Hi! I’m in a study abroad program in Tokyo and want to stay another semester to keep improving my Japanese and take classes. **I currently have a student visa that expires at the end of September.** However, since I have already graduated from my four-year university, I’ve been told it’s impossible for me to extend my student visa or apply for another university-style study abroad program (bekka program).
I’m currently looking into other options since I really would like to stay in Japan. Language School seems like it’s really the only possible option at this point which I’m okay with, but I think I prefer a more university-style setting with students around my age (23) and clubs to join.
Please let me know if people have experience dealing with this issue or suggestions for programs/language schools!
I’ve even considered enrolling in a community college at home to make my paperwork easier, but I’m unsure if that’s a viable option.
Also, money is not an issue as I have a lot saved to pay for tuition/language school.
3 comments
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**Difficulties With Student Visa**
Hi! I’m in a study abroad program in Tokyo and want to stay another semester to keep improving my Japanese and take classes. **I currently have a student visa that expires at the end of September.** However, since I have already graduated from my four-year university, I’ve been told it’s impossible for me to extend my student visa or apply for another university-style study abroad program (bekka program).
I’m currently looking into other options since I really would like to stay in Japan. Language School seems like it’s really the only possible option at this point which I’m okay with, but I think I prefer a more university-style setting with students around my age (23) and clubs to join.
Please let me know if people have experience dealing with this issue or suggestions for programs/language schools!
I’ve even considered enrolling in a community college at home to make my paperwork easier, but I’m unsure if that’s a viable option.
Also, money is not an issue as I have a lot saved to pay for tuition/language school.
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>and want to stay another semester to keep improving my Japanese
Why are you trying to pay university prices for language school results?
>Language School seems like it’s really the only possible option at this point
It is.
>but I think I prefer a more university-style setting with students around my age (23) and clubs to join
While you might prefer it, it’s not really an option.
You’ve graduated from university, which means that you’re no longer eligible for study abroad programs. Your only real option at this point is language school, or getting a job.
If you want to be a full time student in Japan, you need to be a full time student at a school in Japan. You could enroll at a language school in Japan, or you could enroll in University in Japan (perhaps you could look into getting a Masters?).
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>I’ve even considered enrolling in a community college at home to make my paperwork easier, but I’m unsure if that’s a viable option.
I’m confused about the thought process here. You want to enroll in a community college in the US and hope that that school has a ‘study abroad’ program that you could participate in from day one without going home first? That seems pretty far fetched.