FRANK

26, USA

What is your education level?

University

What is your current (or most recent) job?

Student

When did you apply to come to Japan originally?

–

Why does studying Japanese in Japan mean so much to you?

Studying Japanese in Japan means so much to me because I would have the opportunity to practice the language in a native context. Currently, it’s difficult for me to practice Japanese in a way similar to speaking with local Japanese people. If I am studying Japanese in Japan, I will be able to practice the language in unique contexts which I would never have the opportunity to do so outside of Japan. Another thing, being physically present in Japan is an important opportunity for me to meet professionals that share an interest in robotics and software. Japan has a unique robotics industry that is different from other country’s robotics industry which is attractive to many foreign engineers such as myself.

How do you think that as a student in Japan that you will add benefit to Japan society?

As a student in Japan, I would add cultural exchange to Japanese society. I’ve met many Japanese students studying in the USA, who later went on to complete their university degrees in the USA. They are some of the smartest and hardest working students I met and I believe that before these students ever came to the USA, they first made a connection with American students studying in Japan. As a foreign student in Japan, I can share my experiences with Japanese students applying for schools in the USA. Both the Japanese student and myself will share something in common, which is that we are both foreign students. I believe this precedent allows for trusting conversations where we can share our cultural experiences with one another.

What will it mean to you if there is another delay for students to be able to come to Japan?

If there is another delay for Japan to allow international students to enter the country, then I would be set behind in my goal to master the Japanese language within the next 2 years. Currently, I am a beginner in the Japanese language and I would like to obtain a JLPT N1 level of proficiency within the next 2 years. Although I am self-studying Japanese everyday, it is difficult for me to accelerate my progress in a way that being enrolled in formal schooling would.

Chamika, 30, Sri Lanka

I am waiting from April 2020 to get into my university as a self-financed student. April intake was postponed because of the corona situation. Then I was able to register for the September intake. However, because of COE delays, I couldn’t get in during the time Japan was open for students. My research is already on hold since I cannot perform the experiments needed for data acquisition. Because of this uncertainty, I now have to consider a Ph.D. topic change even after spending 8 months into my research. I left my previous job in 2019 January thinking I’ll be able to get in by April. Because I don’t know when Japan will start accepting students, I can’t apply for any other job positions either. There is a minimum contract period that I must complete before quitting all most all of the jobs. So my life is on hold since January of 2019. It is not an easy task to keep going [especially mentally] when you are already 30 and you have to depend on your parents for food and a roof over your head. At this point, I am prepared to accept any conditions imposed by the Japanese government if it means that I can start my research. Even something like quarantining in a paid embassy designated quarantine location in my home country before I come to Japan. So, total of one month quarantining is a possible action for me now at this point. That’s how desperate I am at the moment, and I know it would be same for many students who dreamt of studying in Japan. Another long delay will force me to drop my research dream and focus on a different path for the sake of my mental health alone.

July 16, 2021 No Comments

Giulia, 26, Italy

I have been studying Japanese for seven years. I spent the last year stuck at University, keeping paying taxes even if I finished all the exams in Winter 2020 just waiting for Japan to open and let me in, since I am trying to write my MA thesis regarding women contemporary literature in Japan.

May 27, 2021 No Comments

Lissette, 30, America

It is very important to learn first hand in Japan because it will let me keep pushing forward to learn. There is no better way to learn a language than in the country it comes from.

May 26, 2021 No Comments

John, 30, America

Studying in Japan has always been part of my dream. I wish to pursue not only studying and becoming fluent in Japanese, but to be able to build a life in Japan. I have visited many times and made many Japanese friends. Each visit has had a profound effect on my life, and I wish to be able to communicate fluently, in order to become a contributing member of Japanese society.

May 25, 2021 No Comments

Veronica, 25, Italy

I always dreamed of going to Japan as soon as I graduated in Japanese (which was last October). My goal is to improve the language, as I would like to become a translator in the future.

May 20, 2021 No Comments

Abhishek, 23, India

studying Japanese in Japan is means a lot to me because for me it’s always my dream to live and study in japan and experience their culture while enjoying student life which I always dreamed of.

May 20, 2021 No Comments