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Top 5 Reasons You Should Study Abroad in Japan

By Afia Ibnat Mar 1, 2022

There are many reasons why you should study abroad in Japan. Not only is Japan a popular travel destination with its unique culture and environment, but it is also the prime location for the ultimate undergraduate experience. 

Whether it’s your love of anime that sparked your interest in the country or its rich history and culture, here are the top 5 reasons why you should consider Japan as your optimum study abroad destination!

1. Study Abroad in Japan in Some of the Best Institutions in the World

Japan is home to some of the most excellent institutions worldwide. Not only does the country offer the best quality education, but the detail-oriented and meticulous nature of its work and study culture might be a breath of fresh air for a student starting university. There are many programs to choose from depending on your field of interest, which you’ll inevitably discover when you’re doing your own research. Here is a shortlist of universities to get you started!

  1. University of Tokyo 
  2. Kyoto University
  3. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
  4. Tokyo International University

Moreover, if financial constraints are holding you back, Japan has got you covered. The Japanese government provides a range of attractive scholarships that can take care of everything from your monthly stipend to your tuition to even your flight tickets!

2. Borders Are Finally Open! 

Though constant border restrictions have resulted in many students becoming hesitant to apply to a country that they may not be able to enter when they get into their desired university, things are starting to change for the better. After many discussions amongst the Japanese government, businesses and universities, the decision to lift border restrictions for non-tourism reasons finally came in earlier in February. 

Now that borders are open, it is the optimum time to start your applications. If you have been hesitant during the past two years due to the peak pandemic season, there’s no need to worry anymore. Border restrictions loosening means you can start the university research process! 

Although the world is still waiting for more precise instructions, the Japanese government has declared that 5,000 students and business travellers will be able to enter Japan per day starting from March 1st. 

3. The Language Barrier Can Be Transcended

Students can study Japanese language when they study abroad in Japan

Credits: Canva

Although the Japanese language can be intimidating at first, there are workarounds that can help you transcend this seemingly impossible barrier. While it is ideal that you learn a bit of Japanese before you come to Japan, you may be surprised to know that it is not an issue even if you have no prior language training! 

Some universities such as the University of Tokyo, Tokyo International University and Ristumeikan Asia Pacific University offer programs that are fully in English so that international students are at ease during their studies. Most universities will require you to take some language courses in order to prepare you for your day-to-day life in Japan, but the actual curriculum does not require Japanese! 

4. Live in One of the Safest Countries in the World

Security guard

Credits: Canva

Japan’s exceptionally low crime rate makes the country a safe haven. If you end up losing your wallet, chances are someone has already found it and handed it in to the nearest police station, where you can simply go and pick it up!

While this doesn’t mean that crime is non-existent in the country, the low crime rate is significant when you are considering completely uprooting your life in your home country and shifting to a different one. Japan’s crime has been on the decline for the past seventeen years, with the majority of the crimes reported being bicycle theft or burglary, compared to much more serious crimes in other countries. 

On top of that, Japanese people take great care to be polite in their interactions with others, which will successfully put you at ease and make you feel safe in a country far away from home. 

5. The Perfect Combination of Technology and Tradition 

City in Japan that students can visit when they study abroad in Japan

Credits: Canva

Japan’s unique culture has been the cause of much intrigue all over the world. It is one of the few of the countries that has refused Westernization even with one of the highest levels of modernization.

As such, it offers you two different worlds that you can experience at the same time– one that is full of flashy buildings with cutting edge technology embedded in every nook and cranny, while the other is full of historical temples from thousands of years ago, preserved against all odds. This creates a beautifully juxtaposed rich and diverse cultural identity that many thoroughly fall in love with once they visit the country. 

Moreover, Japan is home to one of the best transportation systems in the world. The entire country is connected via train, be it a bustling metropolitan like Tokyo or a deserted rural village – you will be able to find public transportation everywhere! 

Now You’re Prepared to Study Abroad in Japan!

If you want a wonderfully unique study abroad experience, the land of anime, sushi, and Mount Fuji awaits. With more and more programs being available with a wide range of scholarships – both in terms of short study abroad semesters or full undergraduate programs – Japan has become an increasingly popular study abroad destination that is just waiting for you to arrive.

Now that the era of border restrictions is ending, it’s time to leave the worries behind!

Afia Ibnat from Bangladesh

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Featured image credit: Canva