Japan is filled with immense opportunities; students actively apply for admission. Still, you are excited but also nervous about stepping into a new country? Don’t worry, jimomin.work will discuss the most common troubles inside and outside of the university and figure out a solution.
Issue #1: Language barrier
Difficulties in communication and understanding with the speaker. English is not commonly spoken in Japan. So, the first note to keep in mind is learning basic language skills. Living in Japan would improve your Japanese skill drastically.
Issue #2: General living
International students may feel different on their arrival because of different cultures, systems, and policies, from food to accommodation, etc. difficulties in using student support, and bank account setting. But there is a way. Be prepared early, make sure to talk to senpais, and participate in active focal group discussions for support. All Universities in Japan have positive support in setting up accommodation, bank accounts, etc. Utilize it in an effective way.
Issue #3: Socializing and cultural Differences
Every student faces the situation of socializing and cultural variances as a top priority because students step out of the comfort zone of their own country. But it is not a hardship to interact with, join student clubs and get to know more about other cultures. For instance, you can ask your senpais what sort of clubs they are in. Other ways are to simply search keywords such as “study in Kyoto”, “cultural activities,” you can find companies and organizations with a variety of culturals events where you can have an insight on the traditional side of Japan while interacting with people from different backgrounds.
Issue #4: Part-time job system
An integral part of college students' survival and taking care of expenses is applying for part-time jobs. Japan has a wide range of availability to students based on the preferred choice of selection. Non-Japanese speaking jobs like English teaching to students, a widely popular job like working in a convenience store where you need only basic daily conversational Japanese, giving students a decent salary to handle the expense on their own.
· The MNW in Tokyo area is ¥1072/hr.
· The MNW in the Osaka area is ¥1023/hr.
· The MNW in the Kyoto area is ¥ 968/hr.
It is also important to note that to work in Japan (applicable for both part time and full time jobs), you must first obtain a work permit.
Summary:
Students entering Japan may have a lot of questions running and are nervous about it. But, don't worry. Japan is the most beautiful and organized country. It will always be difficult the first time when we step out of your comfort zone. But, as time flies you would have already started enjoying living in Japan. Don’t be stressed about it. Enjoy it!
