Greenheart Travel

Tag: teen summer language camp

  • Unlocking Independence: The Transformative Power of Sending your Teen Abroad

    Unlocking Independence: The Transformative Power of Sending your Teen Abroad

    by Ana Mirzashvili

    “Cultural exchange programs help build bridges between people and nations!” If you’ve spent any time in this industry, you’ve probably heard that phrase a thousand times. And for good reason—it’s the heartbeat of what we do. Every day, we dedicate ourselves to creating these connections, fostering citizen diplomacy, and opening doors for countless life-changing experiences. We believe in the power of cultural exchange to unlock independence when you send your teen abroad.

    There are so many ways to be a part of this magical journey. You could study abroad, work abroad, enroll in a short-term language course, or even host an international student in your home. No matter which path you choose, you’ll witness firsthand the beauty of two different cultures meeting and learning from each other.

    The Long-Term Impact of Cultural Exchange Programs

    Cultural exchange isn’t just about the short-term benefits, though those are pretty amazing—like rapidly improving language skills. The real magic often shows up in the long run. As time goes by, participants reflect on the subtle ways these experiences shape who they are—their resilience, independence, and empathy for others. It’s the kind of personal growth that sticks with you for a lifetime.

    Take it from me—I was just twelve when my parents sent me on my first cultural exchange. I spent three months in Freiburg, Germany, attending a teen language camp and living with a host family we’d never even met. Family friends were shocked: “Germany? Alone? At 12 years old?” But there I was, navigating school, exploring an unfamiliar town, and adjusting to life in a new home.

    Was it smooth sailing? Absolutely not. I remember calling my parents in tears, complaining about the food, or how small the house felt compared to what I was used to. That’s the thing: when teens arrive in a new culture, their first instinct is to compare everything to home, and at first, all they see are the differences. But eventually, we stop resisting and start absorbing. Slowly, we embrace the beauty of what’s new and different.

    That’s the real magic of cultural exchange—the lessons unfold over time, often long after the program ends. And those lessons? They last a lifetime.

    Take a Leap of Faith

    Fast forward, and I’ve now worked in the cultural exchange industry for almost six years, proudly running programs as a Director of Greenheart Travel. These programs are close to my heart because I’ve been on both sides—as a student and as someone helping today’s teens take that same leap.

    Sending your teen abroad is a huge leap of faith—not just for the student but also for the parents. Trusting your child’s ability to navigate their independence can be hard, even when you know they’re ready. But here’s the thing: by holding back, you risk standing in the way of their chance to grow, explore, and discover their inner confidence.

    For parents about to send their teen abroad, I want to offer a bit of advice: don’t accompany them to their destination. As tempting as it may be to see where they’ll be living, this is often more for your peace of mind than theirs. Instead, say your goodbyes at home and let them make the journey solo. That first solo step—arriving in a new country, meeting their host family, knowing they did it all on their own—that’s a powerful moment. It’s their first win, and it sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.

    Let them fly. You’ll be amazed at how high they soar.

    Ana Mirzashvili

    Thank you Ana for sharing your story! 

    Ready to learn more about Greenheart Travel’s cultural exchange programs for teens? 

  • My Host Family in Japan Opened My Eyes to the Culture!

    My Host Family in Japan Opened My Eyes to the Culture!

    Alana is one of Greenheart Travel’s First Time Traveler Scholarship winners. Hear about her experience while on the teen summer language camp Japan program

    In the beginning of my program I was a bit worried about what my relationship would be like with a family that I have never met before. Would they lead a lifestyle very different to mine? I thought it would be hard for us to connect because they would have different values or expectations. I though that our differences both in culture and lifestyle would be too big and that we would not see eye to eye. 
     
    However, these differences were exactly what brought us together. Living with my host family was honestly one of the best experiences I had in Japan. We both got to teach each other about our cultures and language, something that I had never experienced before.

    food while on teen summer language camp Japan

    Because of my host family, I was able to experience many different local dishes that they would make for breakfast or for dinner. The daily morning meal would always consist of a bowl of rice and miso soup. This was something that I was not accustomed to at all back home, as I usually settle with bread and milk for breakfast. However, in Japan, I was set on wanting to try as many traditional or home cooked meals as I could, even though my regular diet does not include much fish or meat. With my host family, I ate eel for the first time, had delicious curry that they made, omelets, yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and tried many new flavors I had never tasted before. Although it was hard to adjust to these new foods, I really enjoyed being able to eat the food my host family prepared. 

