Is it possible to study in Japan as a French 19M fresh out of high-school?

Hey,

To give a bit of background, I recently graduated high school in France with a specialization in everything tech support that I got with impeccable grades. Computers have always been my thing, I’m very proficient at math, have a passion for the “behind the scenes” part of programming and I love web dev, specifically back-end stuff, which I’m I’d say fairly good at, having done a few commissions here and there making websites for startups and whatnot which have netted me a fair bit of cash.

Thing is, I’m just not happy here. For various reasons which I’m not going to go into to keep this post short, the French student culture just bores me to no end and studying someplace else has been a thing in the back of my mind for the past year or so. I’m looking for a fresh start, and needless to say being a gaijin and spending countless hours at school or at work doesn’t bother me as it gives me purpose in life.

So my question, put simply, is : Is there any chance of me moving to Japan to study, or is it too early and I should look for a scholarship in my country before trying anything else?

The most likely course of action would be going at a school that teaches computer science, or an engineering school.

Assuming money, to a certain extent, is not a concern (we’re not talking full-on private school, but dumping something like 10-15k€ a year wouldn’t be too much of a problem) and I have a fairly smooth time learning Japanese to the point where I can at least make conversation, how would I go about studying in Japan ? I assume I’d be looking at spending a year or two at a language school, but are there other ways where I can get both english teaching and learn Japanese on the side?

I know this is probably very confusing to read, my ADHD, methylphenidate-fueled brain not being the best at writing stuff down, but can you fine lads give me pointers as to what the best course of action would be?

7 comments
  1. >Is there any chance of me moving to Japan to study

    Why wouldn’t there be?

    >I have a fairly smooth time learning Japanese to the point where I can at least make conversation

    You’ll typically need JLPT N2 (or an equivalent) to be admitted to a course conducted in Japanese. If you’re going to school in Japan I wouldn’t recommend trying to study in any other language.

    >but are there other ways where I can get both english teaching and learn Japanese on the side?

    I think you’re asking if you could get a full time job teaching English. Without a university degree the answer is no.

    >my ADHD, methylphenidate-fueled brain

    How well are you able to function without this medication? It’s basically not available here. It’s also one of the medications that you’d be specifically prohibited from bringing with you.

  2. Your project doesn’t seem to be very advanced.

    If I were you, I would enlist in a school in France that allows you to do an exchange year in Japan while also taking classes of Japanese at the same time.

  3. Keio University does a double degree program with the Ecole Centrale Group, and I know two people who went to ENSEA who also did a similar program, I think. Those don’t get you in fast but may be a good path.

  4. You should consider APU! It’s a reputable university that is open to international students. Best part is it doesn’t require any Japanese ability at enrollment!
    Dogen just made a video on it –> https://youtu.be/0_T4TqywIog

  5. Specifically for learning in Japan, have you looked at /r/mext or /r/movingtojapan, especially the former?

    In general, MEXT is the option you’d want to go into if you wanted to get an undergrad degree. You might be interested in being an ALT (assistant language teacher) but realize that it’s a bit over-glamorized to young Japanese learners. I’d look at /r/jetprogramme as well, but I imagine you’re at least passingly familiar with that.

  6. Va à l’université et passe un diplôme d’abord.
    Déjà il faut une licence pour prétendre au visa de travail.

    Pendant tes études à l’université, prends des cours de japonais et essaie de décrocher le N3. Ensuite fais un VIE ou un PVT sur un an et vise le N2 tout en prospectant les possibilités d’emploi :).

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