Studying Abroad in Japan... Help!
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Where do I begin.
Born a U.S. Citizen with no Japanese Language training and have came across an opportunity to study in Japan at an accredited University. I have always dreamed of going to Japan ever since I was little.
I have a burning passion that cannot be explained by words to absorb their culture eat their food, and learn their customs. Although I have never traveled outside the United States, I yearn for an experience abroad and I wanted to live my dreams by going to Japan.
Although my only experience with Japan is through a third-person perspective (I.E. Media (Not fast and the furious Tokyo Drift), Japanese Animation, Manga, Documentaries, Blogs, and Vloggers) I have over time felt a connection with this country. This attraction varies from the cities, lights, streets, signs and buildings to me is intoxicating.
With this said, this opportunity would let me be apart of something I believe I have wanted to become apart of for sometime. Yet I am at a cross road, I begin thinking deeply about studying abroad, and ask myself questions like "Who would help me if I am lost? How do I get around? How can I communicate? What if I am an outcast to other Japanese students? Where do I go if i'm hurt? What if I am discriminated?"[size=10](I'm Asian-American but not Japanese).[/h]
The answer was simple, I know nothing about Japan, I know no one in Japan, I don't even know how approaching someone In Japan is like. Its like jumping into a pool head first without first learning how to swim. Trying something so different and something completely out of my "safe zone" that I cannot imagine what difficulties I would face.
I don't know what to do. I would love to say that I would enjoy studying abroad in Japan, yet its easy enough for me to say that the problems I might face could define me as a person and what I really want in life.
If you loved something so much, that you were over come with so much determination to do it, but you knew what problems lied ahead, would you risk it all to experience it? To live your dreams?
I've talked to the study abroad people, already talked to advisers, parents and family. I have no one telling me, "Go, follow your dreams and no matter what don't quit." but I hear "Its too expensive. Your going to get frustrated and homesick. Japan isn't what its like on T.V."
I honestly don't know where to look for answers. So this may not be the place to talk about this, but I had to, no I Needed to reach out to someone even if it was on Fakku.net *sweat*.
Born a U.S. Citizen with no Japanese Language training and have came across an opportunity to study in Japan at an accredited University. I have always dreamed of going to Japan ever since I was little.
I have a burning passion that cannot be explained by words to absorb their culture eat their food, and learn their customs. Although I have never traveled outside the United States, I yearn for an experience abroad and I wanted to live my dreams by going to Japan.
Although my only experience with Japan is through a third-person perspective (I.E. Media (Not fast and the furious Tokyo Drift), Japanese Animation, Manga, Documentaries, Blogs, and Vloggers) I have over time felt a connection with this country. This attraction varies from the cities, lights, streets, signs and buildings to me is intoxicating.
With this said, this opportunity would let me be apart of something I believe I have wanted to become apart of for sometime. Yet I am at a cross road, I begin thinking deeply about studying abroad, and ask myself questions like "Who would help me if I am lost? How do I get around? How can I communicate? What if I am an outcast to other Japanese students? Where do I go if i'm hurt? What if I am discriminated?"[size=10](I'm Asian-American but not Japanese).[/h]
The answer was simple, I know nothing about Japan, I know no one in Japan, I don't even know how approaching someone In Japan is like. Its like jumping into a pool head first without first learning how to swim. Trying something so different and something completely out of my "safe zone" that I cannot imagine what difficulties I would face.
I don't know what to do. I would love to say that I would enjoy studying abroad in Japan, yet its easy enough for me to say that the problems I might face could define me as a person and what I really want in life.
If you loved something so much, that you were over come with so much determination to do it, but you knew what problems lied ahead, would you risk it all to experience it? To live your dreams?
I've talked to the study abroad people, already talked to advisers, parents and family. I have no one telling me, "Go, follow your dreams and no matter what don't quit." but I hear "Its too expensive. Your going to get frustrated and homesick. Japan isn't what its like on T.V."
I honestly don't know where to look for answers. So this may not be the place to talk about this, but I had to, no I Needed to reach out to someone even if it was on Fakku.net *sweat*.
