You should seriously consider studying in Japan due to its cheaper tuition fees for international students than many other developed nations, lots of scholarship opportunities, low cost of living for students, generous part-time work allowances, ample graduate employment opportunities, and welcoming immigration system. As a country that has continued to meld high technology into the fabric of its society whilst remaining true to its unique culture, Japan continues to fascinate people around the world. In addition to Japanese language courses, the number of degree courses taught in English at Japanese universities has increased in recent years, making Japan an increasingly popular study destination. Over the last 10 years, the total number of international students enrolled at universities in Japan has increased by over 160%.
Japan is continually internationalizing as its companies actively compete across the globe; leading to good job prospects for graduates. Studying a bachelor’s degree in Japan is also more affordable than in many other G7 nations and there are many scholarship opportunities available. All of which is leading more students to ask “should I study in Japan?”.
Here are 10 great reasons why you should consider studying in Japan!
1. Japan has a high-quality of education
Japan is renowned for its excellent education system and is the top-performing OECD country in reading literacy, math and sciences with the average student scoring 529, well above the OECD average 486. 94.6% of Japanese adults aged 25-64 have completed upper secondary education, higher than the OECD average of 78%.
2. Excellent employment opportunities for international students
Japan is the world’s 3rd largest economy and home to many famous multinational companies in the technology, automotive and manufacturing sectors. With Japanese companies being active around the world, knowledge of the Japanese language and business culture can be extremely beneficial for your future career both in Japan and abroad. It is well known that Japan faces demographic pressures as its population continues to shrink and age rapidly. This is creating great employment opportunities for international students who graduate from Japanese universities.
There are skill shortages emerging in many industries and increasing competition amongst companies for workers who are bi-lingual and tri-lingual. Most companies will still require fluency in Japanese which you can attain while studying at a Japanese University. However, there are an ever-increasing number of jobs that do not require you to have JLPT N1 level Japanese.
3. Affordable tuition fees & generous scholarships
At many Japanese universities, international students pay the same fees as Japanese domestic students, this helps to make Japan a more affordable destination than many other G7 nations. The Japanese government supports international education through its JASSO (Japan Student Services Organization) and MEXT scholarships. In addition to this most universities have their own academic merit scholarships that you can apply for. At iCLA we have four tiers of academic merit scholarship available, and you could receive a four-year waiver of 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of your tuition, facility and equipment fees. Applying for a scholarship at iCLA is as easy as submitting an extra essay with your application to iCLA.
4. Safe and secure, with an excellent medical system
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. The crime rate in Japan is extremely low, with minimal rates of drug use. The Economist Intelligence Unit ranks Tokyo and Osaka as the world’s 1st and 3rd safest cities respectively. While Japan does have natural disasters from time to time it also has very high building standards. Japan’s natural propensity for earthquakes has brought forth centuries of innovations in earthquake-resistant technology, putting Japan at the forefront of safe infrastructure in the world.
Japan was also the first country in the world to enshrine environmental protections into law and continues to have very strong food safety regulations. According to the World Health Organization, the Japanese have the longest life expectancy in the world, thanks in part to Japan’s excellent medical system which you will have access to as a student through the very affordable national health insurance system.
5. You can earn a degree and learn Japanese at the same time
Traditionally, an international student seeking to study at a Japanese University would attend a Japanese language school to improve their Japanese to a JLPT N2 or N1 level. They would then take university entrance exams and go on to study a degree program in Japanese. This process often means that getting a degree could take several years longer than the standard length of the degree, with the additional associated expense.
At a university offering an English-taught degree like iCLA however, you can study Japanese as an elective while studying towards your major. iCLA’s Japanese language program is designed to assist you in gaining fluency in Japanese by the time you graduate. Learning Japanese while you earn your degree can save you years and thousands of dollars.
6. Learn about Japanese culture, history, and nature
Japan’s culture and history continue to fascinate many people around the world. Japan is a country that puts a lot of effort into preserving its historical sites and cultural heritage, often leading to unique juxtapositions of the metropolitan and the historical. In recognition of this, to date twenty three locations in Japan have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
As one of the highest context languages (meaning that communication is dependent on the understanding of the underlying cultural context rather than the direct meaning of the words), the subtlety of Japanese is intrinsically linked and expressed in its culture and art. Improving your Japanese while living and studying in Japan will allow you to gain an even deeper appreciation for Japan’s history, townscapes, shrines, temples, Samurai culture and anime. An investigation of the unique art forms and aesthetics of Japan may inspire you to assess your inner beliefs, leading to improvements in yourself through deep cross-cultural understanding.
7. Great quality of life
Long term residents and visitors alike often remark on how “everything just works” in Japan. From the trains that run so on-time drivers have apologised for arriving 30 seconds behind schedule, to the ease of paying for bills and other goods at convenience stores, the cleanliness and order of its cities and towns, exceptional levels of customer service, and the broader engagement in community life in evidence, all of this equates to liveable cities and a great quality of life in Japan.
Every year articles are published where cities have been ranked on differing metrics and one announced as the “most liveable in the world”. Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto frequently feature highly on these lists. The metrics generally used in these assessments include access to public transport and healthcare, climate, political stability, cost of living pressures, access to employment opportunities, walkability, safety, the list goes on. It is little wonder then that these Japanese cities, with their economic opportunities, cleanliness, low crime, and efficient and interconnected transport systems that are directly tied to housing developments often rank highly.
8. Japan fosters your self-discovery and adventurous spirit
Living in Japan will give you many opportunities to speak Japanese and therefore improve your Japanese ability. You will also face culture shock and the process of overcoming it will improve your self-reliance and resilience. Japan is definitely a country where you can truly immerse yourself in its language while living here. Studying overseas is always a journey of self-discovery, but this additional linguistic dimension enhances it, further developing your adventurous spirit.
9. Lifelong friendships and future career connections
Studying in Japan and sharing this unique experience with your fellow students will lead to lifelong international friendships and future career connections. At iCLA, you will be studying with students from over forty other countries. Our faculty is also very multicultural, with over 60% of them coming from outside Japan, and 88% of the full time faculty members having been educated overseas. Our students regularly describe iCLA as a real melting pot, where they are supported to share their differing viewpoints and learn about each other’s cultures.
10. Japanese food tastes better in Japan!
Perhaps we’ve left the most important reason until last, but if you want to experience the best Japanese food, you need to come to Japan! With Japanese food such as sushi and ramen becoming increasingly popular around the world, you’ve probably got a good idea of Japanese cuisine; but just wait till you get here!
Each region has a variety of delicacies on offer and Yamanashi is no exception. Living here you’ll get to try some of Yamanashi’s famous foods like hearty Hoto noodles, yuba, Yoshida-udon, Torimotsu, Venison curry, and Otsukedango.
Add a Comment