American schools that offer Japanese Foreign exchange programs
 

Does anyone know where I can find a list of American colleges that offer exchange programs to japan?

I'm 16 and want to live in Japan. I'm planning a career in game design, and am thinking the best thing for me to do to get a job after college is to find a college that offers foreign exchange. Because I currently know very little japanese right now, and the most likely way for me to learn is in college, but want to go to Japan and see if it really is right for me.

Or any colleges that offer english courses. I saw someone on this forum talking about Temple? what is that?

Temple is a school in Tokyo (I beleive).

The University of Oregon does an exchange with Waseda University. They also have an excellent Japanese program.

Temple University is a large private university in Philadelphia and it has a Japan campus in Tokyo.

So do you think it would be wise to apply to Temple and take courses there until I know enough japanese to move on to a japanese school? Or would foreign exchange be better for that?

I'm just trying to find out what it takes to get in to a life in japan as a white/american/game designer...

Also, are there any musicians on the forum that live in japan. preferrably guitarists? does anyone know what the market for guitar in japan is like? do they have all the big american names over there or do they have there own?

As someone who has done both, I would recommend studying even for jsut a year before you go. What you can learn in the first year or two will save hours, weeks, and months of heartache and frustration. If you were going for a week or two, I would just say "GO!" but if you are planning a long-term visit, by all means, start learning Japanese basics today. You will thank yourself.

Many foreign musicians find work in Japan (if they have talent) and it can make for a nice side business and fun hobby. I played with a couple bands in Japan (I was the only gaijin, and i played drums or percussion) and I didn't do it for the money (as there wasn't much) but for the chance to perform and meet people.

All the big names in America and Europe are well known in Japan...

Thanks for the clarification, Masaegu.

Okay, thanks, but I was actually referring more to instrument brand name. Because the only japanese guitarists I've seen use Ibanez guitars...I was just wondering if they had like, Dean or Gibson and such.

Oh yeah. you can find any major brand of guitar there at the music shops.

Okay, thanks alot man! you've helped alot.