ABROAD STUDY IN JAPAN
STUDY IN JAPAN
Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The area of Japan is 377,873 square kilometers, nearly equivalent to Germany and Switzerland combined or slightly smaller than California. Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. Japan’s population is over 126 million. Most Japanese reside in heavily populated urban areas. Japan’s capital city is Tokyo. The population of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area including the city, some of its suburbs and the surrounding area is approximately 12 million.
WHY STUDY ABROAD IN JAPAN
Studying abroad in Japan is a learning experience for any student; especially those studying science, technology, finance or industrial design are of interest to you. Japan is amongst the most technologically advanced in the world and its manufacturing of electronics, appliances and motor vehicles is quickly changing the world. It is home to companies like Nintendo and Toyota and is leading the world in scientific and technological research. Its stock exchange and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency are amongst the most prestigious and aggressive in the world.
As a study abroad student in Japan, you will have the opportunity to learn or hone your Japanese language skills. Learn to use the Japanese Kanji (or Chinese character), two sets of Kana (simplified Chinese characters), the Latin alphabet and Arabic numerals. If learning Japanese doesn’t expose you to enough linguistic challenge, you can find your way to parts of rural Japan where languages like Ryukyuan and Ainu are spoken but quickly disappearing.
1. High level of education
Japan is home to an esteemed education system, often ranking in the top 10 countries for quality of education. Even at an elementary and high school level, Japan is known for its commitment to education.
In one of the most high-tech countries in the world, it’s probably not surprising that there are some awesome STEM and technology Japan study abroad programs available. Japan is also a huge economic and business hub, and is perfect for students in those fields!
While Japan is well-known for technology and business-related studies, there is no shortage of arts programs. Just look to Japan’s love for design, anime, and trendy clothing, and you’ll see how arts and cultural studies are integral to Japanese culture. Regardless of your field of study, high-quality programs is one of the top reasons to study abroad in Japan!
2. Take advantage of job opportunities
Japan has a booming economy, and many job opportunities for English speakers. If you take the time to learn Japanese, that’s even better! Bilingual English and Japanese speakers are in huge demand in Japan, a country that is home to a number of global brands.
There’s just one caveat: Japanese is an extremely difficult language to learn as an English speaker. Luckily, the demand for English teachers is also very high in Japan! Japan is actually one of the top locations for international English teachers.
This means that you have job opportunities after you graduate; you can also work part time as a teacher or tutor while you study abroad in Japan. If you decide to stay after you’re finished with school, Japan also has working holiday agreements with many countries.
3. Safe country
Communities take great pride in keeping their public spaces clean in Japan — and it shows! Rarely will you see litter or graffiti on the streets of Japan. If you’re a bit of a neat freak, then cleanliness is just one of the many reasons to study abroad in Japan!
Japan also has an exceptionally low crime rate. As a student, studying abroad might be one of your first experiences venturing out on your own. This means that safety might be a top concern (for your parents, at the very least).
Not only does Japan have a low crime rate, but they also have an excellent health care system, which makes Japan one of the safest countries to study abroad.
4. Experience Japanese culture
Japan has a culture that has influenced the world — and you get to be right in the middle of it if you study abroad in Japan! Japan is known for its flashy, high-tech, and fun culture, balanced with a historical richness that makes up the strong Japanese cultural identity.
In Japan, you can stay in a ryokan (a Buddhist temple homestay), participate in tea ceremonies, watch sumo, and visit beautiful temples. Centuries of history are still evident in Japan through its temples and well-maintained historical sites.
And there’s an awesome fun side as well! When you study abroad in Japan you can also explore all things kawaii, watch and read anime, and maybe go out on the town for a night of karaoke! All of this can be centered around food and drinks, so grab a few beers and meat skewers in an izakaya on the weekends.
5. Learn Japanese
Japanese can be a tough language to learn, so immersion is your best bet if you want to become fluent. And when else would be a better time to immerse yourself than during Japan study abroad programs?
Becoming fluent in Japanese is a great resume booster, especially if you want to work at a Japanese company. With an increasingly globalized economy, Japanese companies are always interested in bilingual, international applicants.
If you want to open doors in the job market, learning Japanese is the way to go! Surrounding yourself with native Japanese speakers is the best way to get the hang of the language as quickly as possible.
6. Great quality of life
Once you use a Japanese toilet, your world view will change. This is not a joke. Many toilets are equipped with seat warmers, heated bidets, and even the option to play music in case you’re *ahem* a little shy about bathroom noises.
The thought put into something as simple as a toilet is a metaphor for the quality of life in Japan. The comfort and care, efficiency, and convenience are some of the things you can take advantage of when you study abroad in Japan.
Politeness is at the forefront of Japanese culture, and you will be greeted with kindness wherever you go. This is all on top of the amazing food, great education and medical system, and top-notch transit infrastructure. Why study abroad in Japan? With all these perks, why not?!