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Japan is expensive and hard for expatriates to get a job there since Japanese people have the mindset that work is reserved for Japanese people. There's a lot of discrimination against foreigners, with many shops not allowing 'gaijin' inside. I've read stories of expats who were driven mad and crawled back to their home country when they were unable to get close to Japanese people and know them as close friends.
Your University is probably taught in English which will shield you from having to learn Japanese; this is a bad thing. If you want to socialize and get to know their culture you really need to know the language and it takes years to do so (see danny choo).
I am not discouraging you from chasing a dream but please be aware of all the cons of Japan so you know what to expect and be prepared. If you rush in with high hopes you will get crushed fast.
A good place to go is the gaijinpot.com forums.
Your University is probably taught in English which will shield you from having to learn Japanese; this is a bad thing. If you want to socialize and get to know their culture you really need to know the language and it takes years to do so (see danny choo).
I am not discouraging you from chasing a dream but please be aware of all the cons of Japan so you know what to expect and be prepared. If you rush in with high hopes you will get crushed fast.
I honestly don't know where to look for answers. So this may not be the place to talk about this, but I had to, no I Needed to reach out to someone even if it was on Fakku.net *sweat*.
A good place to go is the gaijinpot.com forums.
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This isn't SD material.
Just because you want a serious answer doesn't mean that this thread is applicable in this section.
Just because you want a serious answer doesn't mean that this thread is applicable in this section.
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Ahaha, it sounds like you have ridiculously high expectations for Japan. You're either going to be bitterly disappointed, or become a almost religious supporter of it (e.g. Danny Choo).
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Anesthetize wrote...
This isn't SD material.Just because you want a serious answer doesn't mean that this thread is applicable in this section.
Understood. Random...? No, more like babbling. If you could move the thread that would be good but if it has no home than that works too.
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This country, is fantastic.
You will need a circle of friends, if you go with a study abroad system there will be other english speakers so no problem there.
You don't need that much Japanese to get around, so in a month or 2 you'll be fine.
Navigating from one place to another isn't so hard either, you just need to remember how you got from here to there.
You will be discriminated against, you're not Japanese, but then again you're in Japan so where the whole damn country made an effort to help up at Tohoku. So its not that bad when it does happen (or when you notice it, its a small when you do notice it, most of the people here are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
If you get hurt, just say point it out to someone, they will help you or get help for you or take you to the nearest Koban (police station).
Oh, I forgot to mention, you get around using trains, mostly trains. If you need to go from place to place and you don't know the way so well, look it up before hand, or if you're too lazy for that ask any station officers(?) by just giving them a map and and a marker, obviously tell them the station you're heading to. Before you ask look like you're sorry to bother them and go up and say 'Shitsurei masu' 'ã—ã¤ã‚Œã„ã¾ã™ã€‚' In english it's 'please excuse me'.
You will need a circle of friends, if you go with a study abroad system there will be other english speakers so no problem there.
You don't need that much Japanese to get around, so in a month or 2 you'll be fine.
Navigating from one place to another isn't so hard either, you just need to remember how you got from here to there.
You will be discriminated against, you're not Japanese, but then again you're in Japan so where the whole damn country made an effort to help up at Tohoku. So its not that bad when it does happen (or when you notice it, its a small when you do notice it, most of the people here are some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
If you get hurt, just say point it out to someone, they will help you or get help for you or take you to the nearest Koban (police station).
Oh, I forgot to mention, you get around using trains, mostly trains. If you need to go from place to place and you don't know the way so well, look it up before hand, or if you're too lazy for that ask any station officers(?) by just giving them a map and and a marker, obviously tell them the station you're heading to. Before you ask look like you're sorry to bother them and go up and say 'Shitsurei masu' 'ã—ã¤ã‚Œã„ã¾ã™ã€‚' In english it's 'please excuse me'.
1
I've never had the opportunity to study abroad, but have had the opportunity to travel by myself, with no clear direction or understanding of what I was getting myself into.