     

    I believe that my stay with my host family allowed me to experience firsthand what life is like in Japan, go to local festivals, as well as to enjoy many traditional home cooked meals. Because my host family also had young children, they were able to teach me a lot of everyday speech and I was constantly surrounded by the Japanese language. My host family really encouraged me with my studies and I truly think that without them I would not be as motivated to learn as I am now.

    Teen Summer Language Camp Japan

    Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp Japan Program

  • Trains in Tokyo – A First Time Traveler’s impression

    Trains in Tokyo – A First Time Traveler’s impression

    One of the fascinating parts of travel is transportation. Once you fly in to a country, how do you get around? Do you take public transportation? Subways? Ferries? Walk? Uber?   How do you figure out where you are and how do you get where you want to go in a foreign country where you may not understand the language…or even the alphabet?!  Here’s Greenheart First Time Traveler winner, Christopher, to tell us how he navigated to his Teen Summer Language classes on trains in Tokyo.

    ***

    I recently returned from a trip to Tokyo, Japan as part of the Greenheart Travel Teen Language camp. I had to travel for over 2 hours every day as part of my commute to the language school from my homestay. In my journey, I utilized the Tokyo public transportation system to efficiently take me from point A to point B. This is my experience and advice for using public transportation in Tokyo.

    As the biggest city in the world, Tokyo has a complex network of transportation that can take you anywhere in the city. Many people who travel to Japan for the first time may find the trains intimidating, especially coming from somewhere like America where good public transportation is only really found in the biggest cities. The area I live in only has a small network of buses, so the Tokyo train system was a big change for me to adjust to. The Tokyo trains are much easier to navigate then you might think.

    A difficult part of the Tokyo public transit system is finding out which trains go where and how to get to your destination. The Tokyo metropolitan area is home to nearly 40 million people and contains over 100 different rail lines operated by multiple different rail companies. Using a cell phone with internet connection, Google maps can route you through this complex rail system to get anywhere in Tokyo and the surrounding area easily. It tells you when each train is coming, the platform that it will arrive on, and whether the train is an express or local train. It also contains the bus schedules, to help you get to destinations that might not be right next to the train station. Public internet is also available in many places including train stations, in case you don’t have a sim card or pocket wi-fi.

    The best way to pay for your travels is through an IC card, the most popular brands being Suica or Pasmo. You can either buy a physical card at a JR station or buy a digital version on your cell phone. The physical cards can be reloaded with money at the station or at convenience stores such as 7-eleven, and the digital cards can be reloaded with a credit card in the app. These cards make it simple to navigate through Tokyo, as all you need to do is tap it when you enter the station and tap it when you leave. They work on trains and buses, and sometimes may be cheaper than cash or buying a ticket.

    Another thing that may intimidate travelers is the language of Japan, Japanese. In the train stations, the signs can be found in English, along with some having arrows on the floor leading you to your destination. The stations can be difficult to get through at rush hour, but as long as you watch out where you are going to avoid bumping into people, you should be fine.

    ***

    Thank you Christopher for sharing your transportation advice!  To find out more about other Greenheart programs like Teen Summer Language Camps or High School Abroad programs, visit GreenheartTravel.org!

     

     

  • A First Time Traveler goes to Tokyo

    A First Time Traveler goes to Tokyo

    Traveling is such an amazing thing, especially for a first time traveler!  Here is a report from one of our First Time Traveler winners, Christopher, who spent a few weeks in Teen Summer Language Camp in Tokyo, Japan!

    My trip to Tokyo, Japan

    I recently returned from a trip to Tokyo, Japan as part of the Greenheart travel teen language camp. I enjoyed my time abroad and would like to share it with you.

    I left in the early morning from the Orlando airport. I had an early flight to catch, so I was up and on the way to the airport at 3:30 a.m. I checked my bag, got through security, and had some time to get breakfast before I had to board my flight at 5:30. I got on the plane, and fell asleep for most of the flight. I landed in Minneapolis around 8:30 a.m. local time, and had to wait around for about an hour until my flight to Tokyo boarded. After a long thirteen-hour flight, I had finally landed in Tokyo.

