For Parents
Overview
As your son or daughter prepares for the KCP International Intensive Japanese Language and Culture program, you can provide encouragement and assistance. Students are often excited in the first weeks, since everything is new and waiting to be experienced. As time goes on, they become homesick and frustrated. Let your child know that he or she has your full support.
This guide helps you become more familiar with the KCP program. It covers pertinent information for parents on study in Japan, such as the academic program, financial planning, health and safety, and so on.
Academic Program
Students pursue two courses at KCP: Intensive Japanese Language and Japanese Culture. Your child receives a holistic language education via the Direct Method, or total immersion. Understanding of Japanese culture is taught through lectures and organized excursions to notable Tokyo destinations.
For more information, please see Academics.
Living Arrangements
While in Japan, students have the option to stay with a Japanese family (homestay) or in a dormitory.
For more information, please see Lodging.
Travel Documents
Check that your child’s travel documents are all in order. Students are eligible to stay in Japan less than 90 days (one semester or less) without needing a visa.
For more, see Passport and Visa.
Financial Planning
Japan is an expensive country to live in, so your child’s finances should be carefully planned. Expenses include food, cultural activities, entertainment, some school supplies, and travel. Cash (Japanese Yen), ATM/debit cards, and credit cards are the most common modes of payment.
For more, see Financial Resources and How Do I Exchange and Spend Money in Japan?
Maintaining Contact
You and your child can keep in touch via email, post, and calls via mobile phones or prepaid phone cards. For more, see Communicating.
Emergencies
In case your child runs into difficulty while abroad, make sure that you will be quickly informed. Discuss with your child how to handle any family emergencies that might occur. Create a written emergency plan that includes contact numbers of family members, KCP USA and Tokyo offices, and the family doctor. Also, have a data file on hand that includes the KCP program calendar, your child’s insurance policy and passport numbers, and other essential information.
Health and Safety
We encourage your child to have complete physical and dental examinations before traveling abroad, including a review of routine immunizations. Your family doctor can administer vaccinations. If your child takes prescription medicine regularly, advise him or her to bring enough of a supply to last for the entire stay.
We make all efforts to maintain the safety of KCP students throughout their stay in the program. Precautionary measures are in place to keep the school environment as secure as possible. Your child should also always be alert and prepared for any unlikely contingencies.
For more, see Planning for Safety.
Insurance
In addition to your child’s own health insurance, KCP provides students with minor medical and accident coverage for the duration of the program. However, KCP coverage is a “top up” policy only. Students must be insured through another insurance policy while in Japan or while on any independent travel excursion. It is your child’s responsibility to secure additional coverage before departing for Japan.
For more, see Health Insurance.
Policies
KCP school policies are discussed in depth during the student orientation, covering issues such as attendance, registration changes, academic expectations, and sources of help.
Payment
The preferred method of payment is by cashier’s check or money order issued by a bank (no personal checks). We also offer online payments. These payments apply to the KCP portion of the student’s registration only. Students who apply through one of our affiliate or sponsor schools should pay the registration and application fees directly to the school, not to KCP.
To make an online payment, visit Make a Payment.
Financial Aid, Resources
Financial aid is available through our sponsor and affiliate universities. Grants, loans, and other forms of aid can also apply in many circumstances towards the KCP program for full-time, credit-bearing study.
For more, see Financial Aid and Financial Resources.
Returning Home
On returning home after living in Japan, a student may experience “reverse culture shock”—discomfort while readjusting to their life back home. You can encourage your child to talk about his or her experiences with other students who have lived overseas and to keep in touch with former classmates.
Learn more: Returning Home.
Information Requests
To find out more about the KCP program, please use this information request form.
