So I've been thinking about applying for this program where you go to Japan for a year, and I'll be living with a host family. I just have a few questions though... 1. Do most Japanese schools wear uniforms? If so, does anyone think I would have to pay for my own? 2. Are there any gestures or things I should say to be poliet? (I know that when eating you should say ooeshi and ma ma) 3. Are Japanese people typically friendly? (Sorry, I've been watching too much anime...) 4. I only know some Japanese, so if I go to school, what would happen for me? (like, would there be someone there that knows how to speak a different language?) 5. I'm a vegetarian (no meat OR fish, I know Japanese like their fish) What other kind of food is there? 6. Are the people at school typically nice? Because I'm in grade nine and I've met some very... interesting people at my school... That's all I can think of at the moment. If someone has ever lived in Japan or gone to a Japanese school or lived with a host family, can you please give me some tips and advice? Anything, anything at all!!....... Thank you!! ^_^
Japan - 2 Answers
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1 :
1) I believe so. Yes, I think the student pays for his her uniform. 2) Just be yourself.Don't be loud or brag about things. 3) Yes, most Japanese people will be friendly. 4) If you went to a Japanese school without knowing Japanese, you won't make it.Classes are held in Japanese. 5) There are a lot of vegetable dishes. 6) I would guess most Japanese kids would be friendly towards you.Many love to practice their English with native English speakers.I don't think you'd have any problems. If you have the chance to go as an exchange student, by all means go ! That is a once in a life time opportunity. If you've been on this page very long you'd know there's tons of other kids who'd love to go to Japan.
2 :
1. Do most Japanese schools wear uniforms? If so, does anyone think I would have to pay for my own? -Most Japanese shcools wear uniforms, very few shcools do not have a uniform. My shcool uniform when I go to Japan is about 50,000yen ($500USD). I have a possibility of getting one on loan from the shcool if they have a spare one in my size. So I'd assume it's rather much the same for you. Just depends on the shcool you get. 2. Are there any gestures or things I should say to be poliet? (I know that when eating you should say ooeshi and ma ma) -Umm alot of the politeness things you're wondering about here will be taught to you when you arrive in Japan and have an (usually 3days) orientation period. P.s. Its ���� (oishii) and you probably shouldnt say "maa maa" to express how good the food is because it means "so so" and is a polite way of expressing you don't particularly like the food. 3. Are Japanese people typically friendly? (Sorry, I've been watching too much anime...) -Japanese people are generally quite friendly allthough as anywhere in the world you may experience some racism in Japan but dont worry it's a different sort of racism to what you get here (youd have to ask a seperate question regarding this, it's really quite a long explanation. But in general Japanese people are incredibly friendly, honesr and helpfull. 4. I only know some Japanese, so if I go to school, what would happen for me? (like, would there be someone there that knows how to speak a different language?) Theres general someone who will speak english but there level is not garanteed. Often being on exchange the big frustration is not being able to say what you want. But once you're In Japan you'd definitly start picking up the language pretty fast. I do suggest that at the moment you should really knuckle down and learn some Japanese. Also most exchange programs need you to of studied Japanese for atleast 2years before going. 5. I'm a vegetarian (no meat OR fish, I know Japanese like their fish) What other kind of food is there? -On your application form to go there will usually be a question regarding this, generally if you're a vegetarian the program will try to place you with a vegetarian family. I don't really think its a big problem going to Japan as a vegetarian where as in other countries big on meat it can be. 6. Are the people at school typically nice? Because I'm in grade nine and I've met some very... interesting people at my school... -At shcool the people will be very friendly, they will often be shy around you especially if your talking to them in english because they can be quite shy about it. But on the other hand I've met alot of REALLY outgoing Japanese people. Extra stuff; Being a student in Japan will most definitly not be anything like being in an anime/manga you will probably be very lonely when you first go while your adjusting to the culture. Another thing alot of people don't often realise is that theres not garantee that you'll be living in Tokyo Osaka ect alot of student are placed in small towns or cities and do not see Tokyo ect apart from on their orientation, I my self have been lucky and are going to be living in the Tokyo area when I leave In march. Also start saving now because exchanges are very exspensive; $10,000+ for a whole year (plus spending money). There are many shcolarships available but very few pay for the whole thing, often they only cover half of the cost. So yeah get a Job and start saving. Lastly you should talk to your parants and get them onboard now it can take alot of convincing I nagged at mine to let me go since I was like 12 (minimum age is 15). Some of the big recognised programs you can try: http://www.ef.com http://www.yfu.org/ http://www.afs.org/afs_or/home http://www.ciee.org/ http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/youthprograms/RotaryYouthExchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx You could also check out these youtube channels of exchange students in Japan http://www.youtube.com/user/AkitaTom (scroll back and watch "how to be an exchange student and "the truths about being an exchange student they are incredibly informative. http://www.youtube.com/user/katrandom
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