(TLDR at bottom)
For context, I’m 22. I’m From the USA. I kind of struggled out of high school to find something that I wanted to pursue in college that I was passionate about and attended for about 2 years without a solid plan and then taking a “undecided-Amount-of-time” off to work because I felt like I was kind of wandering around without a plan. Honestly. I feel a bit behind.
I’m aware that “vacation Japan “ is much different than really living there, however, when I was a high school student I spent time for a couple of summers in a small city (a cultural exchange) and absolutely fell in love with the culture, environment, and my host family who I still talk to regularly to this day. It’s never something that fully left my mind, I want to, at least for a short time experiencing truly living there, though it was often put on the back burner because it felt somewhat unattainable.
I know that there’s really (generally), only one way to “live” in japan with no degree- schooling, and I DO want to finish schooling, and immerse myself in the language overall.
Recently, I’ve been looking into going to a language school there for 1-2 years to see how really “living” there would be. My plan currently , is to go to school in Yokohama where it’s close to the bigger city(tokyo, but I know Yokohama is still big from what I’ve read, however I’ve never been) because that is also something that interests me, going out and exploring the city, but to still be somewhat close to the smaller city my host family lives in so I’m not blinded by the big city to see what the rest of Japan is like.
I’m still definitely researching places, I’ve heard that bigger cities can be colder and less immersive in the language which worries me a little bit, so I’m still figuring everything out.
I know that there are some schools that are taught in English, and that have Japanese assistance on the side. For the sake of if i decide i want to pursue a longer term residency in japan, what would be the best route to take that would give me the best opportunity I can in Japan if i decide to continue my education there + decide I want to be a longer-term resident?
Would it be better to persue language school- and then move on to a Japanese university? Or, would it be better to go to a college taught in English that has Japanese lessons as a class? Additionally, and I know this is quite a broad question, are there any degrees in Japan that open more (work) opportunities for foreigners?
I apologize if I am lacking any knowledge that should be common, any resource or experiences would be very helpful and appreciated. I’ve struggled a bit trying to find resources, or where to look for things.
Additionally, I plan on visiting Tokyo this December for a short 2-week trip (will be going to kofu yamamashi for a weekend) if there is any place/thing I should do/visit that would be helpful while I’m there any advice is welcome and appreciated!
I know I can kind of ramble to TLDR:
what is better in terms of being able to peruse a longer term residency in Japan/job opportunities in Japan?
Language school- and then Japanese university, or an English speaking university that has Japanese language courses?
I will be visiting Tokyo and kofu in December. Is there anything that would be helpful for me to do while I’m visiting that would be beneficial to see/do/know?
by akishido215