    I arrived in Japan some time before my program started, so I had some time to do sightseeing around Japan. I ended up seeing Mount Fuji and visiting Kyoto, and then on Sunday, my program began. I took the train from the hotel I was staying at to meet my homestay family. I got settled in to my accommodation, had dinner, and then went to bed. On the first night I was exhausted and fell asleep quickly. The room I stayed in had a futon, which is common in most of Japan. I woke up early the next morning, since the sun rises at 4:30 a.m. in Japan. I had breakfast, and then had to figure out how to make it to my school in downtown Tokyo. I had to take a bus to the train station, and then a train from Kawasaki to Shinjuku.

    I arrived at my school and had orientation for the first day. In the orientation, we received our books and learned the school procedures. I only had 1 class that morning, and then I went to get lunch. The other students in the school and in my class I attended were mostly adults, which was a little disappointing as I only ended up connecting with a couple people close to my age. After I had gotten lunch, I headed back to my homestay and had some time before dinner to start my homework.

    The rest of the week was mostly the same, I went to class, had lunch, and then did some shopping or exploring the local area before heading back to my homestay. On the weekend, I went to karate with the children in my homestay, and then went to see a movie in Kawasaki.

    The second week was mostly the same routine as the first week. At the end of the week, I attended the graduation ceremony at the school since it was my last day. I had evening classes that day, so after the graduation ceremony I went to my last classes before I left Japan. That weekend, I explored downtown Tokyo with a friend I met at the school. I went to Tsukiji market and Harajuku. On my last day in Japan, I packed my things, cleaned my room, and was on the way to the airport. The flight home was uneventful, and I eventually landed in Orlando where my family was there to welcome me home at the baggage claim.

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Japan. I got to experience an entirely different culture and learn a new language. Japan is a beautiful country and I would definitely go back.

    ***

    Thank you Christopher for sharing your experience!  Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language program in Japan, and about the First Time Traveler scholarship program. 

  • I had the most wonderful week in Spain – A First Time Traveler at Teen Language Camp

    I had the most wonderful week in Spain – A First Time Traveler at Teen Language Camp

    Travel challenges us and helps us understand more about the world and the people in it.  That’s why, every year, Greenheart Travel offers First Time Traveler scholarships so that more people have the opportunity to travel. We recently heard from Caleb who won a scholarship to Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp in Spain.  Here’s a little bit about his trip!

    ***

    I had the most wonderful week in Salamanca, Spain.

    My journey started on Saturday June 11th, 2023. After a week of last minute packing and mini-panic attacks it was all finally happening!

    I took SFO (San Francisco airport) to Madrid Airport. The flight was almost 14 hours long, but my airline was surprisingly really awesome. I flew Iberia and they gave everyone on the plane a pillow and a blanket, and their utensils were all recyclable! It was a very comfortable flying experience and being able to see all the time differences we flew through was so cool. After watching 3 different movies and taking too many naps to count I finally landed in Madrid. I brought only carry-ons so I did not have to go through much airport hassle. This was a monumental moment for me as travel is a huge passion of mine, so the fact that I made it, and everything is going smoothly was a big deal for me.

    After a 6-hour wait for the rest of the students to land and get their luggage we finally boarded the bus which took us from Madrid, Spain to Salamanca, Spain. It was an almost 3-hour drive but it was well worth the wait. The bus drive allowed all of the students to get to know each other and make first impressions. I met 3 students each from a different area: Phoebe (who I later found out was to be one of my roommates), Axle (another one of my roomies), and Lucy (a very nice French girl who was staying at an apartment). Having already made bonds with my roommates it was a very easy transition from the bus to my home for the week.

    My host family was a wonderful woman named Manuella, and in no time at all we were calling each other familia. This is one of the more important aspects of my trip. As me and my host and my roommates became a real family in under 7 days (I feel like that should be a social experiment)! This level of human connection and pure love is something so beautiful to me, and I feel that it highlights my biggest reasons for wanting to travel the world and meet new people.

    My days in Salamanca were very different from my days back at home (I loved this)!  I had to adapt to a brand new schedule. Wake up at 7am, class from 9-12pm, “siesta” (nap time) and lunch 3-5pm, activity 5:45-7pm, free time 7pm-10pm, dinner 10:30pm, night activities 11-12:30am. I quite enjoyed this schedule and liked how late everything was. I was very worn out by the end of the day but slept amazing!

    My week in Salamanca was a life I would commit to again, possibly to study or to write a book. The overall environment of the town is very collegiate, and historical. So it was a perfect place to learn an entirely new language and experience an entirely new culture.

