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Studying Abroad in Japan

Alex LeavittAlex Leavitt
edited June 2008 in Everything Else
From September 2nd to December 19th, I'll be studying abroad in Kyoto, Japan. Has anyone ever studied abroad there for at least a semester? Have any tips?

Comments

  • ......
    Nope, never been to Japan, or outside the Netherlands study related. I however might be able to go to Osaka when I'm doing a Master. Seeing as I'm a first year Bachelor that will take some more years. And perhaps I'll be able to terrorize the US instead of Japan when that time comes around. Good luck though, don't stuff yourself with little useless 'gift' trinkets when there.
  • gomidoggomidog
    Yup! I was there for a year in high school and half a year in College. Kyoto, huh? Cool! All sorts of old stuff! (Go to sanjusangendo and kiyomizu-tera.) I really really want to do a show on this, and if Rym lets me, it would be really cool. My main advice is.

    Don't hang out with other gaijin, or if you do, speak Japanese: Making Japanese friends is key. Find common interests and try to talk to people. It's tough and you'll screw up, but if you try, it'll end up being good.

    Don't be loud and obnoxious and a whore: This applies to anywhere you go, but I was often embarrassed when I saw my fellow Ryuugakusei making a scene. They would get drunk and yell and hit on every Japanese girl they came across.

    Respect Japan: Even though you might get frustrated and culture shocked, remember never to scorn your host country. Thing may be difficult, but don't fall into the "Japan sucks and is weird and stupid and a pain" attitude that some ex-pats end up having. This will only make you feel worse. Japan won't change so you'll have to change yourself.

    Go with the flow, be friendly, and be polite. Those three things will save your gaijin bum and make you a happy, happy exchange student.
  • HungryJoeHungryJoe
    Have any tips?
    If someone tells you a house is haunted and then asks if you want to house sit with an older woman, don't do it.
  • HMTKSteveHMTKSteve
    Do your best to blend in. Depending on your looks this may hard. If you can't blend in based on looks try to blend in via actions. Find out what other respectable people would be doing in your age range and do that.

    I spent two years in Germany while in the army. I picked up enough of the language to make basic conversation and was often mistaken for a native. I'm sure my blond hair helped in that matter but my point is that if you can blend in and be inconspicuous you will have a much more enjoyable time. People are more willing to forgive your occasional mistake if you are legitimately trying to fit in.
  • gomidoggomidog
    People are more willing to forgive your occasional mistake if you are legitimately trying to fit in.
    This is very true. You may not look physically Japanese, but if people see you trying to learn the culture and obey the rules they will think far more highly of you. You may always be a little bit "conspicuous" in Japan as it is a very homogeneous population, but if your heart is in the right place people will accept you.
  • chaosof99chaosof99
    If in big trouble, there is always the gaijin smash. And the most important of all: Don't ever get arrested.
  • ......
    I really really want to do a show on this, and if Rym lets me, it would be really cool.
    It would be really cool indeed. *DEMANDS*

    Also, too much romanized words @_@, what do they all mean? Gaijin = exchange student?
  • chaosof99chaosof99
    edited June 2008
    Gaijin, short for gaikokujin (外国人) = foreign person.

    I would also love to hear a show with Emily on living in japan.
    Post edited by chaosof99 on
  • VigaViga
    +3 on the Emily's guide to Japan episode.
  • gomidoggomidog
    edited June 2008
    the gaijin smash
    VERY NO.
    Post edited by gomidog on
  • VigaViga
    the gaijin smash
    VERY NO.
    What is the gaijin smash?
  • AndrewAndrew
    What is the gaijin smash?
    Sounds similar to the Monster Mash...
  • chaosof99chaosof99
    Google would have known the answer
    But actually I was kidding with that suggestion.
  • GreatTeacherMacRossGreatTeacherMacRoss
    Learn Japanese. :\
  • Alex LeavittAlex Leavitt
    Learn Japanese. :\
    Two years down. Summer studies commencing.
  • Kate MonsterKate Monster
    edited June 2008
    Why would you want to study a broad in Japan? Ain't we got enough broads here? ^_~
    Post edited by Kate Monster on
  • CorbinCorbin
    I studied there last fall semester. Where will you be studying?

    Also you can visit my site: Corbin in Japan as I have some tips up there. I will also be posting a ton more information and suggestions and what not up there.

    I mirror Emily's suggestions, you'll have a lot more fun if you immerse yourself in the culture, also try as many types of food there as possible. Osaka is known for their love of food, and definitely go to Kobe for some Kobe beef, it's expensive but SOOOOO worth it.

    Sightseeing wise, I would recommend The Rough Guide to Japan, and Kansai Time Out, specifically the event listings. They have a ton of stuff worth going to listed there. When I was there I went to the Fire Festival, as well as many other things.
  • Alex LeavittAlex Leavitt
    Why would you want to study a broad in Japan? Ain't we got enough broads here? ^_~
    Clearly I'm going overseas to escape hackneyed American puns.
  • CorbinCorbin
    I just found this site : Study in Japan Comprehensive Guide
    Looks like a lot of good information on there.
  • FunfetusFunfetus
    When you go to Japan, don't go to Akihabara.
  • Victor FrostVictor Frost
    Google would have known the answer
    But actually I was kidding with that suggestion.
    XD Oh man. That's funny as hell.
    Why would you want to study a broad in Japan? Ain't we got enough broads here? ^_~
    *rimshot*
  • DkongDkong
    When you go to Japan,don't go to Akihabara.
    Or don't be paranoid and have a blast at the arcades and nerdy stores they have there!
    Why would you want to study a broad in Japan? Ain't we got enough broads here? ^_~
    *insert tiresscreeching.mp3*
  • FunfetusFunfetus
    Or don't be paranoid and have a blast at the arcades and nerdy stores they have there!
    No way, dude. That stuff totally happens every single day. For reals.
  • DkongDkong
    No way, dude. That stuff totally happens every single day. For reals.
    Alright, can't tell if you're trying to troll me or not...

    Anyways, if you haven't been there every day in the last few months or have never gotten stabbed there, please STFU.
  • VigaViga
    Dude, he was JOKING!
  • Victor FrostVictor Frost
    Yeah, seriously. Stuff like that only happens every other day. Don't take what he said to heart.
  • FunfetusFunfetus
    Alright, can't tell if you're trying to troll me or not...
    I was just trying to bring up a vaguely relevant news article in a way that I found funny. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings.
  • DkongDkong
    edited June 2008
    I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings.
    Again, I can't tell if there's any sarcasm with that statement...

    Either way, no feelings were hurt. I just thought that you were completely retarded and paranoid.
    Post edited by Dkong on
  • ......
    Again, I can't tell if there's any sarcasm with that statement...
    DAMN YOU INTERNETS! Convey a message as it was intended! *shakes his fist threateningly to all the radio waves going through his room*
  • FunfetusFunfetus
    edited June 2008
    I just thought that you were completely retarded and paranoid.
    I'll give you that my initial post was ambiguous, but I really thought "No way, dude. That stuff totally happens every single day. For reals," was a dead giveaway. Anyway, I just thought you were a dick, so fair enough, I guess.
    Post edited by Funfetus on
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