Saturday, March 22, 2008

semester systems


Japanese universities have a different system from the ones in the states. Students enter college in the beginning of April and usually finish their spring semester at the end of July. Then, they have a break for two months. School starts again in the beginning of October, and it lasts until the beginning of February. Then, they have a two-month break again. It continues like this for four years. Since the systems in Japan and America are different, it is important to manage your time studying abroad.
My recommendation is that if you want to study abroad in Japan, then you should come for a year from fall semester to spring semester. Or if for one semester, then definitely during spring semester. If you plan to come for one semester during fall semester, then you will have to miss or waste spring semester in your home university. But if you study for one semester during spring semester, then you will be able to return before fall semester starts in your college. But I still suggest to study abroad for one year if possible. It will make a difference. A big difference!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

thinking about studying abroad???


Mt. Fuji near our hotel

our Japanese-style dinner

our hotel

us

Are you thinking about studying abroad???
Then, here is a good tip that you should consider.I thought about studying abroad since I was a freshman in college. The first thing I did besides going to study abroad information sessions, was to make friends from Japan. UH was a great place to make Japanese friends because there are so many of them, and they were always approachable. They helped me a lot with my Japanese and understand what it would be like to live in Japan. Last weekend, those Japanese friends who studied at UH gathered together and went on a trip. Of course, I was there, too. It was the most fun and memorable event that I had in Japan so far. It was great to have good friends in a strange land.


My suggestion= make friends from the country that you are interested in studying abroad!!!