    ***

    Thank you Caleb for sharing how your week in Spain went!  If you are interested in the First Time Traveler scholarship, please read more here and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get early warnings for the next application period!

  • A Trip I Will Remember Forever: Teen Summer Language Camp in Spain

    A Trip I Will Remember Forever: Teen Summer Language Camp in Spain

    Greenheart Travel believes that travel changes us for the better. It challenges us and gives us more insight and mutual understanding.  That’s why, every year, Greenheart Travel offers First Time Traveler scholarships so that more people have the opportunity to travel. We recently heard from Caleb who won a scholarship to Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp in Spain.  Here’s a little bit about his trip!

    A Trip I will Remember Forever

    My trip in Salamanca, Spain took me 5,662 miles from home, to a new continent, with new culture and new people. It was a trip I will remember forever, and it is a trip that truly succeeded in encouraging positive growth in me and my peers!

    When I first got to Spain I was utterly entranced by the sheer idea that I was so far and so free in an extremely beautiful new land. The serotonin from the increased independence lasted throughout the entire trip, and even shows its lasting effects on my independence here at home.

    My experience with adapting to the culture in Salamanca was not as rocky as I had anticipated. I found myself doing remarkably better at understanding Spanish rather than speaking it, and was even able to form beautiful bonds with many of the locals. I did this through a universal social tactic that relies more on my empathetic and sympathetic capabilities. Being able to communicate with these new people even through a language barrier was truly what brought me so much closer to the culture in Salamanca, Spain.

    Breaking the discomfort and immersing myself in the experience is what ultimately freed me, it enabled me to retain much of the information and culture, so not only do I have photos but I have strong, established memories that will continue to make me smile for a lifetime.

    One of my favorite aspects of the trip was the large amounts of free-time students were granted, where you were 100% independent and alone (unless you were with friends or roommates). This was extremely helpful in breaking the ice and helping students through culture shock. I personally loved walking down the beautiful alleyways and admiring the old architecture. Other than sight-seeing, the hours of independence we got allowed us to do much more, such as going to lunch as a group or watching the many street performances. These activities helped to round out the entire experience, and for me they are what made it all the more valuable.

    I believe everyone should do a program like this once in their life. The itinerary and organization of the program was what helped students to acclimate so fast, and immediately begin reaping the benefits of being in another country, rather than focusing on possible negative aspects like being home-sick. There was so much to do and so much to see, and the fact that we were actually able to do and see those things created such an exciting environment that it was hard to have time to be sad about anything (unless you were hearing one of the many historical tragedies that occurred in Salamanca).

    Overall this trip was a much deeper experience then I had first thought. Of course whenever you drastically change your surroundings other things are bound to change as well, but nothing could have prepared me for the profoundness that came out of just communicating with these people. Knowing that I have the ability to travel the world, alone, meet new people, alone, and do all of these things successfully is one of the most valuable things I have learned this year. For all this program has given me I am so grateful, and thank you Salamanca for having me!

     

    Thank you Caleb for sharing your experience!  If you’d like to learn more about Greenheart Travel’s scholarships, please visit our First Time Traveler section!

  • A First Time Traveler’s Impression of Japan and Greenheart’s Teen Language Camp

    A First Time Traveler’s Impression of Japan and Greenheart’s Teen Language Camp

    Every year, Greenheart Travel offers scholarships for First Time Travelers.  Our goal is for more people to experience the joys of travel and the importance of cultural exchange.  Here’s one of our First Time Travel Scholarship winners here to tell us about her adventures at Greenheart’s Teen Language Camp in Japan….  Take it away, Kai!

    Without Any Expectations

    I’m grateful to have experienced Japan in the way that I did: without any expectations. I truly believe that it’s the best way to go about many things in life. Before I left for Japan, a lot of my friends and family members asked me, “What do you think it will be like?” It was a question I wasn’t able to formulate a response to because I truly had no idea. I don’t think I was wrong to have gone about thinking, or rather not thinking, this way because, as a result, the environment I was in and the people I surrounded myself with never ceased to amaze me.

    My Host Family

    In the course of a month, I found that saying goodbye to my host family was my most difficult experience in Japan. Many people find it difficlt to adjust to new house rules, but with the assistance of our mobile translators and general interest in each other’s lives, my transition into my new home life was smooth and enjoyable. I found living with them, for the short time I did, to be very peaceful.

