About Universities in Japan:)

[becky]

Hello! Konnichiwa!
My name is Becky Jung and I'm interested in going to Japan
as an exchange student in 1~2 years....
But before then, I just wished to know more about
universities in Japan, and how life is like as a university student in Japan.
So, please if you are or have been a university student in Japan,
or even if you have interesting information about Japan universities,
please share your experience/knowledge with me!
Any aspect of student life is fine (for example, studying, part-time job, hanging out with friends, dating etc.)
Thank you very much in advance!
Doumo Arigatougozaimasu!

[jasonbvr]

Hi Becky, I don't think I can answer your questions as well as Nyororin so we'll hope that she spots your posting. But here is my take on some of them.
As far as a part time job goes, it really depends on where you are from. I don't the specifics of trying to work with a student's visa, but I assume that you would be working "under the table." This means pseudo illegally, but you would definitely be able to find some English students by posting on some site like mysensei.com and a few others. These let you find your own students, charge them what you like and take straight cash payments. There are other opportunities too. I saw an advertisement the other week for female staff at an English conversation coffee cafe, but I don't know what sort of visa you will need.
As far as dating, I am interested to know what your ethnic background is. Regardless of what it is, you will find it quite easy to find a nice guy to date. I only mention this because, well I don't know if it is so much a thing now, but Korean men and women were sort of idolized in the past because of huge hit Korean movies and TV shows. Either way though, there are plenty of singles out there.
Studying should be fairly easy. Nippon schools are fairly laid back by the time you get to college. You would probably be studying primarily Japanese so difficulty would depend a lot on your level and commitment.
Hanging out I guess depends on what you what to do. There are plenty of clubs and bars around colleges I am sure. Drinking age is twenty, but for a gaijin they don't ever check. I am not even sure they check Japanese for ID. Plenty of sports enthusiasts to get involved with. Excellent skiing/snowboarding here with a nice long season. Skating, music, lots of art shows in Tokyo, etcetera, just depends on what you are interested in.

Anywho, ganbatte kudasai, ja ne...

[seanfromphilly]

I just arrived in Japan for a study abroad semester through Temple University in Philadelphia. The culture adjustment is intense, so be prepare in advance and be ready for it. It will still probably take you a week or two to get over the initial culture shock. The Temple program is in Tokyo, so if you're looking for a huge city environment this may be for you. You can check out some information at:

International Programs : Japan

Good Luck!

Sean

[jasonbvr]

This website is for incoming JET's, but it has tons of info. Jetset Japan InfoZone - Essential Japan Living Information

[becky]

Thank you very much (both jasonbvr-san!! & seanfromphilly-san!!) for your thorough and kind information arigatougozaimasu!

[fictionfriction]

hey sean, would you mind telling me a little bit about the temple program? i am interested in going there next year and would like to hear about the program from someone currently involved in it... as far as culture shock, i've spent 6 months in JP before so i'm very comfortable with it. what else can i expect from going there? thanks.

[kripoi]

I also would like more INFO about the temple program. does it cost anything? if so, what are the prices?

[jasonbvr]

Wouldn't you have to be a student at Temple University to go abroad on their exchange program?

Basic student exchange programs work like this. Your university has partner universities overseas. Then when you pay the regular tiution, room and board, and meal plan for your university and an international student does the same at their school. Then the schools simply swap students. In this way, if you are a scholarship recipient or awarded financial aid at your school it will still be valid since you are paying for the same university. That is the best I can explain it.

Some schools do run programs through which you can be involved in through partnership with your school. In other words, if your home university does not have overseas partners you can go through an intermediary domestic university which will transfer the credits earned to your school.

Another option is to seek out your own program by applying directly to companies that place students in foreign schools or the school themselves. This can cost more, less or the same as exchange programs. The most important thing in this circumstance is to discuss before you go that you will receive credit for your studies overseas. Make sure the school or program you wish to attend is accredited or you will have the option of placement tests or exams for credit.

I use to know a lot more about this stuff when I was in school, but thankfully those days are over. Good luck!