Most Students, once in their life consider the option of studying in a foreign institution. There are many benefits in studying abroad as the experience has a great impact on an individual’s life. Some take it as an opportunity to enhance their Intrapersonal skills while others take it as an opportunity to travel. As per the article by India Today dated February 7, 2015, the benefits of Overseas education are
1. See the world – The idea of studying abroad has lot of perks as one gets to travel and gets to know different cultures and get to know different people with different beliefs that broaden thinking. Its an adventure of a lifetime.
2. Culture – The idea of studying abroad is more about the time which is spent in learning another country’s culture and having a unique experience.
3. Education – Abroad study open doors for new opportunities that help to develop skills. When selecting the country to study an individual must keep in mind different sets of rules, customs and education plans that shape their studies.
4. Language – Whether abroad study involves learning new language or getting fluent in one, studying in a different nation involves cultural and lingual diversity.
5. Intrapersonal skills & Interpersonal Skills – Going to a different country for education involves meeting new people and making contacts. Different environment education boosts confidence and helps excel in many aspects of life and skills.
Being understood the benefits of overseas education, this article will brief about the study opportunities at Japan for international students. Let’s understand the basic preparation a student must do before start of education in Land of Rising Sun.
English is less common than you might Think
Most Japanese people have studied English at their standard school system, but that doesn’t mean they are comfortable speaking it. Expect for English not be understood most places we go. It is highly recommended taking Japanese language course before you land Japan.
Culture difference
Be Gentle with yourself. Japan is the world’s most polite country, known for its hospitality, politeness, Sprit of service etc. So, it is always better to behave as per “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”
Selection of Education Institutions
A student must select the course, university want to pursue their education post confirming that criteria given by the institutions are satisfied by self. For the reference purpose basic information of courses available in English throughout Japan universities are given in below link. Which gives the course information in Major field study. In the file, Degree column 6 refers below details
M- Master
B- Bachelor
D- Doctorate
P- Professional degree
M&D- Master & Doctor.
The data is current as of March 2018.
Admission Process for Study
After verification of the Universities criteria for International student admission, one must apply for the course at respective universities sites.
In Most of the universities English Proficiency Test score is an important criterion. Basic tests are Cambridge English, EIKEN, GTEC CBT, IELTS (Academic Module), TEAP (4skills), TEAP CBT (4skills), TOEFL iBT®, TOEIC® L&R which may vary year on year.
Admission process for study vary based on University, Course & Degree. It is recommended to understand in deep based on interest.
Scholarships for International Students in Japan
The study opportunities in Japan also give the sponsored education programs & scholarship through various organization starts from Government till private scholarships. One who is preparing themselves for study at Japan can go through various scholarship opportunities available during preparation process.
Major scholarships for the international students are from below organizations
1. MEXT - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan offers scholarships to international students who wish to study in graduate courses at Japanese universities as Research Students (either regular students or non-regular students) under the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program. MEXT Scholarship program is Japan embassy Sponsored study program for international students.
Please refer the below link for understanding more on processes followed in MEXT scholarship program in India.
2. Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)- Scholarships “Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students” has been provided by JASSO. JASSO also offers “Student Exchange Support Program (Scholarship for Short term Study in Japan)” for those accepted by Japanese universities under student exchange agreements or other student exchange arrangements with their home universities. Applications should be made through Japanese universities
3. Local Governments / Local International Associations Scholarships- Local governments and local international associations in Japan provide scholarships to students living in their district as well as those who attending courses in their district. Scholarships are arranged according to the location of where the foundations are located, from North to South of Japan.
4. Private Foundations Scholarships- Private foundations scholarships are provided by private companies or organizations. Reflecting the objective and character of the company or organization, scholarships are granted to students attending courses in a given district, or limited to special subjects related to the company, or to be provided to students from a certain country or region with which the enterprise has exchanges. Scholarships are arranged according to the name of foundations in Japanese alphabetical order.
5. Scholarships available abroad - Although most of the scholarships are available after coming to Japan, several local governments, local international associations and private foundations accept applications from overseas.
The below link will give the process followed in overall scholarship program for international students
Visa Status for Study in Japan
The students wish to study Japan are required to gain necessary qualifications to stay in Japan as International student, namely the qualification of student as provided in the Japanese immigration – Control and Refugee – Recognition act. For Visa application, Student may submit a Certificate of Eligibility to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate together with their passport and required documents, and then he can obtain his entry visa within a short period. Some of the University will perform the necessary procedures to apply for Certificate of Eligibility to the Immigration Bureau. It will take about 1-3 months for issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility.
Possibilities of Earning while study
There are possibilities of earning while study in Japan. Student may engage in part-time work as long as the work does not interfere with their studies. If one would like to engage in part-time work, need to obtain permission from the Minister of Justice in advance (Article 19 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act).
After obtaining work permission, one may work up to 28 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours (8 hours a day) during the semester breaks provided that he is registered for the following semester.
Learning Japanese
Learning Japanese and obtaining certificates in Japanese Language Proficiency Test before landing Japan will help an individual in many ways. Starting from managing daily life without assistance, getting good working opportunities during study, getting connected with Japanese people etc. A student who completes JLPT level exams will be given preference for employment opportunities in Japan after their study get complete.
What is JLPT & Levels in it
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) under joint organization of the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (previously Association of International Education, Japan). The test to measure and certify the Japanese-language proficiency of those whose native language is not Japanese.
JLPT certificates offer various advantages, ranging from recognition as academic credit and graduation certification at schools to preferential treatment at companies and acknowledgement of qualification in society.
Those who pass JLPT N1 receive 15 points, N2 receive 10 points under the government's "Point-based Preferential Immigration Treatment System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals." Individuals with a total of 70 points or higher receive preferential treatment at immigration.
To know more about JLPT & process in it, below link will be useful
Career & Placement opportunities
Most of the universities provide career support for all international student for their placements in reputed organizations. They provide diverse support systems, offers integrated career support.
There are plenty of opportunities to study and work in the Land of Rising Sun. After coming to Japan, one may find many of our country people successfully carrying out their education or career here. There are many social media support groups which provides guidance and support for our people in terms of career, Japan life etc.
This article written with goal of familiarizing study opportunities available in Japan for our students and base line information about the same has been shared here. Further to this individual can explore more.
Acknowledgements
I sincerely Thank Indian Professional in Japan (IPJ) group admins and members who created an interest in me to understand more about study in Japan and various scholarships available for international students. Special Thanks to Ms. Natash – member IPJ who ignited spark by sharing the English based courses available in Japan universities.