Study in Japan
Reasons to Study in Japan
World-class education
Japan is undoubtedly a top destination for pursuing higher education, thanks to its world-class education and renowned universities. The country offers a diverse range of academic programs across various fields, making it an ideal destination for students seeking quality education.
Rich Culture and Tradition
One of the greatest things about studying abroad is being able to immerse yourself in the country’s culture and language. With that being said, Japan has a rich and vibrant culture that is steeped in tradition, history and art.
Cuisine
Speaking of Japanese food, we all might have come across a few such as sushi, ramen, mochi, etc. However, a typical japanese meal usually consists of rice, miso soup (fermented soy-bean paste soup) and protein like fish, making it a well-balanced meal. Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial when studying abroad as it provides you necessary nutrients and energy to stay focused and perform well academically.
Safe and Welcoming Environment
With no surprise, Japan ranks as number one in terms of the safest country in the world with its low crime rate and safe environment. This creates an ideal environment for students to focus on their academics.
Career Opportunities
Home to some of the world’s renowned institutions and companies, Japan is also a land of numerous opportunities after graduation.
Before Coming Here
Academic Programs
Selecting the right program is a crucial first step on your journey.Depending on your major, there are various programs such as MEXT scholarships, JASSO program, and others, where most of the opportunities can be found on the Embassy of Japan in Cambodia homepage. Intensive research and gathering information from different sources such as the internet, family, friends, teachers and acquaintances, can also be beneficial. Once you have selected the appropriate program, the application process is the next step. To ensure a successful application, it is crucial to plan ahead, carefully review all requirements, and be mindful of deadlines.
Language
Regardless of your program, in order to be able to communicate effectively and navigate around, language acts as a bridge. While many Japanese study the English language in school, the majority of the population still do not speak English. Picking up a new language might sound scary, but it might be the most exciting part about studying abroad. Learning Japanese will not only benefit you academically and in everyday life, but it will also give you a chance to deepen your understanding about the culture itself, as well as feeling more connected to the country. You can start from studying Hiragana, Katakana and some often used Kanjis to familiarize yourself with the language before coming here.
Documentation
It is never too early to start preparing for the paperwork ahead of time to avoid procrastination and missing deadlines. Some important documents might include passport, birth certificate, school diploma and transcripts (translated in English), in order to apply for Student Visa and Certificate of Eligibility. Booking flight tickets early might be also a good idea too during this process to get the best price.
Budgeting and Finance
I think most students might be wondering how much it costs to fund your studies in Japan and how much money you should prepare. While there is no real answer to this, the tuition might vary from schools and majors, but you can estimate the amount by using this as a reference. While most schools offer full and partial scholarships especially to international students, it is better to make a financial plan and secure some money enough to make sure that you can live comfortably and afford basic necessities when you first arrive in Japan.
Student Life in Japan
Now that you have arrived in Japan, this is where the real game begins. Here are some few points to note to help you assimilate to this new land.
Life here starts a bit later than in Cambodia meaning that a typical school day starts around 9am lasting until 4pm with about an hour lunch break in between. Outside of classes, many students in Japan are also involved in extracurricular activities which we called “部活Bukatsu” ranging from sports, arts to research and volunteering. This can also act as a platform for students to make new friends and build connections balancing study and social life.
Culture
Japanese culture values respect, discipline and discipline, and these core values are also reflected in student life. Students are expected to abide by the school rules, respect your teachers and your peers, and be punctual.
Living Expense
In addition to settling in, finance is another important aspect to consider. While most students come here on a scholarship program, it is good to note that you should keep track of your expenses and always prepare some fund at least 50,000 JPY in case of emergency. More information in the Living in Japan section.
Having a Concrete Emotional Support System
While studying abroad sounds like an exciting adventure, the reality is readjusting to a new environment, climate and culture requires patience and resilience. There will be times when you feel homesick, burnout, and moments when you feel like giving up, however, these struggling times are when you grow the most. Therefore, having an emotional support system is essential to keep your mental health in check. This kind of support can come from your family, friends, mentors, advisors or counselors, and last but not least, from the Cambodian Students’ Association in Japan. Hopefully, by communicating your struggles and concerns, it can help you cope with those , or at least having an outlet where you can express yourself and feel heard. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.