PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Experience true Japan in Sapporo! Start a month-long stay in Japan filled with abundant activities. Through learning new languages and cultures, you will gain an opportunity to broaden your world and dream bigger.
1. Winter Trip to Sapporo? Discover the Beauty of Sapporo in Every Season
When you think of Sapporo, the first image that comes to mind is the winter landscape with heavy snow. Due to the annual snow festival held every February and the snowy scenes in various movies, Sapporo feels like a symbol of winter.
However, you can enjoy the beauty of Sapporo not only in winter! In spring, there are vast flower fields, in summer, there are plenty of sweet fruits ripened under the hot sun, and in autumn, you can experience the earliest autumn leaves in Japan. Each season brings a unique charm that makes Sapporo even more beautiful. No matter the time of year, Sapporo offers the best travel experience, so set out on your journey to Sapporo!
2. Living in Sapporo for a Month Could Be a New Turning Point in Your Life.
A month-long stay is a great opportunity to meet a new version of yourself in a new environment and grow through various experiences and learning. Each day in a completely different place can provide fresh stimulation.
Start your month-long stay in Sapporo right now! With diverse cultural experiences and Japanese language classes, you can spend a much richer time. You will discover new charms of Sapporo every day and experience the most special month of your life.
3. You can build special friendships and create lasting memories with friends from around the world.
Experience Japanese life with foreign friends from over 30 countries around the world. You will meet friends from various regions, including Asia, North America, and Europe. Although you come from different backgrounds and speak different languages, you can unite with a shared love and passion for Sapporo.
By mingling with diverse friends and experiencing a larger world, you will be able to see the world from a broader perspective and break out of your thought patterns. Start your time in Japan, which will become a beautiful memory and a stepping stone for growth!
4. Seize the opportunity for new learning and challenges!
The more familiar you become with the local language, the more enjoyable your days in Sapporo will be. Being able to communicate will allow you to make more friends and gain more experiences. If you fall in love with Sapporo through your month-long stay, why not start studying Japanese seriously?
The Japanese language classes in this project are designed to maximize effectiveness for those staying for a short period, allowing for significant progress in a short time. You will also receive high-quality instruction from teachers with professional training in classes of no more than 8 students, providing more opportunities to use Japanese. Start your challenge to grow one step further in Sapporo!
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
This project is a one-month stay program in Sapporo, Japan where you can experience Japan’s beauty through its changing seasons, learn about Japanese traditional culture, and acquire practical Japanese language skills with friends from around the world.
Participants will attend Japanese language classes in the morning and can join various cultural lessons and activities in the afternoon. Cultural lessons are provided for free twice a week, while activities three times a week may incur additional local costs.
Cultural Lessons
A variety of traditional cultural programs are available for you to experience. Take this opportunity to learn vividly about Japan and Japanese culture.
Examples of Cultural Lessons |
Learning Naginata (traditional Japanese martial art), Trying on Kimono, Zen Meditation Experience, Learning Japanese Drumming, Making Japanese Wagashi (sweets), Learning Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), Experiencing Japanese Tea Ceremony |
Activity
Join various activities with your friends! Not only can you use the Japanese you learned in class in real life, but you can also enjoy the varied charms of Japan through numerous activities.
Examples of Activities | |||
Activities anyone can enjoy Experience Activities |
Activities to interact with local Japanese people Social Activities |
Enjoy local Japanese cuisine Food Activities |
Travel around Sapporo and nearby areas Tour Activities |
Horseback riding, Farm experience, Rafting, Canoeing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice fishing, Making soba noodles, Visiting hot springs, etc. | Dining with local Japanese people, Karaoke, Traveling with local university students, Game party, Watching movies, City tour with local students, etc. | Local hidden restaurants not found in travel books, Sushi restaurants, Local Japanese recommended desserts, Soup curry, Miso ramen, etc. | Otaru, Noboribetsu hot springs, Furano, Niseko ski resort, Asahikawa, Hokuryu sunflower village tour, etc. |
* Learning Japanese
To help you adapt more quickly to your one-month stay in Sapporo, we offer 15 Japanese lessons per week. Each lesson lasts 50 minutes and consists of an average of 6 students per class (maximum of 8 students).
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | |
09:30 ~ 12:20 | Japanese Lessons (3 lessons per day / 15 lessons per week) | ||||
12:20 ~ 13:30 | Lunch Break | ||||
13:30 ~ | Activity | Activity | Cultural Lesson | Activity | Cultural Lesson |
* The above schedule is an example for understanding. The schedule for cultural lessons and activities may vary each week.
