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Learn by Movies: Learn by Music: Learn Japanese: Study Abroad Tips: HostFamily Opinions: Survival Guide: Interview - Mayumi: Interview - Sachiko: Why Japanese?
Being an Exchange Student
I had the opportunity to study abroad at Nanzan University in Nagoya Japan with my university. It was an amazing experience to say the least. I encourage everyone to study abroad, no matter what your major, for sometime in your life. And if you have the choice between one semester, and one year, do the year. You won't regret it. Where are the good programs?Different American universities have different programs to offer in Japan. Which one is right for you? www.iiepassport.org has information on pretty much every program that is out there, this can be a good place to get information on a program you are interested in. My sources say that these programs are some of the best.
Japan Center for Michigan Universities Good for specialty programs. They do unique environmental programs and education. Also have language programs but if language study is your focus, there are better places to study. Near Kyoto, without the cost of living in a big tourist city.
Antioch College Buddhist Studies program Program is taught in English. Studies Buddhism and its impact on Asian cultures and involves an independent research project.
Center for Japanese Studies/Nanzan University It certainly is for a committed language student as language is the academic focus.
Kansai Gaidai University Good university with a wide range of courses available, including language study. Many Americans and other international students though which can make learning the language and culture more challenging.
Earlham College Strong language program as well as other courses available. Only housing option is a homestay.
IES Tokyo Area studies courses, language study and a field experience course. The field experience is the highlight of the program. The program is based at Kanda Daigaku so there is plenty of opportunity for interaction with Japanese students. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill http://www.unc.edu/depts/abroad Good language study program. At what time in my education should I go?It seems that most college students choose to study abroad their Junior year. If you spend your year abroad in Japan too early, it will be hard to really get into speaking the language before it is time to go home. You will inevitably meet people in Japan who want to practice their English with/on you. This isn't bad, I know people who study Japanese who look for Japanese people to 'practice on' here in the states all the time. However, it must be said that spending your time with people speaking English all the time will slow your language learning progress. The less Japanese you know when you go to Japan, the most susceptible you will be to these types. I also went to Japan my Junior year, and I feel that this was a perfect time in my life to spend a year abroad. I knew the basics of the language so that I could pick things up on my own, and I was used to college life enough to make a smooth transition. Spending an extended amount of time in a foreign country requires a certian amount of maturity. If you are not ready, the differences in Japan will tend to feel more like things that are wrong with the country rather than things that are different. Needless to say this can interfere with the amount of learning that takes place during your year abroad. If you are going on a university program and cannot get in to a program your junior year, you may be surprised to find out that if you go your senior year you may be able to graduate while abroad. Some schools allow this, while others have requirements that you must complete your final few credits on campus. Check with your university.
What are some ways to make friends?Making friends isn't always as easy as it may seem, especially when you are in a foreign country learning a foreign language. As with anything, there are some good points, and bad points related to making friends in Japan. First the good points. Good: You will have gaijin power on your side. In Japan, if you are a foreigner, you will have a certain degree of popularity while you are in the country. The severity of this sudden fame increase depends on how large of a city you are in. If you are in a small city such as Ehime, you will most likely be treated on about the same level as Michael Jordan, were he to visit a high school in Ames Iowa. If you are in a large city such as Tokyo, you can expect to be treated like Smash Mouth in a Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. The point being, being a foreigner in Japan, most people will want to meet you. Good: People are kind and generally helpful. From what I have experienced, the Japanese people are exceedingly kind and helpful to foreigners visiting their country. Of course this can't be said about everyone, but for the most part, I have found this to be true. They also seem to be very kind when it comes to helping foreigners learn to speak Japanese. This is assuming that they can stop trying to speak English themselves anyway. Bad: Gaijin power isn't always good. Some people will want to meet you because you are a foreigner and can speak English. This is great to get started meeting people, but after a while, personally, I found it tiring to have to figure out which one of my 'friends' really wanted to hang out with me because I am myself, or because I was a foreigner. Eventually you will figure out who your real, true friends are, but in the first few months this can be confusing. Bad: Some Japanese people are shy. There are shy people in every country, but in Japan, some people will be reluctant to approach you if they believe they will have to speak English when they talk to you. To ease the tension, try to make it widely known that you always attempt to speak Japanese with the people you meet. It may also be necessary for you to make the first initial contact more often than not. Don't be afraid to say hello to a stranger a few times. A few times, because at first people may just think you're a weird gaijin and run away. Heh.
Gaijin PowerWhen you go to Japan as a foreigner, you will get special treatment. This special treatment is good in some ways, and bad in others. As an exchange student you will have a more enjoyable time once you learn to control your newfound, 'gaijin powers'. Spending some time in Japan will quickly bring to your attention the fact that sadly, some 'gaijin' in Japan use their 'gaijin' powers for evil, not good. Some foreigners in Japan think they can get away with anything, just because they are foreigners. The trouble is, being a foreigner in Japan will allow you to get away with certian things. It is up to you, as an indivdual, to know when it is time to buckle down and learn to do things the 'Japanese way'. This is not to say that conforming to Japanese society is the way to go, but just that sometimes you just have to control youself. People will offer you dinner, take you to fancy places, introduce you to their wives, grandkids, city mayors, baseball greats, and many more, just because you're a foreigner. People will buy you presents, store owners will give you tea, you may even get some free takoyaki! For a while this is great, but eventually, it is natural for people to want to be treated normally. This is a tough part of living in Japan, and there is no easy solution to the situation. Be aware however, gaijin power corrupts even the best of people. How to learn Japanese quickly?There are many foreigners in Japan who have been in the country for a number of years and still can't speak the language. Hopefully this will give you some ideas as to how to avoid that trap. Here are some opinions from a few other people about how to learn Japanese quickly and efficiently while in Japan.
What do others have to say?You and I are not the only ones thinking about these issues. Here are some opinions from a few other people.
Learn by Movies: Learn by Music: Learn Japanese: Study Abroad Tips: HostFamily Opinions: Survival Guide: Interview - Mayumi: Interview - Sachiko: Why Japanese? |
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