cost of exchange program?
 

I've been saving to go on exchange program to japan by the end of my senior year, i have about a year till then, and so far i only have about $3000 saved up. I know that I need like $8000 more, my question is, is getting a loan for this sort of thing a possibility? and what can i do to get more money?

Well, yeah, you can get a loan back home for pretty much whatever you want, as long as you make the payments (and your credit is good). Since you're only in high school, your parents would have to cosign the loan in the event that you can't pay it back, and they'll inherit the bill.

Unless your family is well off, there's not a whole lot more than getting a job and a loan. If you're not affiliated with any actual academic higher education program, you won't qualify for any type of financial aid or student loans.

Now, would I pull out a loan right after high school to take a trip? No. If you have the means, get into a college (even a community college if need be), save up more money, get some responsibility experience under your belt, and come in a couple of years. Japan isn't going anywhere.