    Langauge and Cultural Journey

    My main purpose in having gone to Japan was to begin my language learning journey, and prepare me for college. I’m not completely sure what I want to study in college or do beyond that, but when asked, I tend to answer that I will study linguistics. The amount of Japanese I knew before arriving in Japan was close to none, but I think it only encouraged me to practice more after I arrived there. With the hours each week I spent studying at school along with my exposure out in the world, I felt like I had improved a lot in a very short time. To be quite frank, I had minimal insight as to what Japanese culture was like prior to going. But, beginning to learn the language only encouraged me to also want to delve into learning more about the culture and historical aspects of Japanese life. I guess they’re right when they say that when it rains it pours. I found myself never having days off because I was constantly out learning something new.

    My school was very encouraging of this newfound interest, and offered a multitude of activities that introduced other students and me to the rich culture that Japan has to offer. Many of our lessons focused on the localized history of Fukuoka; however, my classmates and I also visited contemporary exhibits (think: Studio Ghibli and Hello Kitty) along with historical museums showcasing Fukuoka’s history and most interesting artifacts. On our many field trips, we also visited well-known temples like Shoufukuji Temple and practiced zazen with the charismatic and helpful guidance of a monk.

    Working through Weather and Transportation Challenges

    If I had to choose one thing I disliked about Japan, it would have to be the weather. Hot summer days are to be expected wherever you go, but humidity has never been something I’ve been accustomed to. My host mother pointed out that I had a daily habit of cursing the weather when I came home everyday. Even though I walk most places in the US, the added humidity definitely increased my endurance. Maybe the weather wasn’t such a bad thing, after all? Regardless of its benefits, the weather remained my worst enemy while I explored Fukuoka.

    Fukuoka had a lot of sights to offer, and I found myself endlessly asking questions regarding direction and location while exploring. It’s very easy to make mistakes and get lost while abroad, and I quickly learned that the best investment you can provide for yourself is pocket WIFI. Many of my classmates went about this beforehand, and had little issues navigating their way around the city because they had a GPS on hand. I, unfortunately, did not. On my very first day of school, my host mother walked me to the train station and showed me which line to take to get to Hakata Station. I was on my own with only a station name and a general map of where my school was. After I arrived at Hakata Station, I began my disastrous trek to school by approaching a security officer for directions. When I asked him which direction I should head based on my map, he confidently told me to go west, so off I went.

    For the next hour, I found myself wandering deeper into the city and being unable to read most of the street signs. It took everything in me not to freak out when I came to the realization that I was completely and utterly lost. However, with the help of a hotel worker, she pointed me in the right direction. It turns out I was supposed to leave Hakata from the east exit! The relief I felt when I arrived at school and was immediately welcomed by concerned teachers was overwhelming. For those of who are not well versed in the language of their respective language– and even for those who are– do yourself a favor and invest in a handy pocket WIFI tool or an international SIM card. It will save you a lot of trouble.

    Overwhelmingly Positive Experience

    My interactions with the residents of Fukuoka were overwhelmingly positive, and people were quite accommodating towards me even after misunderstandings. I became close with a couple local students my age, and talking with them expedited my language learning. My host family was very welcoming, and despite initially not knowing their language, we became good at talking by mixing bits of Japanese and English together. One thing, among many, that I was grateful for, were my host parents’ children. Their presence made my transition into a new lifestyle a million times more comfortable. Although they’re quite young, they were very intelligent and quickly realized that I couldn’t fully speak Japanese. This wasn’t a problem, and we communicated mostly through body language and signals to get ideas across. I loved them a lot, and enjoyed being able to both teach them a bit of English and learn from them.

    When I came back, my friends and family asked me a similar question as the one prior to my trip, “Was Japan how you thought it would be?” I was again at a loss for how to answer, because I never wanted to place expectations on a place I’ve never experienced. However, now I can say with certainty that I had a lot of fun learning new things while I was there, and hope that everyone with an open mind gets a chance to travel abroad and experience it for themselves.

     

    Thank you Kai for sharing your experience at the Teen Summer Langauge Camp in Japan!  Readers can learn more about all Greenheart Travel’s Teen Language Programs on our website.  In addition, follow us on social media for updates on when the First Time Traveler scholarship window opens again.

  • What is Teen Summer Language Camp in Costa Rica like?

    What is Teen Summer Language Camp in Costa Rica like?

