Among the many benefits for choosing to study in English universities in Japan are that of learning and experiencing the unique culture and art of Japan, as well as the great opportunities to find attractive jobs or establish businesses including in collaboration with Japanese entrepreneurs.
Various reasons why it is beneficial to study in Japan
Japan offers vast opportunities to English-speaking international students from all corners of the world to obtain world-class knowledge and expertise in diverse disciplines through systematic college programs offered by top and well-run universities. Universities in Japan are recognized around the world as vibrant, top-ranking educational institutions as measured according to the wide criteria of their resources, engagement, outcomes and environment, hence, at par with, if not ahead of, other colleges and institutions of higher education in the globe.
One primary benefit of studying in Japan is that of imbibing the people’s inherent drive to seek balance between preserving cultural identity through maintaining their connections with their own traditions and the need to enhance technological innovation through meticulous and diligent research work. Thus, culture and values of the inner person are not lost within the external pursuit for modernity and development of the human and physical environment.
Various courses in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, law, humanities, arts, business management, economics, agriculture, aeronautics, IT and others are available. In some universities, however, such as the University of Tokyo, a student must spend two years in liberal arts education in one campus before moving on to the chosen major courses in another campus, allowing for a more varied and exciting experience for students. Some courses require learning Japanese as a medium of instruction and study, a skill that will serve foreign students during and after their stint within the universities.
Top universities, such as Sophia University in Tokyo, offers graduate degrees at average tuition and fees ranging from over 800,000 Yen to over 900,000 for a one-year program. Some graduate degrees in Human Sciences, Science and Technology and Environmental Studies can cost as high as 1 Million Yen to over 1.5 Million Yen for a one-year term, especially for those entering during spring season. Those entering in autumn pay much less, sometimes 60% lower fees. Scholarships and study grants are available for students who need financial aid during their schooling.
(※) Sophia University, "Tuition and Fees for the Academic Year 2020", p.1
Universities in Japan have well-managed dormitories and international homes where students can find a safe and conducive environment for their academic pursuits, as well as a refuge for those who seek camaraderie or a home-away-from-home where they can truly feel they belong. Some dormitories provide a 2-year contract plus extension for students staying on campus.
Here are the sites that will provide readers basic information about English universities in Japan:
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Specific benefits and advantages of studying in Japan
Japan offers a unique Asian setting rich in cultural and artistic heritage that foreign students can appreciate and experience firsthand as they immerse in the highly-developed and innovative educational programs handled by different faculties in excellent universities. Aside from learning the Japanese language and its many cultural idioms, students have ample of opportunities to understand the richness of the people’s history, way of life and aspirations in the fast-growing tech technologically-advanced world generations of Japanese have built and helped to usher to the rest of the world.
In this multicultural setting, students can find ways to see their own aspirations and potentials within the backdrop of a virtual melting pot along with other international students and other countries represented in the many campuses that offer English courses in Japan. It is one enviable and much-sought-after badge of honor as one strives to acquire advanced graduates studies in specialized courses in one’s chosen field of study. One does not have to feel like a stranger while in Japan as these courses are conducted in English.
Moreover, international students are given special privilege by the Japanese government to find part-time jobs while studying in the country. Most of these jobs do not require job experiences, except their acquired skills and talents that they have honed in their undergraduate years or previous jobs, such as tutoring in English, doing IT work or online writing jobs.
Lastly, students will have the advantage of surveying the whole Japanese cultural, scientific and economic landscape and discover ideas and opportunities for future career, business or technical ventures once they finish their terms. Having made connections with future business partners among local and international students will also come as a plus for these enterprising individuals.
Required documents for student applicants
Here is a list of standard basic tests and requirements that international students may need to provide, depending on whether English is not their native language or not, or if the concerned universities so require of them, as they begin applying for admission in any of the universities offering their preferred courses.
- American College Testing (ACT), Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and/or other equivalent standardized assessment tests
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU)
Other pertinent requirements include student visa or residence status for those who are already residing in Japan. Applicants must likewise provide ample proof of their educational attainment, such as undergraduate or masteral degree certificate or diplomas and transcripts of record, to support their pitch for higher degrees in either masteral or doctorate degree programs. To qualify for admission, applicants must possess the equivalent undergraduate degree qualifications similar to those of the university in which they are applying. That will include an acceptable master’s thesis duly supervised by the school faculty and passing the final comprehensive evaluation.
Conclusion
As seen from this brief survey of Japanese universities and the many benefits they offer for international students, we can see that Japan indeed presents a welcoming and warm environment for those who seek unlimited opportunities for reaching one’s career goals through an excellent and meaningful educational foundation not only in terms of course content and engagement but also in other aspects, such as the overall cultural and social environment. For the adventurous individuals who see the whole world as one great university of life, choosing to gain advance studies in Japan will result into one inspiring moment of awakening.
After all, Japan is the Land of the Rising Sun.
