What should I ask current international students about studying in Japan?
Ask current international students specifically about the language and format of classes, the amount of coursework and exams, interaction with faculty and other students, housing, commuting, living costs, the accessibility of university support offices and procedures, friendships, difficulties they faced, and how they handled them. Also ask what they wish they had known before enrolling and whether their experience differs from the university’s official information; this can reveal aspects of daily life that formal descriptions may not show.
Key points
- Ask about the language and structure of classes, coursework and exams, and interaction with faculty and students.
- Check housing, commuting, living costs, support offices, and university procedures.
- Ask about friendships, ways of handling difficulties, what they wish they had known, and differences from official information.
Things to check
- Experiences vary by university, faculty or program, academic year, and individual circumstances.
- Confirm current policies and costs through official university information rather than relying only on students’ accounts.