Japan is home to various globally famous universities but is also known for being expensive to live in. Yet students worldwide, including Filipinos, yearn to study in these universities. We summarized some cost-saving tips and cultural and academic differences so that Filipino students can maximize their university experience in Japan.
Table of Contents
- Studying in Japan and the cost
- Tips on Japanese University Costs and Education
- University Life in the Philippines vs Japan
- Summary
Studying in Japan and the cost
First we’ll discuss the financial aspects about studying and living in Japan as an international student.
Cost Friendly Universities
A great number of schools in Japan have high quality education and are cost friendly to both locals and international students. Universities in Japan have lower tuition fee rates than those from the west but have slightly higher than most third world countries. Most universities also offer scholarships to both locals and international students that can ease their financial needs in school - thus it’s important to choose a school wisely.
Cost of Living
It is no secret that Japan has one of the highest costs of living globally, with a national average estimate of 89,000 yen expenses per month for an international student. Monthly expenses include rent, groceries, utilities, commuting expenses, insurance and medical, hobbies and entertainment, and miscellaneous. Based on the Lifestyle Survey of JASSO, rental costs averages around 34,000 yen already per month while the food budget costs 27,000 yen monthly on national average spending.
Keep in mind that this estimate is for the whole of Japan and, thus, cities with high living costs like Tokyo, which is around 100,000 yen per month, Kanto for 96,000 yen, and Hokkaido for approximately 81,000 yen per month. Other cities like Osaka and Fukuoka have higher expense estimates too. So by choosing a slightly lesser known but still major city, you can get a huge discount on your living costs.
※ Japan Student Services Organization, "Student Guide to Japan 2019 - 2020," p.33
Extra Tips for Students!
Many if not most university students in Japan get part-time jobs. There are various part time jobs available for international students in Japan as well. An example is English tutoring or working at a convenience store to further enhance your students’ or your own language and communication skills. Other part time jobs are short term or seasonal hiring of extra hands at places like restaurants, resorts and tourist attractions during the influx of foreigners. Other than for saving up, these small jobs are quite useful in lining your pockets, especially when students want to occasionally spend on trips for relaxation or tourism.
Writer's Pick
Tips on Japanese University Costs and Education
Scholarships and Student Support Programs
A lot of universities in Japan offer scholarships and student support programs for those who need financial aids. These scholarships and programs may ease the students' school expenses and may help them finish university without drowning in debts. Some examples of scholarships for international students, including Filipino students, are the MEXT scholarship, Sato Yo International Scholarship Foundation, and Takayama International Education Foundation. There are a lot more scholarships that other universities offer and you can search for more information on their official websites if you wish so.
Seminars and Conferences on Different Topics
Some universities offer short courses by giving seminars, workshops and conferences to students to help them in their studies. Some examples are Temple University's Language Programs and Business, Management, and Communications Programs in which you could enroll if you are interested even if it is not part of your course. There are a lot of seminars, workshops, and conferences hosted by different universities and information about them are found in their official websites if you may wish so.
Explore and Maximize University Facilities and Student Privileges
One must get their money's worth when studying in an expensive school much less a university in another country. That is why students should maximize their university experience . They should take advantage of the top of the line school libraries, study rooms, parks, and other facilities offered by your choice of school for you cannot have access to these facilities after you graduate university. There are also many student discounts and privileges given to university students, both university specific and not - such as to museums and attractions around the city - that you shouldn’t overlook.
University Life in the Philippines vs Japan
Wondering how university life in Japan and Philippines differ? Below are some common and differences of both countries' university life, especially once you’re there. But if you want a more in depth guide to help Filipino students get into a university to study in Japan, check out our article here:
One Step at a Time; Preparing How to Study in Japan from the Philippines
The Entrance Exams
Compared to Japan, university entrance examinations in the Philippines are more lax. Many high school students in the Philippines do not study as much other than a simple refresh when they take entrance examinations. Some students enroll in tutorial centers that help them prepare for the top universities' entrance examinations months up to a year before the examination date.
