If you are open to the idea of pursuing higher education in a foreign country, Japan could be the perfect choice for you. Flower arranging, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and wonderful cuisine are just a few things out of everything Japanese culture can offer to you.
As a student, you would enjoy staying in Japan and experiencing their unique culture. In this article, we are going to talk about the top ten tips for studying in Japan.
These are some tips that will help you to utilize your time in the beautiful country! Treat it as an extraordinary experience and mind that this country is perfect for studies as well as leisure.
Read further to find out more about the best tips fo studying in Japan!
1. Always be ON TIME for class
Punctuality is necessary for Japanese people. If your class is scheduled for 9 AM, you must arrive by 8:45 AM. This is not to scare you!
We believe that it disciplines you and prepares you for the tough terrains of life. A basic rule of thumb is to reach on time and never be late for class or even meeting someone important. Lateness is not taken well in Japan!
2. Make Travelling a Priority
There are many places to go in Japan. As you are a student, it does not mean that you have to lock yourself in your dorm for the rest of the year. Hangout with the Japanese locals and explore the beautiful places around your college.
Travel to Mount Fuji or go to Itsukushima for a breathtaking view. You will be close to nature, and it will give you a sense of peace too.
There are also lots of ways to travel cheaply in Japan so won't let money worries put you off.
3. Understand the basic principle of taking off your shoes
When you are studying in this country, you need to understand the indoor etiquette. When you are visiting someone’s home or even going into the classroom, you may need to take your shoes off. Slippers are provided by the host which should be worn indoors. Take this very seriously!
4. Cleanliness is the KEY!
You would notice that everything is sparkling clean in Japan. Nobody litters or even wears outdoor shoes inside the home, school or restaurants. This cannot be a bad thing, isn’t it? You will never notice graffiti here, and people like to bathe multiple times in a day.
In a nutshell, once you start studying in Japan, you will become disciplined.
5. Learn the Language
Learning another language is always going to help you later in life.
Although you can find courses for foreigners in England, its recommend to learn basic Japanese.
When you are done with your studies, you can pursue a career in Japan itself. It is a great place to live, and there is a lot of scopes to learn and earn!
There are many colleges in Japan which offer Japanese language lessons. You could even learn the language from new friends or study online via an app.
6. Make New Connections
If you are an exchange student going to study abroad, it is advisable for you to meet new people and make long-lasting friends. This way you would get to know more about the Japanese culture and traditions. In case, you are a Ph.D. student, you would benefit from this participant observation experience.
7. Expect High Expectations
In a traditional Japanese family, there are a lot of expectations for a child. Whether it is academics or physical appearance, the family expects their child to be perfect.
When you are studying in a university, your professor would expect you to submit the thesis or assignments on a timely basis. In the first year, you might find it difficult to submit all the papers on time but relax and always ask for help.
8. Eating Etiquette
You are expected to be prim and proper! It is considered to be rude to waste the food on your plate. If you are not hungry, you should politely decline. However, you can enjoy the ramen by making slurping sounds. Japanese people are loud eaters, and it is okay to make sounds while eating!
9. Lack of Individualism
A study program in Japan for international students is favorable.
You would enjoy your time here because the country does not focus on individualism. In this country, people focus on groups and not just individuals. In the United States of America, people are highly individualistic.
A good example would be a woman taking maternity leave and them thanking the co-workers for helping with the extra workload. They get gifts and write gratitude notes for showing appreciation.
10. Get used to Seafood
Seafood is supposed to be their staple food. You will get non-seafood options too! However, there will be times when you would get invited to eat sushi. Get accustomed to the taste of the sushi.
An Extra Tip:
Try and brag your skills in the English language. The locals would try and practice their English with you, and you should be open to help them with the basic grammar.
If you want to study abroad in Asia don’t just contemplate about traveling to Japan for further studies! Make a decision and apply to the best colleges. Japan is a great place to visit, and the culture is amazing.
Additionally, you will get to experience a whole new world. You will learn a thing or two about teamwork, cleanliness, and discipline.
The Japanese people love their food and their traditions. We can only say that you would enjoy your time here as a student!
