Why you should consider studying at a Japanese university

If you've been reading the news lately, it's possible that you've read about all the brouhaha regarding Harvard University and the moves that the US government is trying to take in blocking international students from studying there. It's prompted many other countries to look at how they can increase international student acceptance, and it got me thinking about why studying in Japan can be a really great option -- particularly out here in the countryside.

Winter outside the International University of Japan campus here in Urasa, Niigata

I didn't know before living here, either, that there are a significant number of universities that offer courses in English, so you don't even need to be fluent in Japanese to study at them. Obviously a level of language understanding makes day-to-day life a heck of a lot easier, but it's not an absolute must.

One of the biggest things we noticed here with my husband's studies is that tuition rates were a lot lower than they would be in his country of origin. If you are paying out of pocket without scholarships that's definitely a massive factor in any decision making process. 

Certainly out here in the countryside, it also means you can really connect with the local community. There are so many events that are organized for students to get them involved, from taking part in one-of-a-kind festivals to trying out rice planting by hand! Those are opportunities that I know loads of people wouldn't get to have in their country of origin, or in many Western countries. For students out at the International University of Japan here in Minamiuonuma, you also get to see copious amounts of snow in winter. If you're from a country where it never snows, it's such a cool experience.

Life here is also much safer than so many other places around the world. Obviously no country is crime or risk-free -- everywhere has some level of issues. But there are some things that I just don't worry about here like I would in other countries, and that is such a plus if you're a student. You can just focus on your studies!