How do you live in Japan?

GD · driven to tears Age: 48 Gender: Joined: 19 Jan 2005

I would like to make a suggestion, as I do have a little experience in this area (I'm married to a Japanese woman). The most important thing you can do before deciding to move there is to visit first. Visit for as long as you possibly can.

As others have said above, try a school exchange program. I'm not sure what point you are at in your education, but an exchange program would give you life experience as far as "living" in Japan goes. Going there on vacation and living there are quite different.

As far as being a citizen goes, it is very difficult as said above. It is more difficult to become a citizen of Japan than a citizen of the United States. Also, they do not have dual citizenship for adults. You have to give up your American citizenship, assuming you jump through all the hoops they put in front of you.

I think your sister is totally on the ball with her post, and wants you to see the reality of such a lifestyle. It's a monumental decision that requires a lot of planning and work.

Life is a lot different over there too, as I'm sure you've imagined. I'm not trying to turn you off to the idea, but you should know that being an American living in Japan can be daunting at times. You will be a "gaijin" (foreigner), and no matter how well you speak Japanese, or how many friends you have, you will never be fully accepted by the population. Japan still has a Xenophobic culture in some ways.

If you really want to have a good life in Japan, I would recommend starting Japanese classes immediately. Major in Japanese linguistics in college and earn a Bachelor's. Teaching English is not necessarily a steady or decent paying job over there.. it's kind of meant to get you by. Being an interpreter is where the money and stature is at.

If you don't have any education, you will have a difficult time obtaining an entry Visa or getting a job. You will be limiting yourself to part time English teaching jobs or Hostess jobs, and you do not want to experience that world..

Anyway, as I said I am not trying to discourage you. I just want to make sure you understand the implications of such a move. Some people go there expecting a certain lifestyle and are disappointed with the end result. I wish you the best of luck if you choose to follow this path, and I will be happy to put you up in Tokyo in a couple of years.

Girkon · Chop Chop Fiend Gender: Joined: 29 Sep 2004

and when worse comes to worse just remember this japanese proverb

"Nana korobi, ya-oki"

Sakura · Saku-chan Gender: Joined: 22 Sep 2002

Ok.. new topic then:

Can someone help me with studying abroad programs or something?

That'd be great.. I've been doing my own research, but I think it'd be easier to also get someone else's help

Robb · My freedom begins here Age: 40 Gender: Joined: 01 Nov 2004

A good friend of mine is in china doing art there, Im certain the principle is the same, shall have a wee chat with her for you.

Sakura · Saku-chan Gender: Joined: 22 Sep 2002

reaper · I miss you Shar Gender: Joined: 28 Dec 2002

Blackmage · Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 11:48 pm Post subject:

As far as Reaper's comment goes, everyone I know that's been to another country to study abroad already has their associates.

Sakura · Saku-chan Gender: Joined: 22 Sep 2002

GREAT NEWS EVERYONE!

I sent this place, Kudan Institute of Language and Culture, an e-mail and they PERSONALLY sent me an e-mail back 8D

Dear Makenna Richardson-san,

Thank you for your inquiry to our school.
This is Hyunmi Kwak of KUDAN Japanese Language School.

Ofcourse you can join our school.It doesn't matter where you live.
You are very welcomed to our school.

For your stating date of course, please refer the following website, it will
give you
more information.

1. Course :
http://www.geos-japanese-insti.co.jp/english/course/courseindex.html
2. Schedule : http://www.geos-japanese-insti.co.jp/english/calendar.html

Please find attach file : price list for 2007, application form.

Best Regards
Hyunmi Kwak

~~~~~~~

They said I can go whenever one of their semesters start up! They'll also help me set up homestay, apartment ,or a dorm! SWEET.

GAAZ · MOD Black Sheep Commander Gender: Joined: 14 Oct 2002

Yeah I dunno what Reaper was talking about...KSU lets any currently enrolled student study abroad as long as they have like $1200 and 2 months of free time to go...IE Summer.

Ultrawolf · Mr. Roarke Gender: Joined: 04 Jul 2003

Sakura, I checked out the website for the school you're looking at.
It LOOKS LIKE it's JUST a language school. In that you won't have any classes beyond the language/writing and socialization. You won't be getting a degree or anything from them it looks like (I may be mistaken). You might still be stuck with a crappy job, although they look like they might be able to help you get a temporary student Visa (lasts about 2 years for study purposes).

Not to crush your hopes or anything, but you're better off going to an accredited college or university first to get all your degree stuff out of the way. It sounds like you're trying to jump the gun, but you have to be more realistic. You'll still be running into alot of the problems you would otherwise. You won't be able to take a few semesters of the language courses and expect to be a complete master and well on your way to a good job. It won't work that way. And I want to repeat, I'm not trying to be a kill joy, so I hope you're taking everything to heart and not just shrugging it off because I would like you to do whatever it is you want to do in your life but you need to do it the right way. Get your degree FIRST so that people will WANT to Hire you for a good job. Studying abroad DURING College or University will be better in the long run than taking a couple courses at this school and expecting to stay there forever. It won't happen.

Don't sacrifice your education, Japan isn't going anywhere. I know you're young and you might think I'm just being a meanie but I'm trying to be as helpful as I can. Check out some local schools and call them up, see what kind of study abroad stuff they have. When you find one with a program in Japan you can go there, and study abroad WHILST getting your degree at the same time. I can't stress enough how important it is to have a degree to get your foot in the door. Having a college education will open so many doors for you than you realize. I'm supporting you in spirit, because I know how hard it is when you want something so badly but it seems like everything is getting in the way. Trust me, for someone who's been a bit in your shoes. Do things the right way.

Edit:
To clarify I think it would be cool to do the Language school thing during your Summers, it would be a good boost, but don't neglect your actual schooling thinking it will be a Golden Ticket to living in Japan on your own.