    Going abroad is always exciting — experiencing new sights, new foods, new ways of looking at things.  And while the surprises of travel are exhilarating, we all appreciate a little “what are my days really going to be like” kind of reality.  Here are some journal emails to parents from this summer’s camp in Costa Rica:


    MONDAY – Hello Parents!

    I trust everyone had a nice start to the week 🙂  Today, the complete group for the last week is with us, and we are now ready to enjoy the last week in tropical paradise!

    Today in the morning we picked up the group early for their surf class, we went to Manuel Antonio Beach, but the tide was really strong, so we had to relocate to our trusted location in Quepos. There was a good amount of rain during classes, but Elsa, Adelyn, Austin, Christian, and Nicolae got to catch a few nice waves. The rest of the campers opted against surfing in the rain.

    At noon, we went for lunch at a local restaurant, everyone got settled in their new groups and with their new teachers. In the last hour of class, the entire group got together again, for a game of forming sentences.

    After class, we took everyone to the host families for dinner and a good night’s rest.

    TUESDAY – Hello Parents!

    Today, here was sunny and we got to go to the beach for a couple of hours. The group got to spend some time together in a safe and beautiful place and they played ball, body surfed, and swam for a few hours in the morning.

    After the beach, we took the people doing Scuba for a quick lunch and the pool day, and the rest of the group went for a longer more relaxed lunch at my favorite burger place (Santa Plancha) before Spanish classes.

    At the end of the Spanish Class, they played charades with verbs in Spanish, where someone had to guess the word they had behind them.

    After Spanish Classes, we went for dinner at a food truck by the ocean, they went in for a quick splash, they got to see a baby sloth with its mom, and then we had a delicious dinner.

    WEDNESDAY – Hello Parents! Saludos from Tropical Paradise!

    Today we picked up everyone in the morning to go on the Catamaran Tour. We went to the Marina to register and board our boat and spent the next couple of hours dancing, sailing through the coast of Manuel Antonio, and then swimming and jumping off the boat’s platforms and slides.

    We had lunch and plenty of fruit juices on the boat, and then they drove us to Maximo Nivel For Spanish Classes. The teachers started their Spanish classes with a few games, to help everyone get active in the class, and after Spanish Classes, we went to the Marina for a nice group dinner before going back home.

    Hello Parents! – I hope everyone is having a great THURSDAY!

    Today we divided the group in two for the last time… Five people went to Ocean Day for Scuba, we took a boat from the Marina with all the gear, and went for a 20-minute dive. There was a second Dive Scheduled after a break, but the group decided not to join it, so we picked up the rest of the divers on our group and returned to the Marina.

    The rest of the 10 people in the group, went surfing with our chaperone Kembly to Manuel Antonio Beach. A couple of people preferred to just hang out at the beach, and the rest of them got to try their hand at surfing again!

    After a busy morning, we went back to the Maximo Nivel Institute, while everyone was changing into dry clothes for class, they had lunch and then they were ready for class. The first couple of hours of the class they watched the movie Soul in Spanish, with some popcorn to keep them awake 🙂

    After class, we took them to their last dinner with the host family in the house.

    Greenheart Travel has a variety of Teen Summer Language Camps in many great places. 

    If you’d like to be part of a future Costa Rica program, you can read more about this Teen Language Camp here, or High School Abroad in Costa Rica here.

    Or if you are an adult looking for an adventure, check out Greenheart Travel’s Teach Abroad program in Costa Rica.   

     

  • How to Spend Your Summer in Korea as a Teen

    How to Spend Your Summer in Korea as a Teen

    With its strong global influence, South Korea has become an increasingly popular country to visit. Everyone has hopped on the k beauty trend in the past few years, and we’re all well aware of the K-pop phenomenon. But for those who want to have a deeper understanding of Korean culture and language, it’s time to travel this summer.

    We are launching a 2-week Teen Summer Language Camp in South Korea. This program is exclusive for those between 16-19 years old that have anywhere from a beginner to an advanced level of the Korean language.

    This isn’t a camp in the traditional sense. You will live with a host family in Incheon while attending a Korean school specifically to learn the language. There are activities throughout the week, and Fridays are dedicated to a full-day excursion, with optional weekend activities. This includes attending a K-pop concert, Taekwondo lessons, and a visit to the Gyeongbok Palace.

    This is perfect for teens who want to:

    • Have an authentic cultural immersion experience
    • Meet others from around the world and locals from Korea
    • Live with a host family

    This is also great for students who want to study abroad but can’t travel for a long period of time. You even have the opportunity to gain academic credit for this course!