Additional Information
Winter Course | Spring Course | Summer Course | Fall Course |
January ~ February | April ~ May | June ~ July, July ~ August | October ~ November |
For inquiries: koreagapyear@gmail.com, KakaoTalk @gapyear
2024 Beginner Level Start Dates |
January 8, February 5, April 1, June 3, July 15, September 30, November 4 |
Japanese Language Requirement - None We offer Japanese classes for all levels, so even complete beginners are welcome. Just come with the desire to enjoy learning Japanese! |
* Detailed reviews from participants can be found on Gap Year Story (click).
* More participant reviews can be found at the bottom of the project under "Participant Reviews".
SUPPORT
Local Orientation | Online Orientation | Online Consultation | Certificate of Completion |
KGY Certification | Pre-Departure Care | KGY Consultation | KGY Mission |
24hr Emergency Care | Airplane Ticket | Real-Time Consultation Service | KGY Note Book |
Project and Participation Costs | KGY Mission Scholarship | OT Documents | Local Dedicated Staff |
Everyday Japanese Classes | Local Class Materials | After-School and Weekend Cultural Lessons & Activities | Local Accommodation Arrangement |
* Some activities may require additional fees depending on the activity, and participation is optional.
Detailed Support Information
■ Project Activities
■ Care Services
■ Certificates and Recommendations
* Certificates and recommendations from the local organization will be issued upon request after the project ends. Please note that the format or issuance of these documents may vary depending on the local organization’s procedures.
* Certificates and recommendations will be issued after successful completion of the project and submission of feedback.
Not Included
* Please book your flight and transportation after receiving final confirmation of participation and departure schedule for the project.
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
The institution running this project offers foreigners who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Japan the opportunity to experience a new lifestyle in Japan. It is officially certified by the Association of Language and Travel Organisations (ALTO) and helps participants enjoy various aspects of Japan, including its history, culture, traditions, and language.
The institution provides community spaces where you can interact with foreign friends from around the world and engage in various activities with local Japanese people, allowing you to experience authentic Japan. Additionally, a 24-hour emergency contact system is available to provide quick assistance in case of any urgent situation.
For those who want to truly understand, feel, and deeply experience Japan even in a short period, this is the best environment to encounter the diverse charm of Japan at a top-notch institution!
Message from the Local Institution Representative
Hello, everyone! What we, the staff, value most is ensuring that everyone who comes to Japan thinks, ‘It was enjoyable!’ We aim for you to cherish this opportunity to visit Japan and for everyone to enjoy and be happy. Therefore, the school maintains a close distance between teachers, staff, and students, making you feel as comfortable as if you were at home. Additionally, there are many opportunities to interact with Japanese people living in Sapporo, and we prepare various programs to provide valuable experiences that are hard to obtain through ordinary travel or study abroad.
Enjoy Japanese life with Japanese people at our school! Make friends with people from various countries or Japanese people while you are in Japan and use Japanese frequently. We look forward to welcoming you.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
* The image is for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on local conditions.
Accommodation is an additional option. We offer various types of accommodations such as homestays, share houses, and private apartments, tailored to participants' preferences and budget. Choose the accommodation that best suits you!
■ Homestay
This accommodation type allows you to live with a host family in a Japanese home located in Sapporo city or its suburbs, experiencing daily Japanese life. The families are rigorously vetted by the school, and we will connect you with a host family that matches your preferences and tastes. You will have the opportunity to experience and understand Japanese culture in a real-life setting that you can't learn in class. Since homestays involve living with a Japanese family, adhering to household rules and family manners will lead to a more enjoyable experience.
You will be assigned a private room with basic furniture, while the bathroom and living room are shared. Internet access may vary by home, and meals will be Japanese home-cooked dishes prepared by the homestay family, provided every morning and evening. The school is about 30-60 minutes away by public transport.
* For participants who choose the homestay option, airport pickup service (one way) will be provided to ensure safe transfer from the airport to the accommodation.
■ Share House
A space where you can meet not only friends from around the world but also Japanese students and working professionals. Recommended for those who want to meet and interact with a variety of people. It offers a good balance of social interaction and independence. You will have a private room, but the living room, kitchen, and bathroom are shared. Wi-Fi and basic household appliances are provided, and you can cook freely in the kitchen.
