The trip to Japan was a great life experience. I tried many things that I would never be able to do in New Zealand. The host family was very kind and thoughtful, teaching me Japanese customs and traditions that I will follow and do in New Zealand. I encourage everyone interested in visiting Japan to go to this program and experience life in Japan!

My exchange was fruitful. I was able to experience many traditional and modern aspects of the culture, while living with a totally welcoming family set on improving their English. The memories I made throughout my trip are invaluable, ones that I will hold dear to me for years. The whole Labo organisation and staff was terrific and I would encourage others to participate in the homestay exchange.

Every step of this journey is well planned and you are guided through everything from the first night in Auckland to the flight and meeting your host family. I highly recommend the Labo trip, it is very organised and an amazing opportunity to practice your Japanese, and experience real family life in Japan. Don’t think about it, just do it!!

I encourage anyone to take this trip if they’re willing, because it was the best three weeks of my life. Dare I say it, but I barely missed my family in New Zealand, it was too much fun for me to have time to. My best advice would definitely be to try out everything that’s offered to you. Most of the things I wasn’t too keen on actually turned out to be my favourite things when the trip had ended.

I was able to do many great activities with my host sister and family while in Japan. I visited my host sister’s school, I was lucky enough to go to karaoke twice, so much fun attempting Japanese songs. I walked up a shrine on New Year’s Day, took a trip into Tokyo with my host and we went up Sky Treeto see the beautiful Tokyo night lights. I took many Purikura (photobooth photos) with my host sister and her friends. I was even lucky enough to go and see a Kis-my-Ft2 concert at Yokohama Arena, my host sister is a huge fan. These are only some of the amazing experiences I had in Japan. I feel so incredibly lucky and grateful to be able to have lived them.

Those three weeks in Japan was a best thing ever for me. Firstly, it was my first time to Japan, and I could hardly believe I was in Japan the day we arrived… And I think I was really lucky with my host family. I felt I fitted in the family very well because of our common interests. My homestay family was really nice to me and I truly felt like it was my second home! Secondly, the three days at Daisen camp was really special, The kids were very cute and the activities were really fun and enjoyable. On the last day I received little notes from all the people in my group, it was touching, even now I still love to read those notes now and again. The last day, I got an album from my homestay, it was made by my host sister. There were lots of memorable photos and lovely messages for me. I was cried when I saw it at the airport. It was my best memory ever!! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to have been on this program. Thank you labo!!!!

This trip is an awesome opportunity and experience. You are fully immersed in the Japanese culture, everyday is planned and packed with lot's of new and exciting learning and knowledge, and the hospitality is amazing. It is a trip of a life trip, and I would highly recomend it.