Exchange Programs For Japan?

I planned on going to school in japan for high school(11th) and was going to move there and live in an apartment, But i think it'd be a "little bit " better if i went thru an exchange program. But what if my school dont have that sorta thing? Help?

P.S I understand about the language and schooling, I've been speaking fluenty japanese for about 5 year now, Is that long enough? and seeing how japanese schooling is way harder than american, what are some things that could be good for me to learn befor i go? Thanks!

I'm leaving on exchange for a year to Japan in march. My school didn't have any kind of exchange programs (except a 2 week one). There are certain programs that you can go with that will organize your flights, find a school and a host family to stay with. They also organize certain events/trips that you can go on with other exchange students. (eg: trip to Hiroshima or Kyoto)

These are the top 3 programs:

Rotary Youth Exchange - can be quite competitive, and a slim chance you would get your first choice (depends on your district). You have 3-4 host families. Also the cheapest. http://www.rotaryyouthexchange.net/

AFS Interculture - As long as you apply early enough, you can get your first choice (first come, first serve). You normally only have 1 host family. Can be quite expensive, but there are scholarships you can apply for to help with the tuition. I am going with this program and have a great experience with them so far. http://www.afs.org/afs_or/home

YFU - It's pretty much the same as AFS. You have 1 host family, and it's only slightly cheaper than AFS. It's a less well known/ popular program, so it can be harder to get a spot for whatever country. http://www.yfu.org/

That's amazing that you're fluent. I'm not sure about rotary, but AFS and YFU require no japanese to get in, although knowing the basics helps. I'm sure you will be fine.

Also, depending on your school, you may not be able to get credits when you are away because the Japanese curriculum is different. You would have to talk to your counselor to see if you have to make up a year. I'm finishing high school a semester early because I don't want to have to go back to school when I get back.