First off: congratulations. Very, very few people have the opportunity to study in Japan, considered to have one of the best educational systems the world over. I tried to apply, but didn't get accepted.
Considering: yes, Japan can be a very expensive place. If you're getting financial aid, know how to work your budget. Don't eat out at any place you can find. Look for discount deals anywhere you can. Learn to cook. Economize every yen you can. Really not very different from any other place. Learn to operate on a budget and you'll have an easier time than over-spending Sam.
Considering: Japanese Universities (Tokyo, Osaka etc.) have extremely high standards, and most require an entry exam to gain access. This test can be very difficult, and if your pass is not ensured, this single piece of paper can crush all your ambitions. Study. HARD. As much as you can. Leave sight-seeing and partying for vacation time.
Considering: Language barriers are the hardest to overcome. Learn the language ASAP and you'll be able to communicate. You'll be able to make new acquaintances, which will be vital for both their emotional support as well as their ability to introduce you to people that can contribute to your goals.
Considering: You seem excited but undecided. You seem to lack support from your parents and friends. This, unfortunately, will happen all throughout your life. Many times you'll be left to fend for your own. Your parents/friends are probably worried sick and don't want you go, but lack the resolve to tell you up-front. So they try to discourage you through technical data as to not entwine their personal feelings into their obvious disapproval. This is where you must excel at, knowing that the decisions you take will ultimately shape YOUR future.
If this is your dream, your desire, and now the opportunity presented itself; this is no longer a dream. It is a goal. One you have the capacity to fulfill. No one else can make this decision for you. The consequences of your actions will be yours alone. If you must be hungry for a day to live your dream, are you willing to through the hardship? No one can give you the answer. Go out and find it for yourself.
I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do. But this is simply one of those times when you have to make up your own mind. Take it or not, if it was not your call, you'll regret it for a long time, albeit the rest of your life. Live your dreams and aspirations, for you will NEVER get another chance to do so.
First off: congratulations. Very, very few people have the opportunity to study in Japan, considered to have one of the best educational systems the world over. I tried to apply, but didn't get accepted.
Considering: yes, Japan can be a very expensive place. If you're getting financial aid, know how to work your budget. Don't eat out at any place you can find. Look for discount deals anywhere you can. Learn to cook. Economize every yen you can. Really not very different from any other place. Learn to operate on a budget and you'll have an easier time than over-spending Sam.
Considering: Japanese Universities (Tokyo, Osaka etc.) have extremely high standards, and most require an entry exam to gain access. This test can be very difficult, and if your pass is not ensured, this single piece of paper can crush all your ambitions. Study. HARD. As much as you can. Leave sight-seeing and partying for vacation time.
Considering: Language barriers are the hardest to overcome. Learn the language ASAP and you'll be able to communicate. You'll be able to make new acquaintances, which will be vital for both their emotional support as well as their ability to introduce you to people that can contribute to your goals.
Considering: You seem excited but undecided. You seem to lack support from your parents and friends. This, unfortunately, will happen all throughout your life. Many times you'll be left to fend for your own. Your parents/friends are probably worried sick and don't want you go, but lack the resolve to tell you up-front. So they try to discourage you through technical data as to not entwine their personal feelings into their obvious disapproval. This is where you must excel at, knowing that the decisions you take will ultimately shape YOUR future.
If this is your dream, your desire, and now the opportunity presented itself; this is no longer a dream. It is a goal. One you have the capacity to fulfill. No one else can make this decision for you. The consequences of your actions will be yours alone. If you must be hungry for a day to live your dream, are you willing to through the hardship? No one can give you the answer. Go out and find it for yourself.
I wish you the best in whatever you decide to do. But this is simply one of those times when you have to make up your own mind. Take it or not, if it was not your call, you'll regret it for a long time, albeit the rest of your life. Live your dreams and aspirations, for you will NEVER get another chance to do so.
