International Academic Student Program - Study abroad, live with a Japanese family in Osaka, Japan
International Academic Student Program - Study abroad, live with a Japanese family in Osaka, Japan

Requirements To Apply
  • Female
  • Age 15 through 19 at enrollment
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher (preferred).
  • In good health.
  • Maturity to adapt to new environments.
  • Minimum of 6 months formal or self-study of the Japanese language
  • Enjoy a telephone, language check of your basic Japanese skill--Don't panic!

Our International students should have a flexible and mature personality; a desire to be challenged; the ability to remain open-minded; and tolerant of cultural differences. For example: Please arrive at OGSHS and host family with your hair color as close to its natural color as possible. The introductory essay students write for admission should show examples of these characteristics and behaviors. Students who are eager to see new places, are flexible, and can adapt to the culture of Japan will have an unforgettable experience.

We understand the difficult challenge presented by self-study. If you do not have a Japanese class or tutor in your area, you might consider using Skype and--inexpensively-- learning with Mr. Shea Williams shea.williams@comcast.net and/or www.yesjapan.com. Both have supported students in their successful, telephone language check(s). Click these links for free, live Japanese TV and possible language exchange.

Start/Finish Dates:

One year students arrive about August 26th and finish on July 20th. Fall term students from August 26th until December 20th Winter term students from January 3rd until March 20th Spring term students from April 2nd until July 20th. Please research somewhat flexible travel dates which often provide significant airfare savings.
Application Documents to Submit
Completed application plus four passport-sized photos and photo with family.
An official school transcript.
A signed (black ink) statement from your Principal, or a teacher who knows you well, saying that you would benefit from intensive study in Japan. Please include a phone number and convenient time for OGSHS to contact them.
A student essay of about 200 words, introducing yourself and telling why you wish to study in Japan.
An International Money Order for 10,000 yen or a personal check (in US or Canadian dollars) made out to "Paul Alexy". Please add any service charges, if needed.

It is important that students are totally honest on their application and fully disclose their medical or related information. We warmly welcome highly motivated students with learning or physical challenges. OGSHS will not prejudge, but will be able to prepare programs with focused support and encouragement where needed.

The Fine Print

The number of international students is limited. It takes time to translate your application into Japanese to present to two committees and Osaka Immigration. An EARLY application is to your advantage. If you happen to be on a first name basis with "procrastination", you may also be wearing a metaphorical friendship bracelet with "disappointment". If at all possible, please do not put us in this position. If for any reason it is not complete when you send it, just let us know when we can expect the missing section(s). Please prepare for the phone language check of your basic Japanese. It is very important. If you do not do well and time allows, of course you will be given a second chance. Results may be delayed until all applicants are considered. Please be patient. Think carefully about your application essay. Include what you can add to our school life and anticipate any problems you might imagine after your arrival in Osaka. Your honesty will be most helpful and appreciated.

As you might imagine, the expenses of hosting an international student are significantly less in the remote, rural areas of Japan. International exchange agencies often exploit this fact to dramatically increase their profits. Be assured that OGSHS tries to minimize student costs/expenses in spite of our urban setting.

Important. Please note: The glowing, relative- street- crime statistics aside, awareness of personal safety is crucial and must be on-going---daily. There is some debate as to international students being at higher risk for attack. We at OGSHS must assume that they are and stress "good judgement" at all times to minimize the chances of tragedy. In addition, this includes earthquake awareness.

http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon

We thoroughly regret not being able to offer any financial help at this time.

Homeschooled?

If you are now or have been homeschooled, please modify the application to provide the selection committee insight into your specific learning environment.

To meet Osaka Immigration requirements students currently homeschooled need an affiliation with a local private or public high school in order to get a student visa. This has never been a problem in the past for our wonderful homeschoolers. Contact OGSHS for details.

Additional Information about Travel to Japan:
http://www.statravel.com/
http://www.cdc.gov/travel
http://www.studentuniverse.com

Documents Required After Acceptance:

Current health insurance valid for Japan.

Round-trip plane ticket.

Copies of financial account statements that indicate sufficient money to pay all expenses in Japan.

Contact between your high school, or a local school, and OGSHS, as required by Osaka Immigration.

nternational Academic Student Program - Study abroad, live with a Japanese family in Osaka, Japan

Site Map with links to all pages.

Click appropriate flag for application form in your language.


2-8-19 Tennoji-cho, Minami Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-0002 JAPAN Tel: 06-6719-2801; Fax: 06-6714-0045.