International exchange program and study together. Smiling young multi ethnic students looking at camera and holding flags of their countries, on white brick wall background, copy space, studio shot

Studying abroad is a common desire shared amongst many students, including you. Doing so can offer plenty of benefits, such as learning more about another nation’s culture, access to better quality education, better work opportunities after studies, and more. For instance, when you study abroad, you may experience a different teaching method, learn a new language, and make friends with locals. You may also look to study abroad if you wish to work in the country that you’ll be studying in.

If you’re deciding which country to study in, you may be interested in Japan. Japan has become a popular study destination for international students because of its exciting and fun culture and high-quality education. Furthermore, with Japan’s vibrant economy and multinational companies, you can look forward to plenty of post-study career opportunities.

In studying abroad, you’ll want to research the country you’ll be moving to and studying in. Doing so can help you choose the country and school that suits you best and help you adjust to a new environment more quickly.

To learn more about studying abroad in Japan, consider reading the following list of things to know beforehand:

The Japanese Language

While Japan welcomes foreigners, you may find that English isn’t ubiquitous among locals. Indeed, they’ll do their best to help you get around, but you may have difficulty communicating with them. If you’re studying in Japan, you’ll find it easier to adjust by learning to speak their language. So to better prepare, consider learning Japanese by self-studying or enrolling in a program such as that of Taiyo Japanese language school or similar ones.
Besides this, you’ll find that while Japanese universities do offer English courses in English, you can expand your opportunities by learning their language and taking Japanese classes.

Smiling lady holding Japan flag ready to learn foreign language, Japanese school

How To Get Around
Another thing that Japan is known for is its impressive public transportation system. You’ll find it’s more common to commute than own a car and drive around to get places. Their number one public transportation system will be their railway system. To get around, you’ll want to take advantage of their railway passes and integrated circuit (IC) cards, learn how to read their railway map, and always be on time for your trains.

Manners And Etiquettes

The third things you’ll want to learn are their manners and etiquette if you wish to adjust to their culture and live more like a local. There’re plenty of manners and etiquettes worth noting, such as the following:
• Be punctual. Their culture is strict regarding this.
• Be quiet while riding public transportation and avoid pushing people.
• Remove your shoes and leave them at the door when entering someone’s home.
• Tipping isn’t a part of their culture, as service providers are paid well.
• Be courteous, such as by saying ‘thank you, ‘please,’ and ‘I am sorry in Japanese.
• Don’t point, as it’s considered rude.

It’s worth noting that these are only a few examples of the manners and etiquette that you’ll have to learn. As such, consider conducting more research and learning more about how to behave in public so you can avoid offending locals.
Keep Cash On Hand

While Japan has become a very technologically advanced country, you’ll find that their preferred payment method remains to be cash, specifically the local currency. At the same time, they may accept an IC card or a credit/debit card as a mode of payment. Most don’t and only accept cash. If you wish to shop and travel, consider always having some Japanese Yen on hand.
Clean Surroundings

Another thing to expect from Japan is that your surrounding is often primarily clean, and you’ll need to do your part to keep it that way. When you arrive, you’ll find little to no garbage littered in the streets, even though they’re few garbage bins in the area. Instead, locals often hold onto their trash and dispose of this at home. Besides this, consider keeping your home or accommodation clean and tidy, as failing to do so can reflect poorly on you and be considered rude.

Conclusion

Studying abroad will require a lot of research so you can study in the country and school that suits you best. Moreover, doing so will also help you better prepare for the culture shock and challenges you’ll encounter. Hopefully, the guide above on what you should know and expect when studying in Japan has helped you decide or prepare for studying abroad. You may consider the information above in your preparation or decision to study in Japan.