Make your experience in Japan the BEST one!

Going on the YIJ program is one of the best decisions I have made so far. Like many others, as a huge fan of anime (and Japanese language & cultures ofc), studying abroad in Japan has always been a dream of mine, and I am grateful that YIJ program and Konan University have completed my “Japan-dream” in a way that is even better than I could imagine. Although I must admit, before applying for YIJ, there has been a period of time where I debated with myself whether I should apply for programs that study in a more worldly known Japanese University such as Tokyo, Waseda University. Because of this, I consulted my senpai, who has previously participated in YIJ and studied in Konan University and has many friends involved in different study abroad programs. He said, “If you simply like the idea of having ‘a top university’ to look good on your resume, apply for a different program; if you want to enjoy and experience Japan from first-hand, YIJ will give you a never forgetting year.” Now that I think back, I know he was absolutely correct.

Who should apply for YIJ?
For those of you who loves to learn the Japanese language and Japanese culture, YIJ’s academic curriculum will make you (or at least made me) very happy. The Japanese teachers and Konan/KIEC staffs are very nice and friendly, you can always talk to them if you have any questions. For those of you who likes Japanese anime/games/manga/goods, go explore Sannomiya, and you will find your “heavenly realm”. For those of you who likes the city and nature, Kobe (where Kobe Beef and YIJ’s host school is located) has mountains on one side a beach on the other and in between you will also have a taste of the urban atmosphere (Osaka, the second largest city of Japan, is next to Kobe). For those who want to travel around Japan, Kobe is also not too far away from Kyoto and Himeji, and YIJ offers field trips that takes you and your other study abroad friends to live your Japan life to the fullest. For those of you who are social animals, you get to meet many other study abroad students who are also interested in Japan just like you, and if you would like to get to know more Japanese people, join a school club/circle, go to a Izakaya or a bar! If you are the more chill type of person who would appreciate some quality alone time, there are so many good (student-friendly priced) cafes around Kobe where you could read a book and enjoy the coffee and desserts, or you could do a self-travel as Japan is very safe to do so (PS: most Japanese hostels are surprisingly clean and cheap). For those of you who are tight on a budget, every YIJ students from the year I went were able to receive scholarships from Konan or the Japanese government. Konan University also offer tutoring job opportunities where you teach/talk with Japanese students in English and at the same time, develops your interpersonal and communication skills.

Questions?
I hope some people find my review to be helpful, and if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me or talk to me on Instagram (if I don’t read the emails LOL)! I am more than happy to share some of my personal experience and maybe provide you some recommendations as to which restaurants or cafes are the best or what you could do to explore while you are in YIJ.
E-mail: zhenlie98@gmail.com
Instagram: @dasfada13