Japan is an island nation in East Asia. It has long coastlines with varied scenery, large mountains, and twisted valleys that are inviting to explore. Japan is well-known for being one of the world’s leading nations in the areas of technology, innovation, architecture, and popular culture.
As a delegate, you will be living with a Japanese family and have the chance to experience Japan’s rich and varied culture. States’ 4-H partners with two Japanese youth development organizations, Labo and LEX/Hippo Family Club.
Program Details
Dates
Japan 8-Week: June 9 – August 6, 2027
Japan 4-Week: July 7 – August 6, 2027
In Country Partners: Labo, LEX
Ages
Japan 8 week: 15 – 18 years old
Japan 4-Week: 12 – 18 years old
8-Week Nihongo Program, Fee $5500
Delegates will arrive in Japan and receive an arrival orientation in Tokyo. For the first 4 weeks delegates will attend a Japanese language program (Nihongo, with Labo) and homestay with a host family in the Tokyo area (for the first 4 weeks a host sibling of similar age is not guaranteed). After the first 4 weeks of the 8-week program, delegates will move to a second host family for the regular 4-week homestay program (details below).
4-Week Program, Fee $3600
Delegates will arrive in Japan and receive an arrival orientation in Tokyo. Delegates will then stay with a Japanese host family where they can immerse themselves in the Japanese culture and their host family’s daily life. During the homestay Labo and LEX delegates will attend camp. The program will conclude with a departure debriefing in the Tokyo area.
Program Fees Include
The program fee includes overnights in a U.S. gateway city before and after international travel, arrival orientation, in-Japan expenses (lodging, meals, and transportation), camp fees, orientation materials and States’ 4-H t-shirts, accident & sickness insurance, and a portion of adult chaperone expenses.
The 8-Week Nihongo Program fee includes all of the above items plus an additional 4-week Japan language program with accompanying cultural excursions.
The program fees do NOT include:
- International airfare, which States’ 4-H will book when the delegation is finalized. The airfare will be communicated and invoiced at that time.
- Domestic airfare from your home to the gateway airport
- Incidentals and souvenirs
Additionally, some states may charge a small administration fee. These fees will differ from state to state.
Basic Timeline
| Fall | Submit your online application to your State Coordinator. Due dates vary by state. | |
| December 15 | State Coordinators send recommended applications to the States’ 4-H National Office. | |
| Early January | States’ 4-H reviews applications and makes final selection decisions. Space may be limited based on hosting capacity of the partner country. States’ 4-H notifies all applicants of their status. | |
| Spring | States’ 4-H books non-refundable international air tickets. | |
| Late Spring | Host Family placement is announced. | |
| Summer | Students fly to U.S. gateway city the day before international flight. |
Questions?
Explore the world and discover your potential through States 4-H’s transformative short-term summer study abroad program. Get your questions answered and take the first step toward an international adventure that will expand your horizons and shape your future.