Japanese Universities (Julien)

Since the end of WWII, the university system in Japan has been rapidly expanding, as has the need for a university degree. Today, more international students are pouring into the country than ever. If you’re reading this, you may be one of them. Wondering as many of them do- what awaits you upon arrival at one of Japan’s fine educational institutions? According to many returning ex-pats, the answer is about everything but studying.

As many correctly presume to know, the Japanese are a very diligent people. Business hours are some of the longest in the world, and Middle and High schools are of the utmost caliber. So why is it then that so many returning exchange students come back with a more laid-back tale of the university system? In, truth getting to university is a lot more strenuous than being there. In Japan, the most important learning goes on in the Middle and High school years, as college is little more then a quick and general preparation for the work force. Perhaps this is not the case for engineers, architects, and other specific degrees, but for the majority of Japanese going for a business or liberal arts degree it is. Many Japanese will tell you that the hardest part about university is getting in; entrance exams are quite lengthy and difficult, being the last test of your pre-workforce knowledge. Those who subsequently enroll in college will learn most of their job skills at their job. In fact, most of them will be hired as early as the first semester of their junior year. Therefore, the first and second years are more focused on a last fleeting moment of freedom and youth, as the last our focused on one’s entrance into the mainstream. Since all this is pretty much irrelevant for the American or European exchange student, they will most likely spend most of their time reveling in clubs, nomikais, and Japanese cultural activities. A general Japanese consensus being that the courses, in fact, matter little and should not preoccupy one’s time. Ultimately, essays, homework, and exams will be light, as socializing will be heavy.

 

So is this good or bad? If you are pursuing a more technical degree it probably will not matter, but if your pursuing a liberal arts or business degree you might be disappointed on the lack of seriousness. Look on the Brightside though, it will give you a lot more time to acquaint yourself with the language, the people, and the culture of Japan. In short, the reason for studying abroad is not particularly to learn specific skills for your job, but to gain a new a perspective of the world. In studying in Japan, this is very much the focus. Thus, your experience will be superb.