Index
Author: Edutraveller
Date written: 04/17/2003 09:38:10 AM
Last edited: 2003/05/25 16:53:13
Keywords: Education, Study in Japan, Japanese educational system, Japanese language schools, Japanese university system
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What's new in this section:
2003/05/09 18:17:01: Japanese Language Teacher Qualifications
Education
There are many reasons to study in Japan: world-class universities, cutting-edge technology, international business, high quality resources, vibrant culture, unique history, interesting people. There are also many perceived barriers - the most obvious being language. However, if you are interested in study of any kind at any level, or are interested in Asia and Asian culture, history, languages in general, or just seeing a country that is different to any other, Japan has a lot to offer you and it isn't difficult to get a lot out of the educational system in Japan.
Content
This section covers the following areas:
The educational system of Japan gives a brief overview of the structure of education in Japan: what options there are, what is available for foreigners. This is followed by pages that describe the various levels that are of interest to foreign students:
This is followed by:
- Enrolment explains the process of entering various institutions in Japan - the pitfalls and the options.
- The section on examinations gives complete information about the types of examination available, what you need to achieve your aims and when you need to apply.
- Of course, you will require a visa to study in Japan - this page gives all the information you need about the types of visas, which is most suitable for your needs, how and when to get it.
- Preparations tells you about what to expect in Japan, what to do before you come and how you can maximise your study while you are here.
Language
Language doesn't have to be a great barrier to study in Japan. It might be your aim (so find yourself a language school), or you might want to study in Japan but are not too worried about learning perfect Japanese: in this case, there are many university courses that are conducted in English.
Of course, to get the most of your time in Japan you should aim to learn Japanese, but not everyone has the time to do so. If you do have the time and desire to learn Japanese, starting from absolute beginner it will take you about one year in a language school (or up to two years, depending on how hard you study!) to get to the point where you can understand classes in Japanese. One year would require intense study to achieve that level; two years would be ample. For more information about the language in general click here for the travel guide which includes a fairly basic explanation of the origins and development of the language as well as its form, and a little information about studying Japanese in Japan.
With a falling population and a drastic reduction in the number of young people, Japan's universities and other institutions are desperate to find ways of filling the spaces - and the general consensus seems to be that foreign students will fill the gap. This opens up many new opportunities for foreign nationals to study in Japan and means that it has never been easier to get into Japanese universities.
As with any plans for study abroad, research well before you apply. There are plenty of very high quality educational institutions out there providing world-class education. Study in Japan can be very rewarding: get skills that few others in the marketplace will have and this could be the launchpad you need for your career.
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