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Past Participant Testimonials

Read how other program participants have enjoyed their homestay in Japan.

kareoka with my host in japanShelley Hastings - Hutt Valley High School
Attended 2009 Program

The 3 weeks I spent in Japan felt more like 3 months.  Time seemed to move very slowly and yet quickly at the same time. I experienced both the traditional and modern elements of Japan on this trip.
...Overall my experiences in Japan were awesome. Although I was looking forward to going home, I truly enjoyed myself and can’t wait to return one day.

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labo hostSarah Sanford - Tauranga Girls High School
Attended 2009 Program

I am Sarah, I am 16 and from Papamoa.   This is a little bit about my trip to Japan...
...The morning of the :Labo camp we got on the train at Sano station in my host town and took the 1hr30min train to Takasaki station to get the bus to Kurohime Laboland Winter Camp 2009. It was awesome!

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host_sisterAleisha Emanuel - Blenheim Girls High School
Attended 2008 Program

Dear Labo,

Thank you so much for giving me the most amazing time of my life.
I attended the Labo exchange programme to Japan that I had been looking forward to for years!
...read more


Kylie GibsonKylie Gibson - Marlborough Girls College
Attended 2008 Program

Dear Stuart
Thank you so much for organising the amazing trip to Japan! I had so much fun!!!!. ...read more


Lisa RolstonjLisa Rolston - Marlborough Girls College
Attended 2008 Program

Going to Japan on the Labo-Lets Homestay exchange was the most amazing experience of my life. I know thas's in a way to be expected, I mean, Japan for three weeks! And no parents! Epic.
But this particular trip has got to be the best NZ-Japan exchange available. There were 4 exchanges to Japan that people from my school went on, and there is little doubt in my mind that the Labo-Lets Homestay one was by far the best option. ...read more


Elle StoneEllie Stone- Tauranga Girls High School
Attended 2007 Program

Japan has got to be the most amazing experience of my life. I felt so scared and little on the day we travelled up to Auckland, it just seemed like too big a journey for little 15 year old me to undertake without my parents around. ...read more


LaniaLania Adams - Otumoetai Intermediate
Attended 2007 Program

I couldn't believe it when I was told I was going Japan, you could of knocked me over with a feather. I was amazed, this opportunity meant everything to me and I was determined to make the most out of this life-changing trip.... read more


Kimberley Cording - Teacher, Otumoetai Intermediate School
Chaperone 2007 Program

As the chaperone for the trip, most people were telling me before I went, that I was mad to go with 7 teenagers. Boy, were they wrong... read more