How much Japanese do you need to know to study for a semester in Japan? -

I want to transfer to Japan for a semester, or would a year be better? How much Japanese do you need to know for both (real experience preferred) also, is there any programs other than or better than AFS? ( I live in Canada) If you have studied in Japan before, when you re around 15-18 years old, please tell me about how it went, what program you went with and most of all, you experience. Thanks!

Hi :) I also live in canada, and i leave in a month for a five-month stay in Tokyo. I took one class of japanese when i was 13, (im 14) and i am not very confident in the language. But from everyone i ve heard from, you pick up the language Really quickly. I ve only heard of AFS and Rotary, but im going through my schools independant system so im not sure. Honestly, i havent gone yet so i dont know alot, but go to www.cultures-shocked.org it is the best thing that will ever happen to you. It has info from people about to go, trying to go, in the country right now, and people who went a while back. They have country specific boards (Japan) AND thing-specific boards (Packing) and other stuff. I highly sugest it. good luck and dont worry too much about the language! Just enjoy the culture and make new friends. Even if you cant speak the language, it ll be the best time of your life.

None or it depends on the school sponsoring the program. They may require that you know some basic or a semester worth of japanese class.