International Student Interview Vol.5｜Life in Japan by Goandup

update date 2024/09/20

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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.

Goandup's International Student Interview Series spotlights international students currently studying in Japan and brings 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.

▼Goandup Picks Click here for recommended articles!

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.
- How to purchase a prepaid SIM and suitable SIM cards for foreigners.
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

Name:Avinash Shrestha.
Age:24 years old
Hometown:Kathmandu, Nepal
Study Abroad:Japanese Language School in Tokyo
Study Abroad Duration:From November 2023
Study Abroad Purpose:To work in Japan
Hobbies:Photography, Travel

Interviews with international students

Hi Avinash, nice to meet you! I am Chihiro, the person in charge. Nice to meet you.
What made you decide to study in Japan?

Originally, my dream was to work in Japan. To do so, I needed to understand not only the language but also Japanese culture, so I chose to study at a Japanese language school.

Why did you choose the Japanese language school you are attending now?

I am attending a Japanese language school that I heard from an agent that it has a good reputation. I chose this school because it offers practical Japanese language study and excellent job placement support.

What new skills or knowledge have you gained from your studies at the Japanese language school?

In addition to Japanese language, I am learning Japanese business etiquette and knowledge necessary for job hunting. I find business Japanese especially useful.

Is there anything in particular that surprised you about living in Japan?

The public areas are clean. I was also surprised that everyone is very strict with time. I really respect that.

Do you have any problems in your life in Japan?

At first, the language barrier was a major difficulty. It was especially difficult to keep up with the specialized terminology and the speed of everyday conversation.

Did you have any enjoyable experiences while studying abroad?

Yes, I have. I enjoy visiting beautiful natural and historical places in Japan and taking pictures of them.

I was shown a photo earlier, and Avinash is very good at taking pictures!
How did your Japanese language skills change through your study abroad?

Thank you, I will try to get it up on my site. I have it on my instagram.
I had quite a bit of trouble with Japanese at first, but I am finally able to keep up with the speed of everyday conversation. I am very happy.

It is wonderful to have a short study abroad experience!
What are your future plans and goals?

I would like to do a job where I can make use of my Japanese language skills. I don't have a specific job in mind yet, such as a job that would serve as a bridge between Nepal and Japan...

That's a nice goal!
Thank you, Avinash, for your time today.

Thank you very much for your time here.

A Day in Japan for International Students

Here is Avinash's daily schedule.

8:30 AM - Wake up and go to school

After waking up, we shower, get ready, and head from the dormitory to the Japanese language school.

9:00 AM - lesson

Japanese language classes. Students hone their skills in grammar, conversation, and listening comprehension.

12:00 PM - Lunch

Have lunch and talk with classmates.

1:00 PM - Class

Classes will continue to be held. Recently, many of the classes have been for learning business Japanese.

5:00 PM - Part-time

I work part-time at a convenience store. I think my Japanese has improved thanks to my part-time job.

9:30 PM -Dinner

After my part-time job is over, I buy food at the convenience store where I work and eat it in the dormitory.

22:00 PM - Free time

They spend their free time doing school homework or playing games on the computer.

23:30 PM - Bedtime

I'm going to bed to get ready for school tomorrow.

Abhinash told us how he 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. watch Japanese dramas

Dramas are great for learning natural Japanese conversation and expressions. Since there are no subtitles, it is difficult to understand everything, but I do my best to watch them.

2. talk with Japanese people

I have a senior Japanese employee at my part-time job, so I try to talk with him as much as possible when I work on the same shift. I also find that talking with customers helps me learn Japanese.

3. Use of online lessons

The "Goandup."Individual Japanese language lessonsI am taking speaking lessons at I enjoy it because I can learn while talking one-on-one.

Serious employment support to help you realize your dream of working in Japan!

Do you want to work in Japan?
Let us "Goandup" make that dream a reality!

【 Program Features 】
✅ JLPT N3 level Japanese language acquisition
✅ Thorough preparation for the specific skills test
✅ Full support for job hunting in Japan

Business-focused one-on-one lessons will help you find a job in Japan in the shortest possible time.

【 Program Menu 】

Individual Japanese language lessons
- Intensive curriculum to obtain N3, especially specialized lessons for business Japanese that can be used at work.
Preparation for the Specific Skills Test
- Customized materials for specific skill tests will be used to focus on frequently asked questions and learning to pass the test.
Resume and CV support
- To create resumes and CVs tailored to Japanese corporate culture, and to brush up on self-promotion and motivation for application.
Interview Preparation
- Guidance on areas for improvement through mock interviews and feedback based on corporate interview scenarios. Learn interview etiquette and behavior unique to Japan.
career consulting
- Provide introductions to companies that match the participant's career goals, select companies to apply to, and provide advice on the level of knowledge required by the companies to which the participant is applying.
Chat Support
- In addition to one-on-one individual lessons, we also accept casual questions via DM (visa application, living support, assistance in finding a room, etc.).

If you are serious about your career in Japan, join us now!

▶︎ for more informationclick here.

We will do our best to support your success in Japan!

Finally.

We hope that through this series, we have been able to motivate those of you who are interested in Japanese culture and language and dream of studying abroad to do so. We sincerely hope that by proactively engaging in language study before and during your study abroad, as you do with our online Japanese lessons, you will have a more fruitful study abroad experience. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to discover a new you and expand your world.

In this series of interviews with international students, we have collected valuable stories from international students with diverse backgrounds. Please check out the stories of other international students!