern life and an innovative society. From the ritual tea ceremonies dating from the 14th century and the preservation of graceful gardens, castles, and shrines, to the world's first high-speed train and modern skyscrapers, you'll discover your own Japan. A perfect symbol of Japan’s East/West synthesis: fast-food restaurants sell pizzas topped with octopus.

Program Description: With an adult literacy rate exceeding 99 percent, Japanese society highly values education and students are expected to work hard. Most schools adopt a three-semester system (April to July, September to December, January to March). You'll receive orientation in Japanese culture and language upon arrival, then take more challenging courses. At the end of the school day, all students participate in souji, the cleaning of the school, so be ready to pitch in! Extracurricular activities include baseball, soccer, judo, kendo, swimming, volleyball, rugby, calligraphy, science, math and yearbook.

Birth date between March 1988 & March 1991.

The Year program to Japan departs in March 2006. AFS also offers a fall semester program & summer language study in Japan.

Studying abroad with AFS can only help to build your college application and set you apart from other applicants.

Each year, AFS sends more than 1,500 US students to more than 40 countries. When they return home, hundreds of four-year colleges and universities show their high regard for the AFS experience by offering our participants preferential admission and scholarship consideration.

“Over the years, I have found that students who have returned from a significant international experience such as AFS tend to have a broader outlook on the world and other cultures. They are usually risk-takers in the classroom and more engaged in the campus community. International experience seems to lead to very positive personal growth.” —David Borus, Dean of Admissions, Vassar College

How cool would it be to send your college application with a postmark from Japan? Your overseas experience will help your application stand out.

When is the last time you got something you really wanted because you worked hard for it?

Fundraising is all about going after what you want. First make clear your reasons for wanting to study abroad. Then...

• Give your family and friends the opportunity to help you get there -like holding a Dance Dance Revolution contest or night golf tournament.
• Get people excited about pitching in some money to make your dreams come alive.
• Plan and act early!

Want to make some fast cash? Here are some tips on holding a successful garage sale:

Ask neighbors or friends to give you items for the sale. Offer to clean out garages, sheds, attics or storage rooms in exchange for yard sale contributions. One month before your date, distribute a flyer offering to pick up items. Keep your eyes open and offer to take leftover items from other garage sales.

One AFSer raised more than half her tuition by working with her neighbors who wanted to help! We are happy to share more fundraising ideas with you. Stay tuned!