How to Study Abroad in Japan in English

From hiking Mt. Fuji and relaxing in quaint tea houses to gazing upon Tokyo’s enthralling streets, studying in Japan can offer a fantastic lifestyle and also an unrivaled education. If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t worry! There are actually countless opportunities to take classes in Japan in English.

Read on to find out how you can study abroad in Japan in English!

There are plenty of options when it comes to studying in Japan, whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term study opportunities. Not only can you study abroad in Japan for a semester, you can complete entire undergraduate degrees in English in Japan.

The first step to studying abroad in Japan is to decide how you’re going to do it. There are three main ways to choose from.

• Direct enrollment: You can essentially cut out the middleman when studying abroad in Japan through independent direct enrollment. While it’s the cheapest option, it requires much more research and effort on your part when it comes to your application, obtaining your visa, finding a place to live, and so on.
• Third-party study abroad program providers: If you want to receive support that starts on day one and continues while you’re in-country, you should consider a third-party program provider. This option may cost more, but program providers can guide you through the overwhelming logistics of the study abroad application and visa process while providing accommodation, organized group excursions, and more.
• University-led program exchanges: If you’re currently enrolled in a university, it may be easier to find a program through a partner university. In an exchange program, you’ll continue to pay the same tuition to your home university during your time abroad. As from not paying more than you usually would, the admissions process tends to be faster and your foreign credits are guaranteed to transfer with ease. The only downside is that program options may be more limited.

If you choose the third-party provider route, here are some recommendations for popular study abroad in Japan programs right here on Go Overseas:

• USAC in Hiroshima
• IES Abroad in Nagoya
• CIS Abroad in Tokyo
• Global Work & Travel in Kyoto
• CET Academic Programs in Osaka
• World Campus program in multiple cities

Japan is home to booming cities, neighborhoods dotted with historic temples and idyllic countryside towns. When choosing a location, you should consider the costs of living, climate, landscape, and the lifestyle it offers. You may also want to investigate the prevalence of English speakers and of course the universities in this location.

Some of the most popular locations for studying abroad in Japan include:

• Tokyo: Japan’s enchanted capital is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations in the world due to the fusion of innovation and tradition, creating a diverse environment.
• Kyoto: Kyoto is Tokyo’s archaic counterpart, boasting temple-clad alleyways, tranquil gardens and tea houses or “chashitsu.”
• Osaka: Japan’s second-largest city boasts of castles, amusement parks, roaring nightlife, and an abundance of things to do for international students of all personalities.
• Fukuoka: Considered as the “gateway” to Japan, Fukuoka is the southernmost metropolis in Japan.
• Nagoya: As the fourth biggest city in Japan, Nagoya lies halfway between Tokyo and Osaka.
• Sapporo: Located next to Hokkaido’s snowy mountains, Sapporo offers a dynamic lifestyle with suave cafes, food festivals, and opportunities for winter sports such as skiing.

Read more: The 5 Best Cities for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad in Japan if you don’t speak Japanese is not as impossible as it sounds. Many universities have at least some classes taught in English which is perfect for short-term study abroad.

When searching for locations, you’ll need to consider the universities and program options that cater to international students. Some of the most popular universities in Japan which offer classes taught in English include:

• Tokyo: The University of Tokyo (Komaba campus), Meiji University, Keio University, Waseda University, Tokyo International University, Sophia University
• Kyoto: Kyoto University, Doshisha University, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto Sangyo University
• Osaka: Osaka University, Kansai University, Osaka Metropolitan University, Kinki University
• Nagoya: Nanzan University, Nagoya University
• Sapporo: Hokkaido University
• Hiroshima: Hiroshima University

It’s best that you organize your housing before you arrive to study in Japan. This can ease your transition and allow you to focus more on your education and adjustment from the get-go.

There are a number of ways you can secure housing while studying abroad in Japan:

• Dorm through your program: When you study abroad with a third-party program, they’ll arrange your accommodation for you. This can be a huge weight off of your shoulders when transitioning to a new culture. When enrolling directly, you can enquire with your study abroad advisor about accommodation options at your Japanese university.
• Homestay: Staying with a host family is a great way to maximize cultural insight and immersion. While this is a cost-effective and culturally enriching option, you’ll need to consider how much privacy or independence you want when studying abroad in Japan.
• Search on your own: If you want more independence, you can search for housing by yourself. This will allow you to select the location, meet budget requirements, and so on. For this option, it’s best to begin your search once you get to Japan. Never send money for apartments you haven’t seen first!

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Study Abroad Housing

Once you’ve completed onboarding and organized the pre-departure logistics, you can look forward to establishing yourself as an active member of the Japanese community!

While you’re waiting to depart or are still adjusting to living in this dynamic country, here are some things you can do to optimize your experience:

• Familiarize yourself with social norms: Even though Japanese pop culture is well-known in the West, there are different social and societal norms than you’ll be used to. You should familiarize yourself with Japanese etiquette to minimize culture shock and present yourself as a gracious guest once in Japan.
• Join expat groups: Facebook, Twitter, and other popular Western platforms are highly active in Japan. You can use social media platforms and forums to find expat groups online which will allow you to meet new people, join sports clubs, and take part in events while studying abroad in Japan.
• Learn the language: While it’s entirely possible to study in Japan in English, learning Japanese will improve your cultural experience. Consider researching language exchanges, courses, and tutors once you’re in-country to learn some of the lingo! Many universities will also offer free or affordable Japanese language classes to foreign students.

Read more: What to Know Before Studying Abroad in Japan

If you can see yourself navigating cherry blossoms, illuminated skylines, and sharing lecture notes with classmates turned lifelong friends, then studying abroad in Japan is for you!

Fortunately, there are plenty of reputable universities and schools that allow international students to study in Japan in English. You can fully embrace Japanese culture, learn the language, and meet amazing people without having to compromise your education!

Read more about studying abroad in Japan:

• How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad in Japan?
• How to Study Abroad in Japan on a Budget
• How to Ace Your Study Abroad Application