Advice for studying abroad in Japan?
You might be surprised to know that: While everyone studies English, most people can't speak it. Some public restrooms don't have toilet paper. Always keep tissues in your purse. Not just bullet trains, all trains don't run after about midnight or one. Japanese consider it rude to just pull up your hoodie in the rain. Carry an umbrella. Advice: Don't wear sweatpants out of the house. This is not clothing in Japan. (Social custom, not rule) Bring stuff from the US, gifts for host families and teachers. Don't stick chopsticks into rice, set them on the side of the plate or bowl. Assume that you should take your shoes off in the house unless you are told otherwise. Be careful not to overstay your welcome at the host family. They may not be committed to 3 years even though you are. Offering and refusing is a big deal. You will often see this kind of exchange: "Do you want the last piece of pizza?" "No, I'm full" "Are you sure?" "Yeah, I'm fine." "Really, go ahead." At this point, if the person really doesn't want it, they will refuse again. If they do, they will finally take it. It is an important thing to keep in mind. Just because someone offers or refuses, doesn't mean anything. Go another round to make sue. Lastly, it will take more than three years if you want to become fluent. You will become very good, but not "fluent." You may be able to enter a university after three years but you should make sure you know why you want to go to a university in Japan. An American degree can often get you a better job there.
Do you have to Speak Japanese to Study Abroad in Japan?
It's really going to depend on the kind of study abroad you do. I'm assuming you would be doing this through your high school or college, so you really should check with the study abroad programs available to you and see if THEY require any knowledge of Japanese (programs available to you include those directly through your school, but might also include programs through other schools that open their programs to outside students). Some programs don't require any or much Japanese and assume you will study it in Japan. Others require a fairly high level of Japanese before you go. Only the folks in charge of the programs available to you can answer this question with certainty. I would suggest having some knowledge of at least very basic Japanese, such as please, thank you, where is __, how much is this, your basic numbers, and the like -- stuff you would probably learn in the first semester of Japanese study. You will be far from fluent, but it should help you get through your first few weeks without major problems.
Study abroad essay tips?
This is going to sound silly, but the answer you're looking for lies within the question itself: Think, for a few moments, about why you want to study abroad. Really, why? What are the reasons? Surely, you think there's something to gain from it... So what you need to do is put this on paper in an organized manner. 1. First of all, don't think of organizing your thoughts, just get them all out on paper, even if some of your reasons might sound silly. List all the reasons you can think of for why you want to go abroad. 2. Cross out the ideas that do not sound mature. I want to go to Spain because it's fun! I want to go to Spain to get drunk! I want to go to Spain to meet hot people! -- NOT things to put in this essay. 3. You want to focus on the longer term benefits you are going to gain from this experience. What course will you take there, for example, and how will this affect your studies back home? Talk about your major/s and how much you, as a student of major X/Y, will benefit from the new things you can learn in Spain. Think about your future career, and what specific benefits an international experience will give you. Talk about your aspirations, but try to stay realistic, too. One summer in Spain won't make you an instant politician/historian/linguist/whatever you want to be, but it will be a good step towards that. Describe that step. 4. Show your knowledge. Don't show OFF, but you want the committee to know that you've given this a lot of thought, and you know what you're getting yourself into. Talk about whatever it is about Spain that truly intrigues you. You want to show them you're not making a random application to be just going away anywhere, but because of who you are, and the things you want to do in the future, you want to go to this specific place. 5. Finally, remember to write in your own voice! You want to sound mature, but you don't want to sound like you're trying to imitate a prof. Of course you want to have fun in Spain, so feel free to make a few humorous references, if that's how you actually write. Feel free to talk about your excitement. Try to let yourself come through. 6. Get someone else to read it before you submit your final draft :) Good luck! Hope that helps...
What are some tips when abroad in Japan?
Always carry cash. Many places don’t take cards.ATMs are locked up with banks. Don’t expect to access them after hours. Go to a convenience store.Don’t eat/drink on the bus. Some folks don’t like you using cell phones near the priority sections.Don’t walk and eat/drink. They really don’t like this.Don’t assume everyone speaks English, even in Tokyo.Don’t think there’s free Wi-fi available like the US or many other countries.Don’t leave your trash or a mess. There are not many “open air” trash cans like in other countries.If something has been dropped (glove, sock, something) and you didn’t see who dropped it, leave it.The trains and buses are not always on time. Be ready to be packed on there. Keep your bags at your feet so someone can fit in behind you.[1]Don’t be loud on the trains or buses. Use your earphones if you’re playing a game.Speak to the Geisha and ask before taking photos.Japanese stores usually have a sample product out for you to look at; do NOT take another out of a bag unless you plan to purchase it.Be respectful. Be polite like you’re at your friend’s house and their parents are home.Always take off your shoes before entering tatami floors or any homes.You can leave your umbrella at an unbrella stand. Don’t just take a better one.Try everything once. Some things look deceivingly not tasty… and vice versa.Have fun but remember people live there.Footnotes[1] Survey on commuting gripes in Japan spurs wider societal complaints | The Japan Times
Study abroad Korea or Japan?
