Study Abroad in Japan

Japan is an island nation that sits in the Pacific Ocean on the east coast of Asia. It shares borders with several bodies of water including the Seas of Japan, Okhotsk and East China. Its closest neighbors are Taiwan, North and South Korea, China and Russia. It consists of four large islands and 6,852 (yes, 6,852!) total islands. 

If you decide to pack your bags and study abroad in Japan with the 130 million locals of Japan, you’ll need to secure a passport, student visa and, if you decide to work, a work visa. Contact the Japanese consulate or embassy at least six months before you leave for Japan to make sure you have your documentation in order. Working or interning while you study abroad in Japan can allow you to collect Japanese Yen (the colorful currency of Japan) meet new people, and discover how video games, hybrid vehicles, and components of iPods are made.

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. 

Life in Japan

Japan is a country faithful to living life as a work of art. Its monuments, museums, communities and activities are all designed around a devotion to community, a commitment to intentional and particular work and an adherence to the influences of its historical culture. The country’s Shrines of Isla, traditional houses with tatami mats and sliding doors and Buddhist temples like Osorezon and Kiyomizudera provide visitors with ample reason to hop on one of its high-speed trains and tour throughout the regions. The seasonal marvels like Ueno Park’s cherry blossoms and Mount Kōya’s autumn leaves tempt visitors to stay for longer visits; and a unique sports scene including wonders such as sumo wrestling, karate and judo influence people to consider the art of athleticism.

Study abroad in Japan and you’ll enjoy both the historic artistry of the culture and the modern amenities of the country. Japan’s largest cities—Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka—offer modern-day apartments, exhilarating nightlife scenes (including lots of karaoke—one of Japan’s most beloved pastimes) and exquisite cuisine. Japan’s cuisine is, in fact, world-renowned. Staples like rice, noodles, seafood and tofu form the base of the cuisine while various methods of cooking, extensive use of unique spices (like dashi and miso) and a commitment to freshness and the use of seasonal ingredients contribute to the tastiness of it. The Japanese’s devotion to spotless presentation and intentional dining finalize the cuisine making eating it a wonderful and enjoyable experience.

Japan study abroad programs offer you the opportunity to explore artistry, practice intentionality, enjoy modern amenities, and perhaps best of all, eat delicious and satisfying cuisine. Why not study in Japan? You are sure to have a meaningful and satisfying adventure.

History and Culture in Japan

Japan’s historical storybook draws from a breadth of influences like Confucianism, Buddhism and the once ruling class of warriors—the Samarai. These influences, combined with years of empires, dynasties and other various forms of social order, translated into some of Japan’s most embraced and practiced traditions. World Wars I and II led to the creation of the country’s more liberal and democratic constitution and served to transform the country into the traditional yet modern entity it is today.     

Studying abroad in Japan will allow you to live in a culture beautifully decorated with the intention and artistry of a citizenry lovingly devoted to its history. Intricately designed swords, carefully hand-crafted dolls, purposefully practiced tea ceremonies and the arts of calligraphy, origami and gardening regularly find their way into the daily practices of the Japanese culture. Influences of Miyabi, Japan’s earliest architecture, and the Geisha, have an ongoing presence in the Japanese society. Through the historic sculptures, paintings and woodblock prints continuously infuse the country’s modern-day art scene. Japan is a country whose modernity is consistently informed by its fascinating past.

Top Five Reasons to Study Abroad in Japan

• You can explore new and interesting sports like karate, judo and sumo wrestling or enjoy old favorites like surfing, diving and baseball when you study abroad in Japan.
• Japan is home to anime, manga, and karaoke—why not brush up on your drawing skills, read a Japanese comic book and sing your heart out while you’re studying in Japan?
• There are approximately 30 million people living in Japan’s largest city, Tokyo. Living in a large Japanese city will expose you to its dynamic culture, heritage and world-renowned cuisine.
• Studying in Japan will afford you the opportunity to engage in the art of Miyabi, study the art of the Samarai, and practice the arts of origami, calligraphy and woodblock printing.
• Japan is decorated with stunningly beautiful scenery and architecture. Simply opening your eyes while you’re studying abroad in Japan will make for a breathtaking experience.