Studying abroad gives you an unparalleled opportunity to live, work and explore a different culture. You will be able to learn about the people, the culture, the history and language of one of the world’s most unique cultures. Living overseas will help you develop as a person, becoming independent and taking responsibility. It will help you to see things from new perspectives, and appreciate the differences between cultures, while also seeing the deep similarities between people. Learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; meeting people from different cultures and making friends from all over the world are also important parts of growing up.

There are many good reasons to study in Japan. Some students are attracted by Japan’s high educational standards, while for others the attraction is Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Nearly 5 million students study abroad annually, with that number projected to continue increasing. Japan is one of the most popular destinations for international students.

More than 150,000 international students are currently studying at universities, junior colleges, professional schools and other educational institutions in Japan. Their number has been increasing rapidly since the 1980s, with a majority of the students coming from China.

The OECD ranks Japanese high school students number one in the world for math’s, and number 2 for scientific literacy. Japan has the highest number of Nobel Prize winners of any Asian country, and the second highest of any country since 2000. 49% of Japanese High School graduates enter university. Japan has over 700 universities, with 10 ranked in the top 200 worldwide.

Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in Asia and world and boasts of one of the best educational systems. The higher education system is exemplary in the world. The higher education fee is cheaper in Japan in comparison to some of the European countries Canada, Australia and USA. International students are also eligible for many scholarships program which are provided by the Japanese government.One of the crucial takeaways is the rich cultural heritage. Japan is one of the few countries in the world that has managed to maintain a perfect balance between the advancements of the modern world and the traditions of its past.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, with Japan ranking last in the number of victims of crime per capita (nationmaster.com). Japan regularly turns up on lists of the safest places to visit in the world. Japan also has one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems, reflected in this high life expectancy. Members of the National Health Insurance scheme pay only 30% of their healthcare costs, with a trip to the doctor or dentist often costing only a few hundred yen (few dollars).

One of the factors contributed to Japan’ s economic growth as a leading country of Monozukuri manufacturing despite scarce resources is knowledge and technology backed by excellent education. Japan has been offering many products using the state-of-art science, technology and medicine to the world, including electric vehicles, digital cameras, optical fibers and artificial heart. Instant noodles, which have changed the dietary life of the world, and Karaoke are also innovation of Japanese origin.

The culture to use innovative ideas and come up with creative products is rooted in Japan. Japanese schools focus not only on academic achievements but also on development of human quality. This aspect of Japanese schools is highly appreciated by international students who think the studying experience in Japan helps them after they start working.

Japan is an increasingly popular and attractive destination for students. As of May 1, 2010, there were about 140,000 foreign students in Japan. The Japanese government is expecting that number to increase in the near future, to 300,000 by the year 2020. It will be the time of the life, and a stepping stone for the life and the career.

• Tuition fees are quite lower than other developed countries. Learning the Japanese language will allow you to enroll in a university and obtain a highly respected degree.
• Once you have completed the courses and achieved a good JLPT score (JLPT N2 should be the target), you will be in a good situation to seek a position at a Japanese company. Should you decide to stay in Japan, a lot of opportunities will unfold. The Japanese job market is a very dynamic one and the Japanese economy is the third in the world. Last but not least, you can expect high incomes in Japanese companies.
• If you decide to leave Japan after you have finished the language courses, the experience and skills will be very highly-considered by potential employers, be it in the country or anywhere else in the world. The Japanese language will surely open many doors!
• The Japanese government is more than ever willing to open up to increased immigration. Now is the right time to fly Japan!
• You will learn the Japanese language much faster if you stay in Japan rather than simply studying it abroad. It is usually believed that it takes 6 months (with hard work) to 1 year of Japanese class in Japan to achieve a Level 2 JLPT score, whereas it would take much longer (likely years) if you were staying in abroad.
• Discover a rich and fascinating culture. Japan is also the land of innovation and creativity. Beyond the language, there is so much to learn in Japan. Never-ending opportunities for amazing experiences and discoveries are what you will experience in Japan.
• Enjoy a peaceful life. Japan is one of the safest developed countries in the world. Walk in the middle of the night in a deserted street with no fear. Even if you forget the wallet at a bar, there is a very good chance it will remain there until you pick it up!
• Great life conditions: healthcare, transportation system, affordable tasty and healthy food, great services, exciting nightlife, modern accommodations with all the comfort you need. You will surely enjoy life in Japan and likely have the time of the life there. Also, the daily challenges and adventure feel of being a foreigner in Japan will stimulate and enrich you.
• Despite those great life conditions, you will find that the cost of living is not so high. There are many tricks to know, that will enable you to save money. For example, you can eat very well in Japan, while easily saving money. You will learn that fast from fellow students.
• Foreign students can work up to 28 hours per week in Japan. And actually, 75% choose to do so. Finding part-time jobs (arubaito) is relatively easy. There are lots of resources to find. So the bottom line is, if you need/want to work, you will be able to do that. That will cover the expenses: rent, going out and possibly traveling.