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I say you should do it. Like what VGuy said, there are a lot of things you need to take under consideration and the idea of stepping out of one's comfort zone is difficult for many let alone going to a foreign country to study. But that's part of the adventure isn't it? Going to live and learn in a new environment is an experience that only a few get to have and if you have a strong enough desire to do so, nothing should stand in your way. Granted there will be obstacles, but everything worth doing never comes easy.
There is the whole "enjoying the experience" and all that stuff but you have still have to remember the realistic obstacles that you have to overcome which have been kindly outlined by VGuy up above. To do this, you have to be committed and your perseverance depends solely on you. Personally, I hope you do make this a reality and it might not be much, but you have my full support.
There is the whole "enjoying the experience" and all that stuff but you have still have to remember the realistic obstacles that you have to overcome which have been kindly outlined by VGuy up above. To do this, you have to be committed and your perseverance depends solely on you. Personally, I hope you do make this a reality and it might not be much, but you have my full support.
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Truly, Japan isnt completely what its portrayed to be in our beloved anime or documentary-esque stereotyping.Understand that while the Japanese are an exceedingly kind people by nature and are blessed with a supportive country that in fact tries their best and garners results, they are also tainted by that same nature.You'll learn of the exceedingly competitive atmosphere they seem to have, you'll learn of how they truly perceive outsiders, whilst we are use to being a country of foreigners(we being the US), they are of a people that is nearly completely hegemonic in diversity.You'll also learn its much like here, they discriminate on their native geeks, the otakus, your cool if you join a sports club or do actions that make you a rebel, a delinquent, there's gossip,drugs, bullying, and cliques. Dont misunderstand, they truly are a better people, with a beautiful country,heritage,culture, and infrastructure that can support pretty much all, but they still have the same faults that make going there so appealing.If you want to make it your mission, go ahead, you'll have the experience of a lifetime, but you'll also close many other doors.For sure there's no going back, you'll have to give up on reaching a high professional level school or degree, you'll not experience the normal teenage life and be constantly on watch, that commitment to self and maturity never comes as your watched even closer than ever, and you'll be overworked everyday by the barriers that have been built through lack of communication. Hopefully these all fade in time though,surely it will, as sure as the sun with rise over the land tomarrow,which land you choose to reside in however, that's up to you.
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Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
[color=red][b]I'd try to live there... one day. But yeah, people don't like foreigners much in there I hear.
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TheDarkStarAlchemist wrote...
No Japanese language training? Haha! Have fun!...We have a request moderator...?
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TheDarkStarAlchemist
Requests Moderator
Darkhilt wrote...
TheDarkStarAlchemist wrote...
No Japanese language training? Haha! Have fun!...We have a request moderator...?
No. I hacked the site and gave myself a sub par title.
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Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Darkhilt wrote...
TheDarkStarAlchemist wrote...
No Japanese language training? Haha! Have fun!...We have a request moderator...?
[color=red][b]...That's old news man.
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Rise-chan wrote...
Darkhilt wrote...
TheDarkStarAlchemist wrote...
No Japanese language training? Haha! Have fun!...We have a request moderator...?
[color=red][b]...That's old news man.
That teasing comment is causing my heart to flutter~
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Cinia Pacifica
Ojou-sama Writer
Darkhilt wrote...
Rise-chan wrote...
Darkhilt wrote...
TheDarkStarAlchemist wrote...
No Japanese language training? Haha! Have fun!...We have a request moderator...?
[color=red][b]...That's old news man.
That teasing comment is causing my heart to flutter~
tsun~ tsun~ <3
[color=red][b]You should know better to shut the tsun-tsun out of your mouth outside CTFG please.
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Rise-chan wrote...
Darkhilt wrote...
Rise-chan wrote...
Darkhilt wrote...
TheDarkStarAlchemist wrote...
No Japanese language training? Haha! Have fun!...We have a request moderator...?
[color=red][b]...That's old news man.
That teasing comment is causing my heart to flutter~
tsun~ tsun~ <3
[color=red][b]You should know better to shut the tsun-tsun out of your mouth outside CTFG please.
Fine then D: retaliatory differentation.
