on National Colleges, College Admissions, and College Life
Journey to Japan
by Paul D. Rosevear
studying abroad is more than just an excuse to do a little traveling -- it's a learning experience on many levels, giving students a chance to immerse themselves in academia while truly exploring the world and its cultures. But did you know that one of the hottest up-and-coming locations for international study is Japan? (And you were just excited for the chance to leave your hometown!)
International study is on the rise with almost 170,000 students embarking on an international academic venture in 2003 -- a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year. Plus, international study in Japan is truly exploding, with a whopping 21 percent increase in the past few years. Could it be right for you?
A quick semester abroad, a full-blown degree pursuit, and everything in between are offered at Japanese universities. With a strong reputation for academic excellence, these schools yield graduates who successfully fuel Japan's powerful economy, as well as contribute to its strong global Business presence, which Americans benefit from on a daily basis.
But you won't be limited to studying economics or consumerism -- Graduate Programs in subjects like law and business are also available as part of the broad range of disciplines Japanese schools offer degrees in.
The potential for international exposure is enormous, as studying in Japan allows students to interact with people from other Asian countries, as well. Many researchers from China, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Thailand, and other Asian countries are learning and working at these Japanese schools. Studying in Japan allows enables you to create an endless web of connections with the leading players in a thriving marketplace of innovation and education.
The deep and compelling history and culture of Japan also provides a fantastic environment for your academic pursuits. Offering a unique culture that blends ancient customs and modern technology, students can explore the beauty of Kyoto's shrines and temples of centuries past, while absorbing the advanced biotechnologies that Japan is so widely recognized for -- all in a semester.
study abroad
has always been a popular way to learn from books and culture at the same time, and Japanese universities' rapidly growing international student population just might suit you.
Japanese Schools at a Glimpse
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Oita)
Address:
1-1 Jumonjibaru
Beppu City
Oita Prefecture 874-8577
JAPAN
Phone: (+81) 97- 778-1111
URL: www.apu.ac.jp
The Scoop: A strong choice for business-oriented studies, this school's most popular majors include marketing, international relations, area studies, and international business. APU offers a dual language education in Japanese and English, and was recently selected as a "Good Practice" university by the Japanese government.
Waseda University (Tokyo) Address:
1-104 Tontsukamachi
Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 169-8050
JAPAN
The Scoop: Boasting a small student-to-faculty ratio at about 25:1 in the School of International Liberal Studies, students can benefit from seminar-style learning on topics like business, economics, Asian history, and Japanese affairs. International students undergo intensive study of Japanese language during their first two years.
Nanzan University (Nagoya) Address:
18 Yamazato-cho
Showa-ku
Nagoya 466-8673
JAPAN
The Scoop: The only Catholic mission co-ed institution in the area, Nanzan University is situated in the Chukyo Area where many world-famous companies, including Toyota, are based. Founded by overseas missionaries, this school has been internationally-oriented since its inception in 1949, and boasts one of the highest ratios of international students.