I live in Korea im half Canadian half Asian; but a lot of people mistaken me for being Spanish.. If you go to Korea; You have to go to an international school; well not have too.. But it would be REALLY hard to cope especially with the language and they have way much higher standards.. Most Koreans cant speak English well; or shy to speak it.. Yes, Koreans are racists, and they seem very arrogant at first especially the ajumma's (older women).. You should experience Korea before choosing.. Well Korea and Japan both have very high standards of education, as I have Korean classmates, they say an 85% and below is considered a fail.. Korean's are very nice to you if they get to know you.. They are kind, and they care for you a lot. What I learned the Koreans I know are very sensitive.. Korea has some very odd cultures. Just respect the Koreans, bow, and eat Korean food (even though i dont personally like some Korean food) just be open to the Koreans. About racism; Yes i have to admit some are racist especially to my mom who is what they call "brown asian".. but my mom tried to be open to them, now she has a lot of korean friends they love the people who love there culture.. My mom now; always goes to Korean restaurants and even jjimjilbang (weird and disgusting, i know) which most westerners/foreigners wont dare to go in.. But thats were she found most of her friends. It takes a while to adjust with the Korean culture i have been living here since Aug 2011.. But still not totally adjusted to the surroundings. Korea's is growing everyday. Despite some cons, il suggest Korea.. Because its "becoming" more open to foreigners as it is not only economically booming.. A lot of foreigners especially Americans come here to teach English! Japan is awesome too though, but its growth is lets say steadily plus all the earthquakes. which makes korea a wee bit more safer,,.
What are some tips for a US high school student heading to Japan to study abroad?
Watch your pronounciation! Japanese is a complex language with several words that are very similar but mean alarmingly different things.Bring deodorant. Japan doesn't have a lot of deodorant and most of it is really expensive.Bring shoes and clothes, especially if you are tall. Not only will clothes be expensive, they will also be difficult to find.Join a club at your school! You’ll make friends through it and will also gain training in whatever you choose. Fair warning: Be really sure when you choose. Clubs are serious work.Don't use the American privilege. This will just piss everyone off. Keep you head down and do as the others do.Bring American candies to give as gifts to friends and their families. Gift giving is really big in Japan and often a small snack will be really appreciated.
What are things that an American foreign exchange student studying in Japan should know prior to leaving the US?
Hi!You can check http://www.flyingchalks.com out.They allow you to check the universities you want to go and they provide important information on what you should know before leaving for Japan or some other countries, for example, flights, visa etc.
Why do people advise against studying in Japan?
I have studied/worked in 2 British, 1 Swiss and 2 Japanese universities. One big difference is that in the west, university is easy to get in, but hard to graduate, whereas in Japan it is the opposite.For my undergraduate (engineering) degree in England, there were about 70 people initially enrolled on my course and only about 30 made it through to the end and passed. It was really hard work and the final exams were torture. But in Japan, the hard work comes before entering uni, for the entrance exams. They are really harsh and there is a lot of competition and pressure on Japanese students at this time. But once they are in, it's smooth sailing.My experience in Japanese universities has been very bad. There was no research being done, it is all about the appearance of research. For example, the lab I was in, the next grant depended on them getting a certain number of papers published in an international conference. So, the (undeservedly) famous professor was able to organise a workshop for a prestigious American symposium, but only accepted papers from people within the project. As the native English speaker, I had to proofread them and they were all awful. No new ideas, just really trivial or stupid stuff. The other foreign researchers and I called it "publication through obfuscation". But they hit their quota and got the next project funded.I may have just been unlucky with the particular labs I worked in, but I get the impression is was pretty common.
Can Americans work as au pair in Japan?
No, in order for an American(or any other foreigner for that matter), to legally work in Japan fulltime, the foreigner MUST have a WorkVisa. To qualify for(but not necessarily receive) that Visa, you are required by law to have a University degree in any discipline PLUS a job offer from an employer who does business in Japan, AND who has agreed to sponsor you. If you are young enough, you MIGHT qualify for a cultural study Visa. Go to the Embassy's official website: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/in...