American students in Japan...what's it like?

Question

To those that have experience living/studying/working in Japan, I'm wondering if you can shed some light. I've always wanted to go to Japan, and now that I am in college, I am going to study abroad there. But I still have some fears. For instance, I feel as though I will be avoided by the locals, since I'm a foreigner and I don't fit the blond-haired, blue-eyed American stereotype. Also, since the culture is totally different, I'm afraid that I might struggle adjusting to the customs; the last thing I want to do is offend someone. I plan on attaining at least intermediate-level Japanese...would that be sufficient? If anyone can address these issues, elaborating on such fears (valid or invalid), that would be great. Thanks.

Answer 1

well i went to grades1-3 in a japanese school but transfered to on base in yokosuka for 5 and 6 but nothing over that because i moved but japan is awesome food is delicious, people are nice, and traveling by train is simple

Answer 2

You must appreciate that you are American who can go abroad anywhere easily if you have will and want.

Japan is mono-culture country where people have no custom to accept different culture like USA.  When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. This is classic but still effective old sayings.

Some progressive American once claimed that when you are in Rome, do not as the Romans do. It is,  however, just one of American typical shameless egocentric attitude for everything out of USA.

Being avoided by locals is very natural. You must understand it first. You are not Japanese. You can't be them either. After realizing this simple but basic point, you will be able to take next step how to get along with them.

Don't be afraid without knowing the essentials. Don't be nervous without knowing that USA is not only one truly right country for everything in the world.

Language knowledge is helpful and better than nothing but the most important thing for living out of USA is the skill how to recognize yourself not as American but as guest or stranger always in the world.

I think Japan is not good place for American to study something except Japanese  there because in many places the facility, equipments  and teacher's skill are not enough suitable to expense as in USA.

Answer 3

It's great I love it they're very kind to foreigners! It's like being a celebrity since everyone is so nice and want to be friends with you because you look soo different! I went there for 2 weeks in the summer of 05' and I personally love it! But I'll be studying there for a year at Kwansei Gakuin which is very close to Osaka so definatly send me a message or hit me up on my myspace www.myspace.com/brittanypooh  peace ^_^