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Academic Yearlong Program in Japan (AYP)

The LEX Academic Yearlong Program (AYP) is an exchange program that provides participants with the opportunity to attend high school for one year in Japan while living with a LEX host family and immersing themselves in the rhythms of daily life. Participants will play an active role in LEX / Hippo Family Club language clubs and to act as a cultural ambassador during this transformational year.
I have learned to understand a whole new culture but at the same time appreciate all the things back home I took for granted.  - Ellen
​A LEX year abroad is a life-changing experience where participants gain new family members and friends, acquire Japanese language, and a first-hand understanding of Japanese culture. Participants also have the unique opportunity to become familiar with other languages and cultures through the friendships formed with yearlong students from around the world and through the LEX Hippo Family Club activities.  Enjoy each step of the journey, face the challenges and feel the joys of attending school and living overseas; grow and understand yourself better; and gain new appreciation for your home culture and family.  This experience will be what you make it!
I had a great and important experience this year. I recommend everyone to visit this program. - Matvey

AYP in Japan 
2025-2026 and Beyond
Program Dates:
Mid-August to the end of July 

Estimated Program Fees:
  • LEX members: $13,999 plus air and insurance
  • ​Non-members: $15,715 plus air and insurance
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Timeline:
Pre-applications are due December 15 for the following August.  
Complete applications are due January 15.

Eligibility:
  • Flexible, open-minded students ages 15-18 who have not already graduated from high school. 
  • Students who will turn 19 during the program are not eligible. 

Included:
  • Welcome in Japan by a coordinator and transfer to a meeting point with the host family 
  • Enrollment in a school designated by the LEX Institute
  • Orientation materials and program support before, during, and after the program
  • Carefully selected and oriented host family.  (Participants will be matched with any of a variety of wonderful host families with young children, older children, or no children.) 
  • Meals taken with the host family

Not Included:
  • Roundtrip Airfare 
  • Japanese National Health Insurance (required by the Japanese government)
  • Travel and Medical Insurance (required by LEX)
  • Local transportation 
  • ​Meals outside the home
  • Cost to obtain passport and visa
  • School uniforms, sports uniforms, school supplies, school lunch, school trips, extracurricular activities organized by the school, additional courses
  • Excess baggage costs
  • Costs of Covid quarantine, if required
  • Costs of early return

Note: Participants are strongly recommended to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.
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​Please contact us at [email protected] or (617) 354-1140 for more information and an application.