HSD Japan
HSD Japan is an extension of the American HSD U.S. experience. The program gives former HSD U.S. participants the opportunity to travel to Japan for a unique cultural adventure over several weeks. The trip is divided into two parts: tour and cultural exchange program.
Discovering Japan
From the moment students arrive, they are immersed in the rich culture and history that makes Japan one of the most fascinating and distinctive countries in the world.
The first part of the three-week adventure is a tour of Japan spanning major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. Students visit famous landmarks, meet with government officials and other dignitaries, and become true diplomats representing the United States.
Continuing the Exchange
After completing the tour and homestay, students arrive at the Kansai Seminar House in Kyoto, where they are matched with a Japanese roommate. The students participate in a variety of activities aimed at increasing communication and forging friendships.
All students attend language classes based on their personal language abilities. The HSD Japan academic curriculum builds on what the American students learned at HSD U.S. and provides the students with small, seminar-style learning opportunities.
2024 Program Details
Dates: July 13 - July 29, 2024
Location: Japan
Number of Students: 16 American and 16 Japanese
Eligibility: Students who have successfully completed the HSD U.S. Program the previous summer. Children of AIG employees and their agents may not apply. We afford equal opportunity to students of all races, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Cost: Room, board, all tour and activity costs, and round-trip transportation from the DC area to Japan paid by program scholarships.
A Unique Introduction to Japan
Each year, a staff of Japanese program alumni leads students on a curated journey through Japan's rich history and unique culture. As students visit various landmarks and attractions across the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan, shared meals and day-to-day interactions with near-peer counselors and tour guides offer an opportunity for first-hand insight into Japanese customs and daily life.
Taking the Next Step
HSD Japan offers former HSD participants the unique opportunity to travel to Japan the following summer. After a short orientation program in Washington, DC, students take off for Japan to gain a better understanding of Japanese culture through a tour of the country. At the conclusion of the tour, American students participate in a cultural exchange program with Japanese high school students in Kyoto - an experience that mirrors the HSD U.S. program.