    This summer our program will run from July 11, 2021 – July 25, 2021.

    Do you identify as LGBTQ+? Wondering if this program will welcome you? Read our LGBTQ+ FAQs to see how we are committed to offering a safe and inclusive experience for everyone.

    Okay, you’re sold. So how much is it?

    The course is $2,840 and includes:

    • 12 hours of language classes per week
    • Airport pickup and drop-off upon arrival and departure from the Incheon International Airport (ICN)
    • Host family accommodation
    • 2 meals per day (Breakfast & Dinner)
    • Comprehensive medical/accident insurance
    • Track-specific cultural excursions & activities
    • Weekend excursions to beach or nearby cities
    • 24-hour in-country and emergency support
    • More!

    Apply ASAP

    This is a program is in high demand and is filling quickly. Because there are limit spots, once the program is full we cannot take any more people. The best way to secure a spot is to apply and get your documents in order before someone else.

    How to Apply

    Fill out this initial form (don’t worry, it takes 5 minutes), then you’ll be send an email with further instructions for applying in our application portal. Once you start your application, you’ll be asked for a $300 application fee. This is part of the overall fee, not an additional sum. This is so we know you’re serious and will reserve your spot!

    Finish up the rest of the application (the longer part) where you will be asked to write about yourself and why you want to go abroad.

    After you submit your application, your program manager will reach out about your acceptance. This is where the second $300 commitment payment is due (again, subtracted from the overall fee). This is where you are confirmed! You can expect to receive your host family placement 1-2 weeks prior to your start date.

    Do not hesitate to reach out throughout this process. That’s what we’re here for! Click here to schedule a call.

  • Is It Safe to Send Your Child to Japan?

    Is It Safe to Send Your Child to Japan?

    So, your teen can’t stop talking about Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan (and high school abroad). They can’t wait to dive into an arcade to play Taiko no Tatsujin or find their perfect bubble tea spot.

    And your biggest question?

    Is Japan safe?

    We understand why you’re asking. Whether it’s through the narrow streets of Florence, Italy or the coast of Chile, safety is an important topic to consider before going on a program. Especially when sending your teenager across the globe, alone!

    But before we gush about what a great program our Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan is, we have to be honest: we would never send our participants somewhere we would not go ourselves. We will continue to travel personally and professionally and many of us visit Japan frequently.

    Of course, no matter where you are – even in your suburban neighborhood in Ohio – there is always a certain amount of risk in traveling.

    Greenheart Travel’s Associate Director of Marketing, Sara, in Japan

    Here are a few things to consider when wondering if Japan is safe:

    By international standards, everyone is jealous.

    Remember your question “Is Japan safe?”

    Yes.

    Japan overall is an extremely safe country, in many respects actually far safer than the United States. So safe, that in fact it was ranked the “safest country in the world.” Why? One writer has some reasons.

    Greenheart Travel’s Program Manager, Kara, in Japan

    There is no Department of State Warning against Japan.

    The U.S. Department of State does not have any warnings or advisories for Japan. Even so, Greenheart Travel recommends our students enroll in the STEP program through the US embassy to receive alerts in case of emergency.

    Just to give some perspective, the United Kingdom has a travel alert about the United States right now. They warn UK citizens traveling to the US that gun violence is common, hurricanes are a problem, and there is a general threat of terrorism. The moral of the story is that from a distance, looking only at news reports and reading your own country’s travel advisories, foreign countries look much scarier than they actually are.

    Greenheart Travel’s High School & Short-Term Abroad Programs Coordinator, Allison, in Japan

    In case of emergency – we’ve got you covered.

    Greenheart Travel programs include 24/7 local and long-distance emergency support.

    Plus, our local staff have evacuation plans in place for all major threats – not only potential military escalations with North Korea but all manner of disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, etc – so you can rest assured that in the unlikely safety event, we will take the necessary steps to ensure student safety.

    We recently hosted a webinar about safety & security abroad.

    Greenheart Travel’s Teach & Work Programs Director, Lauren, in Japan

    Remember, you should treat Japan like anywhere else. You should expect the best, but always be aware and trust your gut. It is ultimately your decision to travel, and with the trust and support of an organization like Greenheart Travel, we hope you will feel comfortable doing so.

    We firmly believe that travel and cultural exchange bring the world closer together, person by person. Now is exactly the time we need the type of cross-cultural communication our programs provide.