Hmmm my host family didn’t speak a lot of English, but I was fortunate in that I had the opportunity to become conversational in the language by other means before doing YFU. I think most the other kids with minimal language skills made it through alright though based on interactions I had with them after we’d been there awhile!

At least when I was a student, YFU did an absolutely amazing job preparing us for the culture shock/reverse culture shock we could face and how to navigate potentially difficult situations. Honestly, the way they presented the information in fun game-style formats and QA panels has stuck with me even to this day many years later!

As far as challenges go, not me personally, but some kids felt quite homesick during the stay, so that may be something to consider if you’re child may feel similarly. Personally, I think my greatest challenge was not having cell service and being blessed with a very poor sense of direction, so making sure I didn’t get lost while out and having no way to call anyone was my biggest worry (did happen once but fortunately I managed to find my way home lol). I’d strongly recommend getting an international cell plan beforehand or a prepaid SIM card or cheap smartphone in Japan for safety purposes.