Help Danny Study Abroad in Japan!

USD .74 = CAD 1.00

Hello! My name is Danny (but most of you should already know that) ; I am a full-time 8th Grade student in British Columbia, Canada and am currently working towards a foreign exchange student program in Japan for my grade 10 or 11 year.

Here’s my story:

A few years ago, my mom and I began talking about my interests and what areas I'd like to focus on in my studies. One of the things we discussed was studying in another country. At first, it seemed daunting and I wasn't sure about being away from home for so long. I originally thought I would go for maybe 3 months max. As I got older, I realized how many exciting opportunities and possibilities this adventure would bring. So we are going big and shooting for the 10 month program. I would hopefully be gone from Aug 2025-June 2025.

My interests in Japanese culture, food, and my love for anime, were what helped me (easily) decide where I wanted to take my studies. So here I am!! Ready for this next, HUGE step in my education and I'm excited about what the future has in store for me.

What does this mean and how do I do it?

Studying abroad is no small thing. There is a lot of preparation that goes into the process. Luckily, my parents have been saving since I was born and putting money into an Education Savings Plan. However, it's not going to be enough to cover all of the costs required for this program.

Studying abroad offers so many benefits. First and foremost, is experiencing a new way of life by fully immersing myself into a new culture. With this comes the benefit of learning a different style of education. It will also expand my employment opportunities, improve my Japanese language learning, and of course allow me to make new friends.

Currently, I am studying Japanese three days a week, working toward being a 'hopefully' fluent speaker in under a year. I have a one-on-one tutor from Japan who has been a great teacher, and who also has many similar interests as myself, making it a very fun learning experience. One full year of study is required to apply for the program.

Next, is the application process itself. It is a multiple-step process and the final application is due Dec 15th, 2023. (That's only 10 months away!!) At that time, I only require my application fee, but to leave by the goal date of Aug 2024, I need to raise all the money required for the program. In the lead-up to the experience, YES Canada helps us through the application process. They get to know me and my family in a one-on-one interview discussion. They work with a partner organization in the host country that will provide us with a host family and school placement. They get me set up with everything I need, including medical insurance for the trip. Then lastly, I participate in a pre-departure orientation with the YES Canada team to prepare for the exchange.

Fees:

I am going to work hard in many ways to raise money for this program. This fundraiser is only one of those ways.

Here is what the program is going to cost:

10 Months Study Abroad in Japan = $14,995 CAD.

What's included:

School Registration and Placement

Host Family Recruitment, Screening and Placement

Food and Lodging with Host Family

Full and Comprehensive Medical Insurance

Pre-Departure Orientation in Canada

Arrival Orientation in Host Country

Monthly Monitoring and Progress Reports

24-hour Emergency Support Overseas

Academic Support

Arrival Greeting by a Representative from Partner Organisation and/or host family

Round trip ground transfer between final host port (airport, train or bus station) and host family home

Provision of Program Documentation: Orientation manual and other materials to prepare for student exchangeAnd

The Opportunity to LEARN-TRAVEL-EXPERIENCE!

Estimated fees that are NOT included in the program: $5000-6000

Tutoring - $450CAD/Month

Airfare (While the airfare is not included in our pricing, we can help you find the best deal and recommend travel sites) $1500CAD

Passport and Visa Fees (if required) $70

School supplies, uniforms (if required), cafeteria lunch (if required) or extra-curricular activity fees: TBD

Personal Spending money while abroad - ???

Transportation to and from school for some students is dependent on where the host family is located. Some students are required to take a bus or train, while others walk or bike to school. Average public transportation is $10-15 CAD per day - $3000 total

My parents have $8000 saved for my education, but there is still a ways to go.

How can you help?

ANYTHING HELPS!!! This Gofundme has been set up to allow extended family and friends to help move me forward toward my goal. 50¢ from you is 50¢ closer to my goal. I will be updating this page regularly with my Japenese Lesson progress, application progress, and any other details related to my exchange program.

Thank you in advance for your love and support!

~Danny B.