Learn by Movies: Learn by Music: Learn Japanese: Study Abroad Tips: HostFamily Opinions: Survival Guide: Interview - Mayumi: Interview - Sachiko: Why Japanese?

Learn This: 憧れる　あこがれる　'yearn'

Studying abroad is a great way to get to know Japan at an early age. A study abroad program will also let you get a head start in finding opportunities in Japan for later in your life.

Let's get one thing straight. If you have the choice of going abroad for a year or a semester... For Pete's sake, pick the freakin' year. Trust me on this one.

Pick your program.

Most colleges or universities offer overseas programs. If your school doesn't have a program to Japan it is likely that your school will let you go abroad on another schools program instead. iiepassport.org has a listing of most, if not all of the study abroad programs available to any country. For information specific to your school, check with your overseas study advisor on campus.

Our FAQ has a listing of other good university programs to Japan.

Get the most out of your time abroad.

Just going abroad will not guarantee that you will master the language however. Here are some tips on how to really learn Japanese.

Many of the foreigners I met in Japan could not speak the Japanese language. It is certainly possible to survive in Japan with only English, especially in the major cities. Really learning Japanese is going to take a certain amount of will power and determination not to fall into the English speaking trap that most foreigners discover.

Learn by Movies: Learn by Music: Learn Japanese: Study Abroad Tips: HostFamily Opinions: Survival Guide: Interview - Mayumi: Interview - Sachiko: Why Japanese?