Hi!
I am trying to gather some info as I am researching.
Context: My dream was to study abroad on exchange in Japan for one semester or a year. My university is partnered with many japanese top universities such as uTokyo, Kyoto University, Keio, etc. Upon starting university I was dealing with a misdiagnosed extremely painful neurological disorder as well the divorce of my parents that took a big toll on my mental health (I no longer speak to one of them). Overall, I really messed up my gpa and was never going to make the 3.0 threshold needed to be able to go (or come close to them making an exception given my circumstances). This really depresses me because it was something I really wanted to do, but life moves on so I am looking into alternatives into being able to do a short stint living abroad in Japan.
I am 23 years old and will (hopefully) graduate upon completed my last 3 courses this summer semester. I took japanese as an elective these past 2 semesters and enjoyed it so much, it genuinely revitalized a love for learning in me that I think was completely gone for so long.
First option is fairly obvious, I can go to a japanese language school. I already know I enjoy learning the language. However, I am worried that perhaps I will have less opportunity to meet japanese friends and lose out on the whole community aspect that university typically offers, which was what I was looking forward to.
As I’ve been researching, I’ve come across what appears to be the opportunity to apply to universities as a non-degree seeking student, essentially taking classes as a university student but not for a degree (as I will have already completed mine). However, I am struggling to find information if this is viable, maybe these programs exist mainly for the purpose of taking prerequisites for grad programs and are not really geared for someone like me looking to study abroad for the sake of cultural experience. In addition, on the university pdfs/info sections I’ve been trying to find, I have been able to see if there would be a gpa requirement (which would clearly pose a challenge). Overall the reason I am curious about this is because of the potential of it providing that “uni student life” a language school may not offer.
Some other things I considered but probably would not work:
My school offers the option to apply for a school to study away independent of their exchange program, but it appears from their website for my faculty they are removing this option for institutions outside of my country (Canada). I have no idea why, and even then I believe most universities will have a gpa requirement that will make it difficult for me to apply independently to on independent study away. (or not? maybe some are lenient if they’re private). I would’ve delayed graduation and asked for permission to exceed my credit limit to be able to do this.
I really don’t want to teach english! I’ve considered that as well as an option but ultimately this would not be the path I’d be willing to take. I’d rather pay to study at a language school.
If someone has moved to japan for a short while (or stayed afterwards) by being a non degree student and could provide insight I’d really appreciate it! Any other suggestion is appreciated as well. I am currently looking into if “language schools” or language programs exist and are offered by universities as an alternative as well, as maybe they will offer more of the cultural experience I am aiming for.
by Glum_Truck_724