MMoving to Japan

Should I do my undergrad in Japan if my long-term goal is to work in Europe? Need advice on Japan vs Europe for engineering.

  • November 20, 2025

Hi everyone,
I’m a high school student currently living in Kraków (Poland), studying in an international school (IB). I don't hold a polish passport but have been living in Poland for years.

I’ve always loved Japan, the culture, tech, cities, food, everything, and I’m seriously considering doing my undergraduate engineering degree in Japan. But I’m stuck because I also want strong career options in Europe later on.

I really need some advice from people who studied or worked in Japan.

My Situation

  • I can stay in Poland for free (parents live here), so studying at AGH would be super cheap.
  • BUT I grew up exposed to international environments and really want a bigger cultural experience.
  • I’m aiming for top universities (top 50-ish).
  • I’m not fluent at all in Japanese, so I’d probably apply to English-taught programs like UTokyo PEAK, Tokyo Tech GSC, Kyoto University international programs, Tohoku University, etc.
  • While I'm very keen about studying well, I would definitely prefer a social environment where I can make friends easily, not just academics and nothing else.
  • I want to work in Europe long-term (Germany / Netherlands / Switzerland) or in Japan if someone can convince me that work life there is not as scary as people say.
  • I also want to help my parents financially after undergrad, so I’m thinking about whether I should work or intern first before doing a Master’s.

My Main Questions

1. How realistic is it to get a job in Europe after doing undergrad in Japan without grad?

I hear mixed things. Some say it’s fine because the universities are respected. Others say Japanese degrees aren’t well-recognized by HR departments in Europe.

2. If I do undergrad in Japan but Master’s in Europe, does that fix the career mobility issue?

For example:

  • UTokyo → ETH Zurich / EPFL / TU Delft / TUM
  • Tokyo Tech → Delft / Munich Is this a good pathway?

3. What is student life actually like for foreigners in Japanese universities?

Is it easy to socialize and make friends? Or is it common to feel isolated?
I hear stories about intense academics and burnout, is that just exaggerated?

4. What about the period between undergrad and Master’s?

Should I:

  • Work 1–2 years?
  • Do internships?
  • Go straight to grad school? I want to support my parents financially but I don’t want to mess up my future career options.

5. How is the job-hunting environment in Japan for foreigners?

In case I decide to work there short-term after UG:

  • Is the hiring process still super traditional?
  • Is Japanese fluency basically required?
  • Are engineering salaries enough to save money?

6. Should I even consider Japan for undergrad?

This is the big question I’m stuck on.

On one hand:

  • I love Japanese culture
  • I want the experience of living there
  • The universities are high quality
  • The campuses and cities look amazing
  • I want to push myself out of my comfort zone

But on the other hand:

  • I hear the social integration can be hard
  • Most engineering networking and job opportunities happen domestically, in Japanese
  • International programs can feel isolated from the rest of the universities.
  • Staying in Europe is way easier for my future job prospects
  • Going to Japan might make me work extra hard to return to Europe later
  • Living costs in Tokyo and other cites are high, and I want to help my parents financially after UG

If you’re an international student in Japan (or someone who considered Japan and chose differently), please tell me what made you choose or avoid Japan for UG.

What I’m Also Considering for JP->EU

Japan – Undergrad (English-taught engineering programs)

Top choices:

  • University of Tokyo (PEAK/GSC)
  • Tokyo Institute of Technology (GSEP/GSC)
  • Kyoto University
  • Tohoku University (FGL)

Other options I might consider:

  • Osaka University (Global Engineering Track)
  • Nagoya University (G30)
  • Hokkaido University
  • Waseda University (Science & Engineering International)
  • Keio University (English-track science/eng options)

(Adding these because they often offer better campus social life for internationals.)

Europe – Master’s (my long-term goal)

  • ETH Zurich
  • EPFL
  • TU Delft
  • TUM
  • KTH (Sweden)
  • Politecnico di Milano
  • Imperial College London

What I'm aiming for:

  • Live in Japan during UG
  • Have a good social and campus life
  • Avoid being totally isolated
  • Get a strong, recognized engineering degree
  • Move to Europe for work
  • Possibly help my parents financially sooner rather than later
  • Eventually do a Master’s in Europe or the US

If you’ve studied in Japan, worked there, or moved between Japan and Europe, I’d love your perspective.
Is doing undergrad in Japan BUT career in Europe a good idea?
Or am I making my life harder than it needs to be?

Any advice from people who’ve gone down a similar path would be really appreciated 🙏

by GreedyRate5044