If you have, could you tell me about it? Like what is school like compared to the USA (how long, how much work, level of difficulty, different rulers). Also, how do foreigers get treated? Stuff like that.
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
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1 :
My dad was a "MK" (missionary kid) in Japan about 40 years ago. He attended a Christian school but still had plenty of Japanese experiences. Feel free to contact me; I'm sure we could come up with a lot more if you want it. From what I understand, and he could say more, the Japanese are very, very involved in education. (I predict they will surpass the US eventually because of such high standards.) Children's lives revolve around school. Monday through Friday, and, at least back then (don't know for sure now), half of Saturday. Academics are so highly rated that there is a high suicide rate in those that aren't able to get into college. It's like they're causing their family shame (which is big in the East). I believe they have hours of homework each night and it is overall much more rigurous and educational. (That is why we're in school after all.) As a foreigner, my dad got looks and heard things in his about 18 years in Japan. They had a special word (diakon I believe) for a foreigner, so they have a strong national identity. Beyond all that, you'd have to contact me and I could dig up more info from him.
2 :
My art teacher went there last year and visited a school.. He said that the kids there all had to help clean up the school at the end of the day. He was treated very well. He said that everyone made certain to speak slowly and clearly for him because he wasn't perfect with his Japanese.
3 :
Schools in Japan are very different .The education system here is often ridiculed by foreigners living here .My son and daughter both attend a Japanese elementary school.If you are considering doing home-stay here I suggest you try to contact someone who has already done it .The work load you get at school is fairly heavy .As a student you are expected to take on more extra-curricular activities than some students in the the U.S .As for level of difficulty the kids here may be studying stuff a year ahead of what you are studying in the same year at home .One complaint that I have got from most overseas students home-staying here is that the parents are too controlling or strict . Another is that some of their teachers ignore them due to fact that they cannot communicate properly in Japanese thus making it a hassle for the teacher . Some I hate to say it feel very alone .Check around and get as many opinions as you can from other foreigners who have attended a Japanese school. One thing that also makes a big difference is where in you homestay in Japan .Its not all gloom and doom though .In many ways its up to you what you make of it and some kids have had a ball .
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