On the other hand, Japanese high school students have to prepare for a long time to take entrance examinations or else they would most likely fail it. Japanese students start as early in their high school career as possible - some even from junior high school - to prepare university entrance examinations. They must have good grades; thus, they put effort in studying. Some if not most students even go to cram school after school hours for their advanced studies and in preparation of their entrance examinations.
University Life
Once enrolled in university, the differences continue in various aspects of student life.
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Campus life
In terms of transportation, many Japanese and Filipino students prefer to commute via public transportation, cycling, or walking than to drive when going to school.
Both countries also have clubs that students that many participate in. The only difference is that in Japan clubs need commitment and loyalty of members and most clubs, called “bu”, are more on the sports side. Japan also has groups called "circles" in which members may either have the same interests and hobbies (e.g. fashion, music, etc). One common activity among these “circles” is nomikai, or drinking parties. Some are more notorious than others for having frequent drinking events, so if you’re not a drinker, it might be good to ask first.
On the other hand, student clubs in the Philippines are taken more lightly and can be compared with the circles in Japan.
In addition, the relationship of teachers and students of the two countries are different. In Japan, most teachers would teach in a lecture only type of teaching wherein they would teach in front and students would just listen. In some cases, attendance may be part of the grade, but participation rarely is in large lectures.
On the other hand, most Filipino teachers would actually encourage students to ask questions while they are discussing for them to evaluate if students understand what they are teaching. If no students are asking any question, some Filipino teachers would give additional points to those who ask or add a percentage of their participation in class as part of their grade.
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Grading system
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The grading system is pretty much the same for both countries since it is mainly based on assignments, activities, projects, presentations, and exams. The only difference is that most Japanese professors do not tell students how they compute grades; that is why students do not know what grade they have to catch up to in order to pass.
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Life outside campus
Most students from both countries experience "adulting" at its best. They would have to live away from their families if the universities are away from home and would likely live alone and experience the hardship of paying bills and groceries.
One main difference of the life of students outside campus is their living arrangements, most Japanese students take university as a ticket to getting their own place. Many try to live independently - especially for those who move out to live in the city for university - but others who stay local still opt to live with parents, relatives or friends to save money.
In the Philippines, most students would most likely live with their parents if the university is near or live with relatives near the university. Others would also likely share a place with someone preferably their friends to mitigate rent costs.
In addition, most students from both country, spend their free time hanging out with friends. Some students apply for part time work in both countries but even more so in Japan. Some may even study with friends or go home straight from school and rest after their classes are done for the day.
In terms of transportation, many Japanese and Filipino students prefer to commute via public transportation, cycling, or walking than to drive when going to school.
Both countries also have clubs that students that many participate in. The only difference is that in Japan clubs need commitment and loyalty of members and most clubs, called “bu”, are more on the sports side. Japan also has groups called "circles" in which members may either have the same interests and hobbies (e.g. fashion, music, etc). One common activity among these “circles” is nomikai, or drinking parties. Some are more notorious than others for having frequent drinking events, so if you’re not a drinker, it might be good to ask first.
Summary
Japan has one of the highest cost of living in the world and being a student in this country can be both quite heavy in the pockets and academically challenging. Japan also has a lot of universities that offer quality education that are cost friendly, moreover, you may apply for scholarships that universities offer to ease your financial situation. It is also important to budget and save money as students for emergencies and for other school costs.
Foreign students such as Filipino students can experience culture shock when they go and study in Japan. For example Filipino teacher-student relationships are more lax than the Japanese ones and the grading system is quite different. That is why one should do research and learn the culture of the country before going there to study or even only to visit. While the difficulty of Japanese educational institutions are known to many, the same people also know and trust and their proven quality. It is also important to get your money's worth when you enroll in a university; so make sure to take advantage of these facilities and enjoy your university life!
