I am currently in college and if I take extra classes, I will be able to graduate in a year and a half. I also want to go to Japan to study Japanese and live there for about a year and a half too. Of course going to Japan will cost me but if I go while still in college, I go through the study abroad program and my college will pay at least half the cost of my study there... but of course that will delay by graduation. Many people advised me to finish college first then I can go "have fun" and do what I want. But I think that I will not be able to do that because once I finish college, I will have to work and - gasp! - start paying for my student loans! I am at a loss because I know that graduating right away is good, but the advantage of going to Japan first is also a good thing. What is your opinion on this? College or Japan?
2006-08-01 11:31:47 · 10 answers · asked by Arashikitty 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Studying Abroad
**By the way, the reason I want to learn Japanese is because I either want to teach English there or join the Foreign Service and learning Japanese is a must!**
2006-08-01 11:31:59 · update #1
I suggest that you do your research first. You mention that you want to teach English in Japan, I don't know where you live but in Australia a lot of language schools (that recruits Australians to teach in Japan) requires that you have a bachelor degree (Undergraduate degree) to apply as a teacher. This is also the same for JET program in Australia.
You mention that your college will pay half the cost of your study there, how do you plan to pay for the other half? And how about living expenses? You will probably be able to find work there, but I can tell you that the better paid jobs requires that you have around at least JLPT level 3 Japanese.
The best way to do this is actually to graduate first (if you are in Australia, because those language schools wants people with undergraduate degree), apply for one of the language schools for at least a year contract, learn japanese and find a better paid job in Japan during that year. Find out if there are exceptions to paying the student loans if you work overseas, or otherwise discuss with your student loans officer to arrange an alternative (wire the payment from Japan or something).
Basically work out which option is viable for you. Going to Japan might be your dream, but make sure you can support yourself there.
PS: A friend of mine studying biochemistry got offered an exchange spot in a Japanese university without having to add any course fee (other than what she paid locally) and accommodation fee paid for. She only had to fork out money for the plane tickets and living expenses. If you have a deal like this, I suggest you go.
2006-08-07 03:22:43 · answer #1 · answered by loki_niflheim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take the opportunity to go over there and study. Since you are interested in teaching English over there, I have heard of a program called JET... I believe it is intended for college students and they go over to Japan and teach English and are paid for it! It might help open some doors to teaching too, and you might even be able to work it where you take courses over at a Japanese University and have them count for your degree at home, so you get your college done at the same time. Wouldn't that be awesome?!? :-)
2006-08-01 12:56:43 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a good reason. Try weighing the consequences. Both decisions have the pros and cons. In my opinion, you can go to Japan while still in college. You're correct, it's an opportunity. I also believe that no matter how young or old you are, you can still finish your studies. It's all up to you. Try asking help from your parents too.
2006-08-01 11:38:10 · answer #3 · answered by klay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Japan. Sometimes you have to go with the oppurtunities you are given. College will still be there when you get back but will you have another chance to go to Japan for half the cost? Will you even get the oppurtunity to go to Japan after college? You should go now and save the money again, college will still be there when you get back and you want lose any credits.
Good luck.
2006-08-01 11:37:02 · answer #4 · answered by maisyday07 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're planning to work there once you're through with college, then you might as well go through the study program from your school. Yeah it would be a lot better to graduate faster but like you said, it will be a lot more expensive. As long as you graduate, it doesnt really matter. Just make sure you finish school and get your degree.
2006-08-01 11:36:44 · answer #5 · answered by GC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I'd go to Japan first then finish college.
2006-08-01 11:38:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would study in Japan. I think this is this chance of a lifetime for you and I think it would be sooo beneficial for you to go!
Or think about this, what would you regret more? Not graduating early or not being able to study in Japan?
2006-08-01 11:35:38 · answer #7 · answered by ImCuteAndSoAreYou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not get your tale. Is "U of Maryland" on one in all US bases in Japan? Which tuition do you wish to move? If it is U of Maryland, why do they no longer deliver you a visa? Well, there's no different visa with a view to permit you to visit a tuition in Japan.
2016-08-28 14:19:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Japan.....
2006-08-01 11:39:40 · answer #9 · answered by woodtigerdp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
japan will always be there waiting
2006-08-01 11:38:18 · answer #10 · answered by jj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