Hi, was recommended to post this here:
I’m 27-years-old and looking to pursue tertiary study in Japan. I’m currently a software engineering student in NZ with an international equivalent 3.9 GPA.
I’ve dreamed of going to Japan since I was around 18 and, as things are slowly opening back up, am looking at trying to get into the University of Tokyo to study engineering there. My partner, a teacher with a bachelor’s in Education, would also be coming over.
Now, I’m just looking for advice on some specific things:
1. What are some challenges an older student like myself may face?
2. How much would be recommended to have in the bank to realistically live?
3. Are there any federal assistance programs for International students?
4. Are there any scholarships that I could investigate for assistance?
Any and all assistance will be appreciated. Thank you in advance!
4 comments
How are you an older student? In Germany, I study with people from 16 to 60 haha. Most of them with 2-3 degrees. I feel like „old“ for students is 40+. Sorry not to answer your questions but had to say it. Also, maybe you can get support from your home country? I got a good headstart scholarship from Germany.
I studied in Japan while I was 26-27. I wouldn’t say it was all that weird. They were all quite young, but I never felt super out of place due to my age. The biggest hurdle for me was language/cultural barriers, age was always kind of an after thought. My biggest recommendation is just find something to get yourself out there. For me it was Aikido club, so there were people of all ages Senseis, senpais mixed with the younger students so easier to blend in. I remember another international student that joined club must’ve been late 30s early 40s so I wouldn’t sweat it
1. As others have pointed out, you’re not really that “old”. It shouldn’t have any major impact on daily life, unless of course you intend to stay and try to look for a job in Japan post-graduation.
2. Enough to pay your tuition fees and a flight(s) home. Other money will differ from person-to-person based on individual spending habits.
3. Not particularly, though the government has just released a cash handout for international students recently due to covid.
4. Try looking into MEXT.
As an aside, what is your partner’s plans for if/when you come over? Asking as a teacher myself, because since she’s (presumably) licenced, she qualifies for proper teaching jobs, but just keep in mind the number of accredited international schools in Japan are low and *very* competitive. Alternatively looking into “English teaching” jobs is always an option, but considered bottom of the barrel in Japan; in terms of work, environment, hours and pay. Meanwhile, if she plans to piggyback on a dependent visa, be aware there is a limit to how much she can work (and therefore earn).
I remember back then, a few of my fellow classmates in the graduate program in Tokyo, who were late 20s and early 30s. I couldn’t careless anything about them but their attitude, friendliness, effort, and anything we did on our research programs at our school. And, my other Japanese classmates felt the same. We worked at an unit, and other things other than our research programs were just irrelevant. No one paid attention unless you are not a people-person, unfriendly, not easy to talk to, etc. Well, I hope you have a great time, and just be nicer and more friendly to people around you.