You’re keen on exploring the world, but you don’t necessarily want to spend an entire academic year abroad. In fact, even missing a fall or winter semester of college might be out of the question for you. When you desire the advantages of traveling and studying abroad but don’t want the year-long commitment, then a summer study abroad program may be a great idea. Countries like Japan may provide a wealth of educational opportunities and experiences, and it may be accomplished just by attending summer study abroad in Japan.
Why Choose Summer Study Abroad in Japan?
Study abroad may be an easy and effective way to enhance resumes and program applications. As a category IV language on the Defensive Language Aptitude Battery test[i], Japanese is one of the most difficult languages in which to gain fluency. When you learn Japanese in Japan summer abroad programs, you may gain an immersive experience that drops you right in the middle of native speakers, enhancing the language learning process. In addition, study abroad may provide the opportunity to make new friends, experience new places and cultures, and make lifelong memories.
How to Find the Right Program
There are so many different Japanese summer school options, how do you know which one is right for you? It’s important to consider your personal goals for study abroad. Do you plan on attending a university class? Is there something specific you wish to study? Are your goals language-oriented? There may be academic programs that put you in a Japanese classroom, there may be language-learning options that provide intensive language study and practice, and there may even be volunteer opportunities for teaching English to Japanese students. Each program might vary in length. If all you’re looking for is a Tokyo summer session to enhance your speaking skills, language programs may be just fine.
Benefits to Summer Study Abroad
Choosing to study abroad in the summer may offer the added advantage of not missing out on the regular academic year. It may provide experiences and personal development while keeping college students on track in their major programs. For high school students, summer programs may make it so nothing is missed during the regular academic year, parents might also rest at ease knowing their high school kids are only gone for the summer. You may still get a similar wealth of experiences provided in year-long programs, but in a shorter timeframe.
Preparation Tips
Japan has many different cultural expectations[ii], so it’s a great idea to research what is polite behavior before you leave. Fair-haired and blue-eyed students may stand out in a crowd in Japan, and clothing tends to fit differently as well. There aren’t as many public trash cans readily available, and it’s a great idea to take your own hand towel for use in the public restroom as many don’t have any. If you plan on using the transit system in Tokyo, keep in mind that things get crowded during rush hour, and it’s not uncommon to be packed up against other people or for train personnel to push people inside the train to get the doors to close.
Study abroad Japan summer programs do cost money, though the final cost to you is dependent on the type of program and the length of your stay. It’s a good idea to start saving early and make a plan about what to do with cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, or if a financial emergency pops up.
Choose a Program Today
Japan has some of the best global universities in Tokyo and Kyoto[iii], and the country is rich in technological innovation, history, and culture. Spending a summer there is probably one of the best decisions you could ever make. Find the perfect summer study abroad program below or refer to our Resources section for even more information.
Sources: [i] wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Language_Aptitude_Battery | [ii] howibecametexan.com/2013/06/09/6-things-you-should-know-before-you-study-abroad-in-japan/ | [iii] usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings
