Real Stories of International Students in Japan Vol.1
Many foreign students dream of studying in Japan. However, actually living in Japan as a foreign student can be more challenging than one might imagine, with language and cultural barriers. Nevertheless, international students are growing and gaining invaluable experience day by day as they adapt to their new environment.
In this "Real Stories of International Students in Japan" series, we spotlight international students who are currently studying in Japan and bring you their real voices. We hope you will feel the importance of cross-cultural understanding and international exchange through their real stories of their life in Japan, including their reasons for coming to Japan to study, the joys and troubles they experienced in their life in Japan, and their dreams for the future.
We hope that this series will provide new insights and encouragement to those interested in Japan and those considering studying abroad in the future. Please take a look at the real stories of international students studying in Japan.
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- Required before studying abroad! Goandup Nihongo+, an online Japanese language learning service
- This page introduces services for foreigners who wish to study in Japan or improve their Japanese language skills to learn Japanese online.
- Goandup Salon" community for foreigners living in Japan
- We introduce an online community where foreigners living in Japan can exchange information and interact with each other to support their life in Japan.
- Goandup Study" supports foreigners who want to study in Japan.
- This section introduces study abroad support services that provide comprehensive support to foreigners who wish to study in Japan, from preparation for study abroad to living in Japan.
- Where can I buy a prepaid SIM in Japan? Recommended SIM cards for foreigners are also introduced.
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- The Complete Guide to Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan for Foreigners!
- We introduce how to select and recommend pocket Wi-Fi products that can be used conveniently in Japan.
- The Complete Guide to Finding a Job in Japan! Finding a job, changing jobs, and part-time work for foreigners
- This site provides foreigners who want to work in Japan with comprehensive information on how to find a job, recommended job sites, and other information necessary to find a job.
Introduction of International Students
- International student: Emily Johnson
- Age: 20 years old
- Birthplace: California, U.S.A.
- Studied at: Private university in Tokyo, School of International Relations
- Duration of study: From October 2023
- Purpose of study abroad: To improve Japanese language skills and learn about Japanese culture
- Hobby: Watching Japanese animation
Interviews with international students
Hi Emily, nice to meet you! I am Chihiro, the person in charge. Nice to meet you.
First of all, please tell us why you decided to come to Japan to study.
I have been fascinated by anime and Japanese culture since I was a child. This interest deepened when I began studying Japanese in college, and I felt a strong desire to actually live in Japan and gain a deeper understanding of its culture and language. I wanted to experience firsthand the lifestyle, customs, and way of thinking of the people of Japan through the university's exchange program.
Are there any particular aspects of Japanese culture that you found particularly impressive when you actually came to Japan?
I am most impressed by the tea culture and Japanese sweets. After coming to Japan, I began learning the tea ceremony and was impressed by the meaning behind each action and the time it takes to calm my mind. I am also fascinated by the delicacy and beauty of wagashi and the variety that changes with the seasons. It is a wonderful experience to be able to feel the four seasons of Japan through wagashi.
What has surprised you most about living in Japan?
It's order and cleanliness in public places. I was surprised at how quiet the trains were and how everyone respected each other's space. It was also refreshing to see that the streets are very clean and there is very little trash to be found. I was impressed by the ingrained culture of people taking their own trash home with them, even though there are very few trash cans in public places.
Have you experienced any difficulties due to language or cultural differences?
At first, it was difficult to keep up with the speed of daily conversation. Especially when speaking with people from Kansai, it was difficult to understand them because of their dialect. However, thanks to the kindness of my friends and teachers, I gradually got used to it and now I can converse more naturally. I was sometimes puzzled at first about the cultural differences, but I think they made my life in Japan richer.
What are some of the problems you are facing in your life as an exchange student?
The language barrier was a bigger challenge than I had expected. In class discussions and daily conversations, I find it difficult and sometimes frustrating to accurately convey my opinions. Misunderstandings and miscommunication due to cultural differences are also a major concern for me. For example, it took me a long time to understand that direct expression of opinions is reserved in Japan, and I have experienced unintentionally offending others.
In addition, we are sometimes faced with the loneliness of being an international student. Sometimes it is unexpectedly difficult to live apart from my family and American friends. However, I see these challenges as valuable opportunities for personal growth.
What changes have you seen in your Japanese language skills through your time in Japan?
Before coming to Japan to study, I only had a basic knowledge of Japanese, but through my time in Japan, I have greatly improved my conversational skills, especially in practical terms. Being in Japan has made me realize the importance of non-verbal communication as well as verbal communication. From daily conversations with Japanese people, I came to understand detailed nuances, including the use of honorific and polite language and gestures, which gave me a great deal of confidence. In addition, by participating in classes and events at Japanese universities, I had many opportunities to learn technical terms and expressions unique to Japan, which deepened not only my language skills but also my cultural understanding.
It's great! Do you have any plans for the future?
Even after my study abroad experience is over, I would like to continue to maintain a connection with Japan. After returning to the U.S., I would like to participate in events and activities that introduce Japanese culture and try to build a bridge between our two countries. Also, if I have the opportunity to work for a Japanese company in the future, I would like to further deepen my understanding of Japan through this experience.
Finally, do you have a message for those who are interested in studying in Japan?
Studying abroad in Japan is more than just language learning. Through study abroad, you will have the opportunity to test your own limits and gain valuable insight into a new culture. I especially want to convey the importance of actively participating in cross-cultural exchanges and deepening your interaction with Japanese people during your study abroad. This will deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and values as well as your Japanese language skills. I also believe that it is important to have a flexible attitude toward different cultures, seeing seemingly difficult situations as opportunities for growth. For those of you who dream of coming to Japan to study, I hope you will challenge yourselves without fear and enjoy the experience to the fullest.
