How do Japanese Students see Americans, and how are the schooling systems different?

Question

I am thinking of traveling abroad for my senior year in high school, and I am already fairly fluent in Japanese (but I'm not to good with the culture).

How are the schools different?

How would the students there see me, and how would my teachers and host parents?

Are there any predominating ideas and stereotypes about the way Americans act or talk?

Also, is it true what I hear about needing to use titles for pretty much everyone you talk to, or is that just a thing of mangas?

Thank you for answering, I have never traveled outside of the country before so this will be an interesting experience, plus a good time to perfect the Japanese I know!

Answer 1

I've been studying abroad for a year now and it has been quite the experience!  It really helps to know Japanese when you're over here (especially if you live in a town where people do not speak much, if any, english).  I definitely recommend that you come over here!!

Even though the culture is radically different, kids are kids.  They like to goof off and have a good time just like you and me.  However, many of their parents make them go to cram school, so it's very common for high schoolers to go to school from 9 am to 10pm 6 days out of the week so they can get into a good college.  

Manga is actually a good reference for student life in Japan (excluding monsters, ninjas, etc).  All the children must wear uniforms.  And yes, everyone here refers to others with their proper titles.  Do you know any keigo (honorific japanese) yet?  Japanese speak alot of keigo, however it's not very popular with current Japanese youths.

Japanese high schoolers are also very involved with clubs and after school activities. My school has an archery club (cool!!!)

Because there are so many people in Japan (waaaay more than gaijin), prepare to be stared at (ALOT).  I cannot go anywhere without kids from ages 3-17 without having several of them say "Harro! Harro!". It's cute at first but I found it to be very nerve wracking after a while. Americans are a very big joke to many japanese people , so when you come over here, prove them wrong! Not all of us are 300lbs and sit on our butts watching t.v. all day!

I hope this helps, if you have anymore questions, feel free to email me. :D

p.s. The food here is great!!!

Answer 2

tehy go 1-6 7-9 and 10 -12

depending if you go to an american school or a regular japanese hs it depends on what you will learn and stuff

sicne you will be older they would treat you with a little more respect