Advice for Study Abroad in Japan
1. Advantages of Studying in Japan
Japan is the best study abroad destination to acquire technical skills as it offers high-quality education on specialized technology. It is also one of few countries where international students can work, and I highly recommend students who want to find a job at a Japanese company to study in Japan.
2. Part-time Job
International students can work part-time and have many work opportunities. The hourly wage is about $10, and you can be fully independent.
3. Friendly to Foreigners
Japanese people are very friendly to foreigners. For those who are good at English, high-paying part-time jobs, such as private English lessons and baby-sitter jobs are available.
4. Holidays and Short Class Hours
Class hours are just 4 hours a day (9am ~ 12:25 pm), and you’ll have a lot of time to for your part-time jobs. International students can work 28 hours a week and have plenty of time for travel and hobby activities during school holidays.
5. High-quality International Student Insurance
Japan has a high-quality international insurance system and is also accessible to international students at a low cost (about $100 a year). Since the state bears about 70% of the treatment cost, you can easily visit the hospitals whenever you are sick.
6. Tuition, Study Period, Study Time
• Tuition: Approximately $8,000 per year
• Course dates / document submission period
- January semester: 4/1 ~ 8/31
- April semester: 6/1 ~ 10/31
- July semester: 10/1 ~ 2/28
- October semester: 12/1 ~ 4/30
• Study Time
- 4 hours a day (Monday-Friday)
- 10-week study + 2-week break (it varies)
• Class Size
- Normally about 10 to 20 people per class
- It cannot exceed 20 people according to the law in Japan
7. Study Abroad Period
• Language Course
- Usually 1 to 2 years
- It is legally possible to study for 2 years
- If you who want to stay in Japan for a long time, you should study the language course for 2 years. The language course is easier than the university course, with less pressure on the exams and grades and more time to work part-time. Also, you will be better at Japanese in 2 years rather than just 1 year.
• Study Period by Semester (for students going on to higher education)
- January semester: 1 year and 3 months
- April semester: 1 or 2 years
- July semester: 1 year and 9 months
- October semester: 1 year and 6 months
*Study period for students who do not go on to school (returning to the country, employment, marriage, etc.)
- You can decide for yourself: 1 or 2 years.
8. When the language course is over
• Go on to higher education
You can go on to a vocational school (two-year system), a university, or a graduate school.
• Employment
Those who have an academic background of a specialized university (two years) or higher can find work in Japan.
• Entrepreneurship
You can set up your own company in Japan.
• Other
Marriage, returning home, etc.
9. Entering Japan and Living in the Country
• Japan Immigration Guide
After completing the study abroad process, such as submitting documents, admission procedures, and visa procedures, we will guide you by email with detailed information such as airmail arrangements, post-entry process, and how to get to school or dormitory.
• Living Guide
We will guide you on things necessary for settlement in Japan, such as alien registration, medical insurance, opening a bank account, etc.
10. Basic Preparation Fund for Studying in Japan
• Tuition: Approximately $8,000 (depending on the school)
• Dormitory fee for 3 months: Approximately $1,500 ~ 2,000 (depending on the room type)
• Living expenses for 3 months: Approximately $1,500 ~ 2,000