7 Reasons to Study Abroad in Tokyo

Studying abroad is not just about academics, it’s about personal growth and development. By choosing to study in Tokyo, Japan, you’re embarking on a journey that might change your life. You can learn a new language, gain international business knowledge and experience, open new doors for your career, and of course, have the opportunity to experience a world-renowned education system.

So why study in Tokyo? What are the benefits of studying in Tokyo? Let’s discover this incredible city, Japan’s busy capital, and what it can offer adventurous students. 

Why Study Abroad in Tokyo? 7 Awe-Inspiring Reasons

Did you know that Tokyo, with its stunning skyscrapers and efficient subways, is the world’s most populated metropolitan area? From its impactful culture to its safe environment and reasonable fees, modern (yet still traditional). Tokyo offers a unique and enriching experience. Here are some of the top factors to consider if you’re planning to study abroad and embark on a summer programme in Tokyo. 

1) A Ranked-1st Education

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ranks Japan’s education system first in its Better Life Index for Education. Universities and colleges in Japan and Tokyo are ranked highly by many university-rating publications. What’s more, you may be able to learn in English as some universities offer English-language courses – even for four-year or PhD level qualifications. Of course, you’ll grow your Japanese language skills in other experiences on and off campus. 

Tokyo has 130 private universities and 20 national and public universities. The University of Tokyo is ranked in the top 30 in the world and has three campuses and 10 faculties. It’s affiliated with two hospitals and the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute. Around half of UTokyo’s students are at the undergraduate level. Some of its courses in English include an international programme in economics and one in architecture and urban design. Other universities and colleges in Tokyo include the Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Sophia University, and Waseda University.

Potentially looking to study in a top university in Tokyo? Read our article How to get into the University of Tokyo 

2) Experience First-Hand a Globally Enjoyed Culture 

Today’s student generation has grown up with Japanese culture because of the incredible popularity of Japanese entertainment, from computer games like Pokémon to anime books, films, and TV series. There’s no doubt you’ve already learned about Japanese culture and will join those in your generation who would love to learn more. 

Tokyo is a country with an excellent standard of living, healthy eating, and longevity. It is the epitome of a metropolitan city, but outside of the city, students can find beautiful scenery and amazing natural experiences to explore.

Japan welcomes over 150,000 international students each year, with many choosing to study in Tokyo. You can’t fail to make friends from across Japan and around the world that you can keep in touch with for the rest of your life.

3) Learn Japanese

Whether you choose to study an English-taught program in Tokyo or are confident in your Japanese language skills to take a qualification delivered in Japanese, you’ll have an opportunity to learn conversational or even business-level Japanese. 

To study Japanese formally, you’ll find there are many language schools that offer courses that range from a few weeks to longer. Speaking Japanese can be an asset in business and industry. There are over 125 million speakers, and if you’re a fan of the illustrious Japanese film and literature industry and its culture, you’ll be able to understand far more when you watch or read. 

4) Study in Safety

Even though Tokyo is massive and populous, with nearly 14 million residents, it’s still one of the safer places to study abroad. Japan has low unemployment rates, and low crime rates, and even its busiest urban centers are secure. Its people are friendly and have a strong sense of community. Like much of the infrastructure in Japan, the high-speed rail system is highly efficient. It also offers student discounts. There’s also an extensive subway and bus network, and Japan’s bullet train is one of the fastest trains in the world.  

5) Fees are Reasonable

It’s widely recognized that tuition fees, if you choose to study in Tokyo, can be lower than in other countries, including U.S. institutions. The Japan Student Services Organization estimates fees at around $10,000 USD per year. At the University of Tokyo, for example, tuition costs are the same for domestic and international students. 

However, the cost of living in Tokyo is the highest in Japan, and Japan can already be quite costly. If you want to study abroad, flights and visas are also vital costs to include in your research and planning. That said, there are scholarships and student accommodation available at some universities, and rents may be somewhat lower outside of the city’s busiest districts. 

6) Choose from 50,000 Restaurants

Yes, there are over 50,000 restaurants in Tokyo, and with easy-to-use and frequent public transport, you can experience as many of them as you wish. Japan’s diverse popular dishes like sushi, ramen, and mochi are already a must around the globe. You’ll find Japanese curries, regional specialties, and lots of fresh seafood. Steaming and grilling food is more common than frying, and dishes often include fresh produce. Healthy eating is a must in Japan which is great for intellectually growing student minds! Eating out can be costly, but with simple healthy dishes so popular, students can also cook delicious local recipes at home.

7) Uncover Employment Opportunities

Japan is a highly developed economy, the 3rd largest in the world, and a global leader in the automotive, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Sony, Toyota, and Nintendo are all successful Japanese companies. 

Hitachi, Honda, Nippon, and SoftBank are all headquartered in Tokyo. Tokyo has thriving technology and entertainment sectors and many startups and venture capital firms. It is the centre of industry and trade in Japan and the fifth-largest financial centre in the world. 

Study in Tokyo can open doors to professional contacts and internship and work opportunities both in Japan and around the globe. Japan’s population is ageing, and the country is keen to welcome international students. There are immigration policies for skilled applicants, and international graduates from Japanese universities are able to renew work visas if they are employed. 

That’s seven incredible reasons to study in Tokyo, Japan but there are many more.

Interested in experiencing life as a student in Japan? Register early interest to be part of our first ever cohort in a Tokyo summer school. Receive priority enrolment by registering your interest today.

Sources:

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