Studying abroad in Japan
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calendar_month 01 Mar 2011, 00:00
In no other place will you find the mix of a bustling fast-paced metropolis with the calm tranquillity that hangs over the zen gardens and temples of Japan.

Country overview

Situated between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan, this country of contrast consists of four major islands and is surrounded by another 4,000. If you choose to study abroad in Japan, be sure to catch some of the cultural and sporting events which take place throughout the year including one of the many traditional Sumo tournaments.

Studying abroad in Japan offers something for everyone. From the postcard backdrop of Mount Fuji to the crowded 24-hour days in Tokyo, the splendid ranges of Daisetsuzan National Park to the culture capital that is Kyoto. Japan is also home to the Saegaia Ocean Dome - the largest indoor water park in the world consisting of a virtual environment of beaches, oceans and even a sky.

In a nutshell, Japan is the future - there's technology you wouldn't have expected to see in your lifetime - and with the neon light and crowded sidewalks of Tokyo that leave you feeling as if you are walking through a movie set, Japan is a country that will allow you to immerse yourself in its infectious and mystical religious aura.

Education overview

Japan is the powerhouse of higher education in Asia, withten universities in the Top 200, including five in the Top 100 of the2010 QS World University Rankings.

Higher education is split into a number of clearly defined sections and students can enter any one of five types of institutions. These are Colleges of Technology, Professional Training Colleges (senmom gakko), Junior Colleges, Colleges and Universities and Graduate Schools. There are over 700 universities in Japan, the majority of which are private.

Pros and cons

Excellent reputation for academic excellence throughout Asia

Large number of scholarships for international students

Excellent support from universities for international students

High cost of tuition and living expenses

Limited number of programs taught in English

Lack of global reputation for undergraduate degrees

International student accommodation

International student accommodation in Japan is hard to come by, especially in Tokyo. Choices are limited and can not be offered to all students.

Dormitories are fairly common, and for international students, there are specially designated international student houses. Sometimes, private accommodation may be offered, although a basic proficiency in Japanese is often required to secure these. Private apartment houses are another option with the shortage of university housing.

Weather/Climate

The climate in Japan is influenced by monsoons to the south of the island. The north is generally warmer than the south. Winter along the Pacific coast and to the south are very mild, whilst further north, the winter snow makes for excellent skiing and winter sports.

Summer, which runs from June to August, tends to start with some rather heavy rainfall, followed by very hot and humid weather. This is also the time when most of the festivals take place. The autumn brings a welcomed cool to the air, and makes for even more spectacular views of the parks and gardens.

Transport

Japan is very well connected and has excellent, clean and modern public transport systems: 90 airports serve domestic and overseas flights, primarily through JAL and the JAL network.



All major cities have subways which are clean, quick and efficient. The Yamanote-sen loop line in Tokyo and the kanjo-sen loop line in Osaka both circle the centre of the respective cities. Buses are available both as public transport within cities and from city-to-city, but are not as reliable as the trains and planes. They can also prove a problem to non-Japanese speaking visitors.

Cost*
ItemPrice
litre of milk190.00
12 eggs300.00
cheap bowl of noodles400.00
average temple/museum admission500.00
internet per hour500.00
developing a roll of 36 exposure film600.00
simple restaurant meal1,000.00
youth hostel accommodation2,800.00
*WorldGuide Index from Lonely Planet

Useful info

Dialing code: 81

Currency: Yen ()

Time zone:GMT/UTC +9