Studying in Japan: A Complete Guide for International Students

Japan's stunningly beautiful, culturally rich, and technologically advanced world-class universities are rapidly becoming a preferred study destination for international students. Apart from having world-class universities, Japan also offers international students the opportunity to have a culturally immersive experience, and advanced career prospects, while obtaining a postgraduate research degree. From language schools to undergraduate programs, postgraduate research degrees, and everything in between, Japan is eager and willing to accept students internationally. This study guide provides international students with the experience of studying in Japan, education options, life as a student, education costs, the costs of student accommodations, and the necessity of staying connected while studying.

What Makes Japan an Ideal Study Abroad Destination for International Students?

Japan as a study abroad destination embodies the essential study abroad destination religions of respect, discipline, and education, with an integrated, modern, and highly advanced education system coupled with practical research. These systems are especially integrated in the education fields of engineering, information technology, robotics, medicine, business, and environmental studies.

Japan study abroad destination presents numerous benefits to international students and the student community, such as; providing degrees that are internationally recognized, offering a mix of modern and traditional culture, and providing a variety of languages including the opportunity to learn Japanese while improving academic studies, as well as providing advanced research facilities, modern campuses, and the Japanese culture of welcoming international students. Japan also offers students the opportunity to study in scholarly fields that use the English language as the primary means of instruction, making Japan easily accessible for students that have not yet mastered the Japanese language.

Available Study Programs

Due to its diverse program offerings, Japan is able to accommodate the unique academic objectives and time constraints of students.

Language Schools

Language schools in Japan are especially beneficial to students who wish to learn Japanese before enrolling in a degree program or starting employment in Japan. The courses offered concentrate on the development of communication, writing skills, and an understanding of the culture.

Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

Across both private and public universities, there are opportunities for international students to participate in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree programs. The most popular areas of study include the following:

  • Engineering and technology.
  • Business and economics.
  • International relations.
  • Design and architecture.
  • Environmental and life sciences.
  • Exchange and Short-Term Programs

For one or two semesters, many students select exchange programs. Students are given the opportunity to participate in the Japanese educational system and have the benefit of not having to complete an entire degree.

Cost of Studying and Living in Japan

It is possible to make studying in Japan financially possible compared to other Western countries. Moreover, if one is awarded a scholarship, this further reduces the financial burden.

Tuition Fees

  • Public Universities: Generally, lower tuition costs.
  • Private universities: Depending on the area of study, costs are higher.
  • Language schools: Costs are incurred on a term or yearly basis.

International students are offered lower tuition costs by many universities.

Living Expenses

Living costs are different across various cities in Japan. Expenses are higher in Tokyo than they are in most of the regional cities. On average, monthly student expenses include:

  • Rent and utilities
  • Groceries
  • Transport
  • Health insurance
  • Phone and Internet
  • Utilities
  • Health

Planning a budget and sticking to it is essential for most students to control costs.

Accommodation Options

For international students, the following housing options are available:

  • University dorms
  • Private student accommodations
  • Shared apartments
  • Homestays with Japanese families

For adjusted new students, university dorms are generally the most convenient and the least cost option

Student Life and the Japanese Culture

Life as a student in Japan includes much more than just going to school. Participating in numerous outside school activities such as joining clubs , celebrations , and festivals is a great way for international students to get to know the Japanese people and get used to the culture.

Some of the most common activities are:

  • University clubs, (sport, arts, language exchange)
  • Travel within Japan during holidays
  • Cherry blossom celebrations
  • Summer festivals

Japanese culture places a lot of value in respect, punctuality and community. Seeing how things are done during everyday activities.

The Value of Staying connected in Japan

For international students, good ways of staying connected are both necessary and useful. International students need to communicate frequently and reliably using their mobile devices to find their ways and to use their transport apps. Having a mobile service which is reliable will help students to manage all their tasks.

Connectivity features needed by international students include:

  • School Messages
  • Immigration Messages
  • Other important communications (banking, jobs, maps, translation, etc.)
  • Family communication

Thus, selecting the best mobile plan is crucial.

Why is Mobal the Best Option for International Students in Japan?

For international students in Japan, Mobal has the best mobile deal, especially in terms of reliability and friendliness. Mobal is not a typical mobile solution for students, as most services are created for tourists and not for long-term non-Japanese residents, including students.

With Mobal Japan eSIM cards, students are able to get a Japanese phone number, which is very important because it is needed for registration with Japanese banks, educational institutions, and other necessary services. Also, students can get signal verification and SMS authentication so receiving calls and messages is uncomplicated.

Another advantage of Mobal is that students can choose from different plans. Mobal offers a full voice and SMS plan, and for students who use communication applications, a more affordable, unlimited 5G data only eSIM plan.

Job Options for Students

Japan also has work rights for international students, which means students can work part-time, for which they need a work permit. Many students work up to 28 hours a week during the academic semester.

Typical jobs that students do are:

  • Working at convenience stores
  • Employment at cafés and restaurants
  • Working as a language tutor
  • Jobs in retail
  • Working part-time as on-campus staff

There are also jobs that are easier to get with a Japanese phone number, and these include convenience stores and restaurants, as they contact candidates by phone or SMS.

Getting Healthcare and Insurance

When it comes to working students and healthcare insurance, it is true that students who are qualified as international students and who are in Japan for more than three months must register for the National Health Insurance system, as it cuts down on the costs students incur. It is important that students have accessible emergency contact information that indicates their health status. This is further evidence that students need access to a mobile phone in Japan.

Adjusting to Life in Japan

Students often find life in Japan to be a bit overwhelming in the beginning, but most students say they settle in quickly. There are many services to help guide students. Your University will likely have an international student office, offer orientation services, and even have language support if needed.

Some other tips are to:

  • Know a few Japanese phrases from the start
  • Understand and comply with the local customs and rules
  • If you need help, ask for help
  • Be diligent and stay organized with important dates and documents

Most students over time find that Japan is efficient, and safe, with welcoming people.

Career Benefits of Studying in Japan

Receiving a degree from a Japanese institution can be a stepping stone to establishing a successful career. There are many multinational companies, startups, and research institutions in Japan.

When studying in Japan, students acquire:

  • Professional experience
  • Ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Industry related skills, research skills and language skills

A number of students continue to stay in Japan after they graduate and work with the help of the post-study work permission.

Conclusion

Studying in Japan is a wonderful experience on many levels. It is a wonderful mix of academic learning and cultural experience. It is a great place for students for top academic learning, as well as experiencing an affordable cost of living. Japan is a place of rich history and many modern cultural innovations, which help shape a student's personal and professional development.

Effective communication is vital during this journey, and selecting the appropriate mobile service provider can streamline daily activities. With its social mission, Mobal is still one of the best options for international students who wish to stay connected while in Japan, especially given the flexible plans and the provision of a genuine Japanese mobile number.