Should I study abroad in japan?

Should you study abroad in Japan? The answer to this question depends on your interests, goals, and level of experience.

If you want to immerse yourself in a different culture and learn about a different way of life, then studying in Japan would be a great choice. Japan is an ancient country with many historical sites and contemporary cities that are worth exploring. You can also find opportunities to volunteer or take part in cultural activities while you’re there.

Pros And Cons Of Studying Abroad In Japan

Studying in Japan can be highly rewarding. However, there are several factors that you need to stay aware of while studying and living abroad in Japan. I am going to show you the pros and cons of studying in Japan in the following sections so stay put and learn.

Pros of Studying Abroad in Japan

• Japan has one of the best education systems in the world. If you study abroad in Japan, you put yourself up for high-quality education without spending so much. As reported by World Population Review, Japan ranks number 7 on the list of countries with the best education system. They have quality education systems that thrive even though they don’t invest in education as much as other countries in the world. Global Citizens for Human Rights ranked Japan as number 3 in the countries with the best educational systems report. This is one good advantage you have if you study abroad in Japan.

• Another good side of studying abroad in Japan is that there are numerous job opportunities available for international students. If you have successfully been able to learn Japanese, this is an advantage for you as most people speak Japanese there. However, if you speak good English, you can be able to get a good teaching job since there is a huge demand for English speakers in Japan. This also comes with good pay and accommodation so you don’t have to worry about surviving with this provision. 

• You have multiple programs to pick from. You don’t have to be a STEM student to study in Japan. You can explore other programs such as music and art and build a career in the field. Studying in Japan means you’ll not be stuck in between two crappy programs that you don’t have any interest in. 

• There are lots of fun activities that you’ll come across in Japan. Japan has a lot of unique and cultural activities that you can engage in. Tokyo and Kyoto have ancient and new temples and museums that you can visit and explore. Even if any of these cities is not your destination in Japan, you can make a stop there to experience the fun in these cities before heading to your destination. Remember, this is a lifetime opportunity so you should experience every bit of it.

• It is very common to miss one’s way while studying or living abroad. However, you won’t find it hard to find your way as a result of Japan’s efficient transportation system. You can take the 320-kilometer-per-hour train for a range of prices depending on the distance. You won’t get stuck as a student trying to get to school or travel between major cities. The trains are also ever punctual so you won’t have to miss your classes due to delays or no-shows.

Cons of Studying Abroad in Japan

• You may find it hard to find a balance between your education and social life. The education system in Japan is formed in a way that you have to pay optimum attention to it to be able to excel. Japanese also put education before other things in their lives so you may have to do the same to catch up. Eventhough there are lots of fun places there, they have believed so much in hard and diligent work before anything else.

• It can be expensive to live in Japan as a result of its high standard of living. There are numerous places and activities to enjoy but then they don’t come free or cheap. You have to spend some cash to experience these tantalizing adventures. However, if you can spear or save up some money to see at least one of these fun places at some point, you should so you don’t miss out.

• If you don’t speak and understand Japanese in some way, you may find it a bit hard to get by. Japan is rarely an English-speaking country as most people speak Japanese. This is also why there is a large opening for English teachers in Japan, especially for international students or graduates.

Things to know before studying in Japan

• Japanese are very punctual and don’t encourage lateness. You will never find a late bus or train nor will you find a late teacher or lecturer in class. This is an expectation that is also required of you. You should try to be punctual especially for your classes or on invitations to events. Things are highly organized so being late to anything unsettles them. Always be punctual and set your time to arrive earlier than scheduled. This can help you if punctuality is not your thing. 

• You should know that the Japanese are extremely neat and you most probably will not be able to clean up to their standard. If you are hosted by a Japanese family, you will find that the mother will still clean your room after you may have done your version of cleaning. Let’s just say cleanliness is a culture in Japan and this is a culture you have to uphold in the country.

• Another important thing worthy of note is that the Japanese take off their shoes almost all the time. Don’t be surprised by this as it further shows their level of cleanliness. If you want to stay with a family, you need to bring your house shoes which are often flip-flop slippers as you can’t walk within the house with your shoes or sandals. However, if you are only visiting the family, you should still put off your shoes but then have your socks to walk within the house. Walking barefoot is a no in Japanese households so you need your socks or house shoes within the home.

• Japanese have high standards so they expect you to do well at the first chance you get no matter what. They have high expectations of people but maybe you can get some grace since you are a foreigner and not a Japanese. Please know that it is okay to fall short of these high expectations. 

• You will find that people love to give counsel in Japan when they find an error or mistake in other people. This is their way of showing that they care about you so don’t take this badly. 

• Leisure time is a luxury that the Japanese cannot afford so you won’t find people taking a lot of free time. As mentioned earlier, they believe in education or work over fun or leisure so they work almost all the time. This is why you find that an average Japanese is a hard worker. 

• People are polite in Japan and they bow to greet each other. They have manners and show courtesy from exchanging pleasantries to saying ‘’Gomenasai’’ to ‘’Arigato’’ which means ‘’I’m sorry’’ and ‘’Thank you’’

Should you study in Japan? 

Yes, you should study abroad in Japan. As established in previous sections of this article, you will get the best quality education in Japan and a lifetime opportunity to experience world-class views and activities. 

Japan will also help you develop good work culture. You will find that they have a work-centric attitude that will rub off on you and you spend your time there doing a lot of meaningful work. It is not a normal thing for them to spend hours resting or doing leisure activities.

This will help you as a student to study hard and finish your program with flying colors. When you also see Japanese students putting in their best in their education, you will want to double your effort to meet up with or even surpass them.

You should study in Japan to learn punctuality. Studying and living in Japan will help you develop a habit of being punctual. Japanese keep to time so much that a lecturer may give notice if he is going to be one minute late due to unavoidable circumstances. 

Studying and living in Japan will also teach you cleanliness on a higher level. Japanese are extremely neat that you may not be able to meet up with their level of cleanliness as a newcomer. You should study in Japan to help you attain this extreme level of cleanliness.

As you study in Japan, you will have the opportunity to experience life in a way that you haven’t experienced before. They have different fun activities lined up for people who are ready to explore them. 

You have heard so much about studying and living in Japan. It’s about time you take the bold step to study abroad in Japan and fulfill your dreams.