This article is an experience report from a customer who has actually used our service.
Now in my fourth year in the workforce, I'd always held onto a dream: "I want to live abroad someday." In my everyday work, I don't get the chance to use English.
So the path I chose was to take on a two-week short-term study abroad programme. I didn't want a trip spent rushing between tourist spots — I wanted to experience "living" somewhere, blending into local life.
Making the Most of a Limited Two Weeks — My Personal Priorities
Because my study-abroad period was a short two weeks, I narrowed my goal: rather than "building my English ability from scratch," I focused on "putting the English I already had to the test, and prioritising the kind of exchange I simply can't have in Japan." Here's the plan I put together to make that happen.
- An English-speaking country, paired with a homestay: Even for a short stay, I wanted to be surrounded by good-quality English in everyday life, so I chose Australia — and went further by diving straight into life with a local family.
- Deliberately choosing the afternoon class (1–5): The language school I attended ran both a morning class and an afternoon class, each with a different character. Compared with the morning class, the afternoon class spent less time on textbook work and centred on practical, conversation-based lessons. Many of my classmates were relatively older adult learners — people on a working holiday visa, or working part-time locally — and being exposed to their range of values was one of the biggest things I took away.
Sydney in June Was Comfortable! A Great Location Just One Hour's Time Difference Away
What made me really glad I'd chosen Sydney was how easy the environment was to live in.
- A comfortable climate: Early to mid-June falls in the Southern Hemisphere's winter, but unlike a Japanese winter it was just right — never too hot, never too cold! The tourist spots weren't crowded either, which made everything even more comfortable.
- Only a one-hour time difference: With barely any time difference from Japan, I was able to get out and about from the very first day without any jet lag.
- A safe, convenient city: Transport links were good and the city felt relatively safe. Cashless payment was thoroughly embedded, and throughout my stay I never once used cash — I got by entirely on my card.
Meeting a Warm Host Family
The family who looked after me was a warm couple with an 11-year-old daughter.
The meals they made for me every day were genuinely delicious — that alone was enough to fill my heart. But more than anything, I loved the everyday conversations we shared in the living room as a family.
Actually, I hadn't originally planned to do much sightseeing, but thanks to my host family telling me "You have to see this place!" and pointing me towards their favourite local spots, I got to experience so many different sides of Sydney's charm.
A Typical Day During My Two Weeks
Because I was in the afternoon class, I got to use my mornings as free time — a real luxury!
[Morning] My Favourite Cafe-Hopping and Sightseeing
It was time to refresh both body and mind — drinking delicious coffee at stylish Sydney cafes, visiting the spots my host family recommended, and picking up souvenirs.
[Afternoon] Hands-On Lessons at the Language School
From midday I'd head to school for discussion-based lessons built around conversation. There was a lot of group work, which also gave me plenty of chances for cultural exchange with my classmates.
[Evening] After-School Activities and Homestay Life
I enjoyed all kinds of exchanges after class too — lunch before or after lessons, time at a bar, a game of pool, even a class outing to go bowling. Once I got home, I'd eat a delicious meal with my host family and tell them all about my day.
The Thorough Support That Carried Me Through My First Trip Abroad Alone
Travelling alone from Hokkaido — sixteen days in all, once the domestic legs within Japan were counted in! — I was nervous before I set off. But thanks to JAPAN POLARIS's attentive support, I felt reassured the whole way through.
On top of the detailed communication and support with procedures before departure, they even arranged transport from the airport to my homestay when I arrived in Sydney, and accompanied me to school on my very first day. They carried my heavy luggage for me, and on the way home they stayed with me right through to check-in at the airport — I was supported from start to finish.
For Anyone About to Take the Leap into Short-Term Study Abroad
You might be thinking, "What could possibly change in just two weeks?" But it's precisely because the time is limited to two weeks that the value of each single day becomes so much more concentrated.
There were moments at first when spoken English threw me, but by actively trying to get my point across in my own English and having real conversations with local people, I came away with real motivation to learn — "I want to keep working on my spoken English even after I'm home."
Even once you're working full-time, a new challenge and an experience abroad are still within reach if you take that first step. If you're hesitating, please find the courage to take that step!
Afterword
For me, these two weeks weren't just a "holiday" — they became an irreplaceable time that broadened my sense of what's possible and widened my horizons.
I'm deeply grateful to the host family who welcomed me so warmly, the classmates I learned alongside, and everyone at JAPAN POLARIS for their kind support. If this article gives even a small push to working adults out there thinking about taking on a new challenge, I'll be delighted!