[SSJup81]

Out of curiosity, are their international programs one can get into, like an exchange, outside of a school setting? I'm in school, but not a traditional student. I'm a returning one (I'm 26, and finishing up my last two years for my BA). I'm doing an online program, but exchange programs aren't available for me since I am an online student. The school I am with does have a week-long trip based around subjects that are mandatory to take, but it's limited to Mexico and England.

So, what do you recommend to a person who's been interested in Japan since she's been about 12 years old? Is studying the culture and the language so that she can communicate if she ever manages to go, even if it's for a short while, like a week or something?