I want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business (経営学) in Japan. I’ve already lived there for a year as an exchange student, and I really enjoyed the lifestyle. I’d love to live in Japan long-term. My Japanese isn’t great yet, but I can understand a bit, and I’m working on my reading and listening skills. Right now, I’m planning to apply to a language school in OSAKA that helps with university prep and admissions, including support for the EJU and JLPT exams. I’m also taking the JLPT N3 this December to qualify for that school.
But here’s the thing, I keep asking myself: is it worth it?
Getting into university in Japan as a foreigner takes a massive amount of sacrifice. Two years of language school, intense exam prep, and a lot of time, money, and effort. I’m willing to do all of that, but I still wonder if it’s the right path.
Studying in Europe (Spain, France, Germany, etc.) would also require money and preparation, especially since I’m not an EU citizen. But I’d have the advantage of language (HUGE Advantage) and being closer to family. Of course, the job market and housing costs are tough everywhere, including Japan. That said, housing in Japan is a bit more affordable. And honestly, I just feel happier in Japan. Even when things were hard, I felt genuinely happy just being there.
I love the simplicity of life in Japan, the culture, the food, the trends, there’s always something to do. But I also feel guilty sometimes, like maybe I’m being blinded by how much I love it. I don’t want to spend 20 to 50 years in Japan and end up stuck, not achieving anything, working in an eikaiwa or some soul crushing job like some of my foreign homies did. It’s scary. They looked so drained until I talked to them and tried to support them emotionally. Some even thanked me 😭.
My goal with this degree is to either get a “good” job or start my own business, help manage my partner’s business, or offer financial consulting. Ideally, I’d work for a foreign company, and I want to T R A V E L T R A V E L t r a v e l (around the world). And eventually raise my kids in Osaka (I’m still 17 though, but that’s a goal I already decided lol)
The reason I want to study in Japan is because the quality of life there actually motivates me. It makes me want to work hard and study more, even if I’m just eating melon pan for lunch and crying every day. I love the modern culture. But deep down, I know there are limitations, for foreigners and even for Japanese people. I hate that feeling. I want to grow, not just be a shakaijin forever. That’s my biggest concern. I’ve known pretty wealthy foreigners in the past, but I still don’t know how they did it, they’re amazing.
I know you can’t magically thrive in other countries either, but I feel like the limitations in Japan are more deeply ingrained. Or maybe I’m wrong?
So, based on your experience or what you’ve heard from others, do you think it’s worth it to study in Japan? I haven’t earned a degree there yet, so I’d love to hear different perspectives.
(Studying in the country I was born in is not an option, there’s no such thing as “home country” for me, so please don’t comment that.)
by thelegendofdan
4 comments
as you say, japan is great to live in, not fun at all to work in, it’s ok to study in but the quality of education is not that good compared to europe and north america.
As someone who teaches international students at a university in Japan, I would say it’s largely a waste of your money unless you get a degree from a well-known school or have a specific plan for what you want to do with a degree from a higher ed. institution in Japan. If you’re set on living in Japan, awesome. My advice? Be picky. Do yourself a favor and go to a good school though, not just one that will accept you.
I’m an semi-international (half Japanese) student also living in Osaka, and honestly the best thing you can do right now is put all your effort into learning Japanese as well as preparing for the SATs. Getting a good SAT score will significantly increase your chances of getting into a Japanese university. That being said, I was fortunate enough to have come here 3 years ago and have studied like so. Japanese university entrance exams will be dreadful.
Study in Europe, then move to Japan. You will get much better position and opportunity then if you study here.