We will match you with a share house in Sapporo city that fits your preferences and location, with the school located about 20-40 minutes away by public transport. Since it is a shared living environment, maintaining good manners and following house rules will contribute to a more enjoyable Japanese experience!
* Share house accommodation is available for a minimum of 30 nights. Recommended for those staying for 4 weeks or more.
* Prices for share houses may vary depending on the time of participation.
■ Private Apartment
Recommended for those who prefer their own space. The apartment comes equipped with basic furniture and appliances, and you can cook freely in the kitchen. If any damage or financial loss occurs during your stay, you will be responsible for repair and cleaning costs, so please use the apartment with care.
The apartment is located about 20-30 minutes from the school by walking or public transport.
* Homestay and share house accommodations are based on Sunday check-in/Saturday check-out. Additional costs will apply if the stay exceeds the standard duration. Please inquire separately if you wish to extend your stay.
Inquiries: koreagapyear@gmail.com, KakaoTalk @GapYear
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: Japan, Sapporo
Sapporo is a city full of winter romance. It is one of Japan's major cities where you can experience both sophisticated and glamorous urban landscapes as well as tranquil natural scenery. The first image that comes to mind when thinking of Sapporo is likely the snow-covered cityscape, but Sapporo holds different beauties in each season. Enjoy the four seasons of Sapporo.
Recommended Travel Destinations
01 Sapporo Snow Festival
It is no exaggeration to say that the Sapporo Snow Festival is the most famous festival in Sapporo. Held every February in downtown Sapporo, it boasts a history of over 70 years, having started in 1950. The massive ice and snow sculptures are truly impressive. Additionally, at night, the sculptures are illuminated, creating an even more beautiful atmosphere. This is one of the best ways to experience Sapporo's winter in all its glory.
02 Farm Tomita
The largest lavender field in Japan, located in a hill area known as "Hills of Seasonal Flowers." It is a vast flower field with over 30 varieties of flowers. While it is beautiful throughout the seasons, the most popular time to visit is from June to July when the lavender is in full bloom. The sight of the purple lavender covering the hills is an indescribable beauty. Grab a lavender ice cream and enjoy the flower viewing!
03 Otaru
Famous for being the filming locations of the movies "Love Letter" and "Yunhee." Located just 30 minutes by express train from Sapporo, it's easily accessible for a day trip. You can enjoy the canal promenade illuminated by old gas lamps, shop for famous glassware souvenirs, and savor unique sweet desserts only found in Otaru. Experience the charm of Otaru to the fullest!
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ Projects start every Monday.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 1 week.
■ The costs listed below include registration fees, tuition fees, and materials fees.
Duration | Participation Fee |
1 week | 1,380,000 KRW |
2 weeks | 1,960,000 KRW |
3 weeks | 2,540,000 KRW |
4 weeks | 3,130,000 KRW |
5 weeks | 3,650,000 KRW |
6 weeks | 4,170,000 KRW |
7 weeks | 4,700,000 KRW |
8 weeks | 5,220,000 KRW |
9 weeks | 5,750,000 KRW |
10 weeks | 6,270,000 KRW |
11 weeks | 6,800,000 KRW |
12 weeks | 7,320,000 KRW |
■ Eligibility and Requirements
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ More Details)
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay in full, you can make a deposit of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. The project participation confirmation process will be carried out based on the date of the deposit to confirm participation eligibility and availability. Securing a spot as early as possible is crucial to participate on your desired dates and duration! (No refunds once confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the payment schedule for the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information
We recommend applying at least 3 months before the project start date due to the standard processing procedures and preparation time. Applications should be submitted at least 2 months in advance. However, if there are unavoidable reasons or urgent need to participate, additional fees for emergency applications will be accepted to expedite the process as much as possible.
* While we strive to expedite the process, there will be basic time requirements for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. Emergency applicants must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations team as all procedures are carried out in the same manner as regular participants.
** Those who apply more than 180 days before the start date can receive an Early Bird Discount.
*** Emergency application services can be selected from the options above. For inquiries about emergency application services, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and Notes / Full provision of OT materials upon confirmation of participation / Additional urgent staffing / Support for document preparation if needed, etc. * If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator |
** Note: For ultra-emergency applications, there may be no available slots due to local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year’s refund policy. Additionally, issues arising from participant non-cooperation are the participant’s responsibility.