Fortunately for you, there are many companies that offer exchange scholarships for Japan! But you must be enrolled in a regular exchange student program such as YFU or AFS. You should apply to go in your sophomore year so that if you don’t get the scholarship, you have a great chance in your junior year. Most scholarship opportunities do not work in your senior year.

One of the biggest is Kikkoman and it’s offered through YFU (perhaps others as well). These are for FCCLA students, so it would be well worth your while to join that organization — you might even have it in middle school, we do — and become active. There are others as well, depending upon where you live.

In the meantime, keep up your studies of Japanese. I can guarantee it will help in both obtaining a scholarship AND having a great experience when you get there.

The other alternative to a cheaper trip is through Rotary International. However, these are very competitive. You will still have to pay your plane fare and other expenses, but it is considerably cheaper that the other programs. I’m guessing this might be your friend’s program. Technically it IS free, but you still have to pay for the ticket.

In the meantime, check out http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

it’s written by exchange students for exchange students.

Good luck … chill. Your turn will come. You have time to work and save on your own as well … so don’t depend upon everything being handed to you. Even with scholarships, this will cost some money.

I am proud of your self direction and self motivation and I don’t even know you. Contact the Japanese Embassy and all other companies and government that would be happy to have a person such as your self. They may also send you for free since I would believe you are a rare commodity and very valuable. I only know 1 person that has attempted to learn Japanese.