Wondering where to pursue higher studies? Add another name to the long list of places to study abroad – Japan.
The heritage country not only has a long list of cultural abundance but with time has also become one of the most technically advanced countries of the world. Most new age and off beat subjects find prime importance in Japan and are often one of the first places to feature in the higher studies list.
One of the most notable institutions is the University of Tokyo and Kazunori Sasaki, senior manager from the University of Tokyo India Office, New Delhi recently addressed students about studying in Japan at an event conducted by The Japan Curry with support from The Consulate General of Japan in Kolkata at the Triguna Sen Auditorium, Jadavpur University.
Sasaki addressed an auditorium full of students interested in Japanese culture, language, studies and more. Here’s what you need to keep in mind while choosing Japan for higher studies.
#1 Why study in Japan?
According to Sasaki, studying in Japan has numerous merits, highlighting the major ones among them he stated, “There is opportunity for better research and the human resource network that you make is very special.” For any student today, having the correct resources at the right places is of prime importance and studying in Japan allows one to build a strong network.
#2 Out of the box subjects
While traditional subjects like medicine, engineering, architecture, art are much prevalent in Japan, “Off beat subjects like game development, eco-technology, marine engineering are gaining popularity in the country.” Several overseas students come to Japanese universities to study these new-age subjects and choose specialized careers for themselves.
#3 Tuition fees
One of the major worries that any overseas student has is that of meeting the requirement of high tuition fees. Sasaki informed, “Tuition fee for Japanese universities is almost one-sixth as compared to the tuition fees of western institutions.” This is news of relief for those who worry about tuition fees and fear of exploring higher education opportunities.
#4 Scholarships
Apart from tuition fees if anything grapples the minds of the students it would be a scholarship. Scholarships not only help them in reducing their financial burden but are also laurels added to polish the resume. Sasaki mentioned, “There are several government and private scholarships available for studying in Japan which one can apply to.” One needs to apply way ahead and through the formal channels of the scholarship to be considered for it. Some of the scholarships include Japanese Government Scholarship MEXT, Student Exchange Support Programme and International Student Scholarship.
#5 Learning the Language
Do you know how to converse in the language? Worry not! “Every institute provides free Japanese learning courses for foreign students,” said Sasaki. It is recommended that anyone applying to study and living in Japan has a basic idea about the language but one always gets the opportunity to polish it while studying at their universities and availing the free language classes.
#6 Life beyond studies
For Indians, going abroad also has the sentiment of leaving one’s home and settling down in an unknown place. How will the place be? What is the living cost? How to connect with family? How to survive alone? These and several other questions continue to haunt the mind. He mentioned, “Japan has very high quality education and career prospects at a very low cost. You are always connecting with loved ones and family through Whatsapp calls. There are several Indian restaurants and spice markets. You can visit the restaurant or the markets to purchase your own ingredients and cook. Safety for women is also a prime concern. Women there can avail a cab alone at night safely.”