Summer has arrived in Japan and soon so will you! Sooner for some of you as Team 1 will be departing next week.

Before your departure you will be receiving the following information:
1. Travel Information
2. Final Copy of your Confirmed Air Reservation to print out. This should be the same one as you received to confirm when tickets were being issued.
3. Team Camp/Homestay Session Schedule
4. Host Family Information
5. An email Parent Consent form to be returned by your parent or legal guardian (under 18 only)

We also would like you to be sure you have read the following information at our website?(see left column page links)

1. What To Pack
2. Insurance
3. Counselor Agreement
4. Financial Details
5. Training Schedule
6. Sample Schedule

A lot of your be answered should be answered when you read over the above but we have also received some great questions that either are not covered or could use more focus so we are preparing a Frequently Asked Questions : See below

We are really excited to meet all of you soon and start the 2008 USA Summer Camp!

2008 USA SUMMER CAMP

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do we need any immunization shots?  No, there are no shots required or recommended to visit the areas you will visit in Japan.  However, if your regular immunizations are not up to date we recommend you consult your physician for advice.  Note: for some remote rural areas of Japan vaccination for Japanese encephalitis is recommended but it is not deemed necessary for the areas you will visit.

 Do I need a travel visa to enter Japan?  Not if you have a U.S. passport or from many other countries that have a “visa waiver” agreement with Japan.  If you are not sure if your country is included, please contact us right away.  Note: Be sure to read carefully the immigration information on the Travel Information we send you with your air reservation confirmation.

 Can I access the internet in Japan?  There are many internet cafes and public internet access at airports and in major cities.  You probably will not have access at most of the camp facilities.  Some host families have internet access but many do not. 

 Can I call home?  You can purchase telephone cards at various places in Japan.  You can also bring cards purchased in the United States if they are for international calls, but be sure you bring the correct access number for Japan.  It may not be listed on the card and you cannot call 1-800 numbers in Japan.

 Will we be at the same camp facility for each camp session?  No.  Most of our camps are at government youth facilities and their schedules are very tight.  Most teams will use many different facilities in several different prefectures.  You will spend a lot of time on busses going to the facilities.

 How should I bring my money to Japan?  Some cash.  You should have time to exchange money at your arrival airport but if you can bring some YEN from home that makes things easier.  You should not bring too much in cash in case you lose it, but you can purchase travelers checks that can be replaced if lost or stolen.  But, you need to get to a bank to cash traveler’s checks so plan to have enough cash to get you by.  Note: Beware that the exchange rate in American airports not very good.  Much better to exchange money at banks or the Japanese airport.

 Can I use a credit card or debit card in Japan?  Usually yes, but check with your bank to make sure it will work in Japan.  Most do, but a lot of past students had problems.

 Can I bring my laptop to Japan?  It is your choice but it is not something we really recommend.  You will need to carry your luggage around a lot and the laptop gives you more to carry as well as running the risk of damage or theft.  You also will not be able to access the internet at most camp facilities and even the ones you can whenever campers are present you would not have the time.  So, bring them at your own risk.

 Can I bring my guitar?  All of the above cautions apply, but as this is something a lot of past counselors have used to add more fun at camp for all we less inclined to talk you out of it.  A major hassle, but adds a lot of fun, too!

Are there self laundry facilities at the camps?  Yes, there are.  Unless your stay at camp is really long it is easier to do laundry at host family stays but there are a lot of off nights at camp to do your laundry. 

 How many host families will I have?  That really varies from team to team and counselor to counselor.  To run this program and offer free non-camp housing we rely on volunteer families.  Some volunteer for the entire summer but a lot of them can only volunteer for one session.  You should be finding that out from your host family coordinator before you come to Japan.

 How do I get to camp and to my host family?  Not to worry.  We travel as a team to camp sessions and Japanese staff will escort you to meeting places to meet your host families.

 What happens when we arrive in Japan?  The first night your team will stay in a hotel together and the next day you will go together (usually by charter bus) to the camp facility for your team’s orientation.

 Do we need to prepare lesson plans before we come?  No.  The program has structured activities and you will be taught the activities during the 5-day orientation (3-days for Team 7B.

 How is the weather in Japan?  It is very hot and humid in the summer.

 Let us know if there is something you would like added!

GHJ INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Haylee & Robin & Rebecca Arrive!

Updated : May 24, 2008

Finally our 3 teaching interns have arrived and have begun their English for the Next Genaration (ENG) classes. Haykee Nelson (Lynchburg College) and Robin Uhle (Dartmouth College) and Rebecca Rafjer (Columbia Medical School) are a great asset to our team at GHJ!

The ENG Program has been getting a lot of recognition lately and is at a veery exciting stage in the development of a new and unique method of teaching English in the school system. We know this team is going to make great advancements in the program and Haylee and Robin and Rebecca already impressed everybody with their talent and enthusiasm.

We are currently accepting application for future terms. Contact for more information on the GHJ Internship Program.