I need help, honestly I do.

Well. I'm starting my last year on middle school in a few weeks, then go to high school. But because I went to school year before I was supposed to, I'm one year ahead of others, in a way. So technically it's possible for me to go as an exchange student to Japan and still go to high school like nothing ever happened.

The thing is, I don't have any money (my parents aren't really that rich) and the signing in has already started. The fee would be about 7000-8000 euros. I really wanna go there, but I just don't have any money, (I'm not old enough to get a job) and I think it would be a mess for me trying to actually do something.

You can always ask for donations . I'm sure you could find side jobs, too. If you could be a little more specific in what you need help with then it might be possible for people to assist you.

One thing I think you could do is concentrate on your schooling in Finland, try to raise as much money yourself, you may have to wait until you are 18 years old as I dont think you will even be able to get a Visa until you are 18, and you may find it very difficult to fly to any airport in Japan on your own until you are over the age of 18. But there again anything could happen, you never know. What-ever you decide to do, Good Luck in all possible ways.

You can still go on exchange to Japan on a very low rate. How is that? Well, being sponsored by your local Rotary Club. But hurry up, they are sometimes very picky on student selections. Contact them, ask around and you'll find them in your local community. The only thing you pay is your airfare and some rotary fees for the exchange. They pay for everything. The only downside, is that you have to choose around 5 countries you would like to exchange to and you might not get your first choice, however, most pople get their first countries.

I am going on exchange to Japan, just like you, in 4 weeks. I would have signed up with rotary, but I signed in too late and had to go with AFS and pay a more than with Rotary, but ultimately, I know I am in hands of a very experienced organization.

Mauricio

The Japan-EU Mutual Understanding Scholarship Programmes 2009 and 2010 are really good programs for people aged 16 or 17 to stay here for 5 weeks or 5 months, I think. The govenment does not give you money for anime or manga, though.

The Japan-EU Mutual Understanding Scholarship Programme 2009

The deadline for email application is 5pm, 6th February 2009.
http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/study/Japan-EUmusp.html

Click to expand...

Programme de séjour au Japon destiné aux lycéens européens
http://www.fr.emb-japan.go.jp/jp_fr/lyceens.html

Click to expand...

The embassy has not updated the info yet.

For persons aged 16/17 this year in EU nations, just ask the J embassy for more info.

>---kiritori----<
7. EXEMPTION FROM THE PROGRAMME
A participant will be asked to drop out of the programme and return home immediately if they:-
(1) traffic/use drugs
(2) become pregnant or got someone pregnant
(3) break the Japanese law

I could not find any special notices like (1)/(2) in French or Belgian sites.
Or perhaps the person in charge at the J embassy in the UK is simply more helpful. Mind the cultural gap, and enjoy your stay.