A Day in Japan for International Students
Here is Emily Johnson's daily schedule.
7:00 AM - Wake up
After waking up, the first thing I do is wash my face, get dressed, and head to the dorm cafeteria. Since coming to Japan, I have been truly fascinated by the simple yet nutritious Japanese breakfast that includes rice, miso soup, and sometimes grilled fish, which I could never have imagined at home in California.
8:00 AM - Commuting
You will leave the dormitory and go to the nearest station, from where you will take the train to the university. Experiencing rush hour in Tokyo is one of the most unique experiences of studying abroad. Even though the trains are crowded, it is always impressive to see how everyone keeps order and stays quiet. I use this commute time to watch anime and study Japanese.
9:00 AM - Classes begin
Classes at Japanese universities have a different atmosphere than in the United States. You feel a sense of distance from your professors, but that is also refreshing. The best part of studying abroad is being able to see and feel what you have learned about the Japanese language, literature, history, etc. in the real world.
12:00 PM - Lunch break
I have lunch with friends at the university cafeteria. I am happy to enjoy a variety of Japanese food at affordable prices. Sometimes I enjoy lunch with my friends at a nearby restaurant.
1:00 PM - Afternoon classes
In the afternoons, seminars are the main focus. Discussions are lively and the experience here is a great opportunity to improve my Japanese language skills. In addition, through group work, students from diverse cultural backgrounds can interact with each other in depth.
5:00 PM - Activities
After class, I sometimes participate in circle activities or go out with friends. I am a member of a tea ceremony club, which is a very fun way to experience traditional Japanese culture. On days when I don't have any plans, I try to book Japanese online speaking lessons and study at the dormitory.
8:00 PM - Dinner and self-study
I have dinner with my friends in the dormitory and then prepare for my university assignments and the next day's classes. Some days I go out to eat with my Japanese friends, which is also one of the pleasures of studying abroad.
10:00 PM - Bedtime
My friends often tell me that I go to bed early, but I try to be in bed by 10:00 to get a comfortable sleep. It is a little far to the university, so I do my best not to be late (laughs).
Recommended Japanese language study methods for international students
Emily Johnson tells us how she is learning Japanese in Japan. If you are currently studying in Japan or plan to study in Japan in the future, please refer to this article.
1. Online Resources
I use "Goandup Nihongo+" and practice conversation with a Japanese teacher every week. I also watch Japanese learning channels on YouTube to develop my Japanese listening skills.
2. media in Japan
By watching Japanese anime, dramas, and movies with Japanese subtitles, students learn everyday conversation, slang, and cultural background. They also improve their reading comprehension by reading Japanese manga and books.
3. Language Exchange Partners
Japanese friends made at the university become language exchange partners, and we regularly exchange Japanese and English. Through this, students improve their daily conversation skills and learn about Japanese culture and lifestyle.
4. Local Life and Exchange
They develop practical conversational skills by actively using Japanese in their daily lives in Japan and by participating in university club activities and events.
About Goandup Nihongo+
Goandup Nihongo+ is an online Japanese language learning service that offers Japanese language materials and Japanese speaking lessons with Japanese people for a monthly subscription of 500 yen.
Particularly popular are the Japanese online speaking lessons, which start at 30 minutes per lesson, allowing you to practice speaking one-on-one with a Japanese person, and to develop your speaking and listening skills in the time you have available.
To learn more, check out the article below.
▶︎ No Need to Study Abroad Anymore? Goandup Nihongo+, an Online Japanese Learning Service
For those of you who want to further your studies at a Japanese language school
The Japanese language attracts attention from around the world for its rich expressiveness and profound culture. From movies, music, and literature to everyday conversation, learning Japanese is not only a way to acquire a new language, but also a gateway to a deeper cultural understanding and a broader perspective.
For those of you who want to study Japanese more seriously, enter higher education in Japan, or find a job in Japan, taking your Japanese language skills to the next level is the first step in turning your dreams into reality. There are approximately 700 Japanese language schools in Japan with various characteristics, but it is not easy to select the best school for you.
Therefore, we will do our best to help you choose the perfect Japanese language school to realize your goals and dreams! If you have any questions or concerns about Japanese language schools, please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form below.
We will provide you with the best support to meet your Japanese language learning goals. We hope that our support will make your Japanese language study more fulfilling and fruitful.
Finally.
Emily Johnson's study abroad experience truly illustrates the thrill of studying abroad in Japan and the growth that comes from it. The courage to dive into a different culture and face language and cultural barriers, and the valuable lessons learned in the process, are assets that only study abroad can provide.
For those of you who are considering studying in Japan, I hope that Emily's experience will help you take the first step toward studying abroad. You may face difficulties and setbacks during your study abroad experience. However, each one is an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to broaden your horizons.
We sincerely hope that all of you who are interested in Japanese culture and language and dream of studying in Japan will be motivated to study abroad and have a fruitful study abroad experience through this series.
In this "Real Stories of International Students in Japan" series, we have collected valuable stories from international students with various backgrounds. Please check out the stories of other international students!
- Real Stories of International Students in Japan Vol.1
- Real Stories of International Students in Japan Vol.1
- Real Stories of International Students in Japan Vol.1
- Real Stories of International Students in Japan Vol.1
