Program overview

Big Field Travel’s Summer Exchange - Japan Trip is a 30-day, immersive exchange designed for high school students to develop cross-cultural empathy and global resilience. The itinerary balances community-focused service, language immersion, cultural and historical learning, and exposure to Japanese innovation. Students will partner with local schools, live with host families to practice Japanese, visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and a rural host town, and participate in daily facilitated reflections.

Key learning goals

• Cross-cultural empathy: build meaningful, respectful relationships with host communities and peers.

• Global resilience: develop adaptive problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration skills in unfamiliar settings.

• Sustainability literacy: learn principles and practices through hands-on projects with local NGOs and schools.

• Language practice: reinforce conversational Japanese through homestays and structured language sessions.

• Historical and contemporary context: connect Japan’s cultural heritage with modern innovation and social initiatives.

Sample Itinerary

Monday, Jul 6 (Osaka)

• Breakfast

• Meet in lobby & leave hostel

• Osaka Castle

• Temma Station

• Lunch in Nakazakicho (Shoto-sama)

• Cultural Performance & Experience (Rakugo, Sound Effects, Experience, Nankin Tamasudare, Q&A with Taiko Drummer)

• Return to Shin-Osaka Hostel & process reimbursements

• Dinner

Tuesday, Jul 7 (Nara & Uji)

• Breakfast

• Meet in lobby & leave hostel

• Nara: Todaiji Temple, Deer Park & lunch at station

• Byodoin Temple / Uji (Goggin Birthday)

• Fushimi Inari Shrine

Wednesday, Jul 8 (Sanda & Arima Onsen)

• Travel to Sanda

• Arima Fuji Coexistence Center

• Soba Making Experience (Sanda)

• Arima Onsen Taiko no Yu

Logistics and inclusions

• Included: accommodations (homestays and group lodging), most meals, local transportation within Japan, program activities, entrance fees, in-country bilingual staff, travel insurance (specified coverage), pre-trip orientation materials, international airfare (customizable group booking),

• Not Included: personal expenses, selected meals, passport/visa fees, optional excursions, vaccines or medical costs outside of provided insurance scope.

Application and eligibility

• Open to high school students with interest in cross-cultural learning, community service, and sustainability.

• Application process includes written statement, teacher recommendation, and interview.

• Commitment to pre-trip preparation sessions and post-trip community project implementation.