Japan has had a profound effect on American life. That’s why so many students are interested in participating in a study abroad program in Japan.

From the moment you land in Tokyo’s Narita airport you know that this is going to be a complete culture shock, and that you must adapt very quickly.

You’ll likely find that whether you’re staying and studying in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, or a sleepy fishing village somewhere on one of the smaller islands (Honshu being the main island where Tokyo and such icons as Mt.

Fuji are located), that the people are extremely welcoming and helpful to tourists and visitors. For such a historically isolated culture, the Japanese certainly make you feel at home in their country and people will go out of their way to help you with directions and to give you information.

Most of these trains are operated by Japanese Railways, a global train travel system that also offers services as far away as New York and Paris.

You can either get a regular train ticket for a one-way travel, or you can get a rail pass which allows you unlimited usage on any of the Japanese Railways trains in the world.

Buses are the second most popular mode of transportation in Japan. Not only are they cheaper than train tickets, but they also offer routes through every major city in Japan. But even though they are more accessible than trains, they may also be more confusing to use because few offer directions and maps in English.

The three main cities for study abroad programs are in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kobe. However, because of the large number of students who want to study abroad in Japan each year, there are programs available throughout the country, not just in the largest cities. It almost doesn’t matter what city or town you end up in, because you will have ample opportunity to visit other regions and cities to take in the beauty and wonder that each has to offer. Traveling by high-speed rail is not only fast, but economical, too.

Studying abroad in Japan truly can be one of the best experiences of your life, and if you’re willing to think outside the box and venture to Asia for your study abroad program you will not regret it. It’s tough to beat the opportunity to live and study in a culture with as much history as Japan’s.

The phenomenal turns of the seasons, diverse topography, and rich nature can easily be viewed through the naked eye in the fascinating nation of Japan. The old and the new, and the natural and the artificial merge with such perfection that draws a significant number of tourists to this spellbinding destination, only to increase year after year. But that isn’t all that Japan has to offer. Turn your head towards the city and you’ll find scores of modern skyscrapers and multinational houses lined up along the road. The advanced technology, unique learning techniques, worldwide eminent scholars, and extensive research options are responsible for bringing in a significant percentage of international students to take up higher studies.

Elementary School
Compulsory education begins with elementary school when the child turns six years old. Elementary school comprises of six years of education until the child is twelve years old and prepared to enter lower secondary school. Standard uniforms are maintained at elementary school in Japan; hence, it is common to sight young kids wearing bright yellow baseball hats, carrying bright yellow umbrellas, and adorning bright yellow raincoats. Leaving aside 5% schools that are private, the majority of the elementary school are state run.

Lower Secondary School/Junior High School
Lower secondary school covers three grades and is attended by students from 12-15 years of age. Academic studies are given great emphasis, as this stage of education prepares the students for upper secondary school. Lectures are the primary mode of imparting knowledge to the students, though other media, such as television and radio, and laboratory work are also included by some teachers. The curriculum largely comprises of Japanese language, social studies, mathematics, science, music, fine arts, health, and physical education.

Upper Secondary School/Senior High School
Upper secondary school is not compulsory for all students and requires them to sit in the entrance exam for admission. It lasts for three years and is attended by students from 15-18 years of age. Since the educational level and subjects taught have a major impact on the future career of Japanese students, competition is highly tough to procure admission in the right senior secondary school. Academic courses are offered to students to prepare and train them for higher education to find great jobs after graduation.

Higher Education
The Japanese educational system follows the 6-3-3-4 system (6 years of elementary school, 3 years of lower secondary school, 3 years of upper secondary school, and 4 years of university), similar to the American system. However, compulsory education lasts for just 9 years, 6 in the elementary school and 3 in the junior high school. Depending upon the type of the study program, students take admission in different higher educational institutions – universities, junior colleges, colleges of technology, graduate schools, and specialized training colleges.

Universities
The duration of a university is four years, comprising of undergraduate studies in various subjects. Students are required to achieve more than 124 credits within four years of study to be awarded with the bachelor’s degree and become a graduate. Some institutions offer six-year programs leading to a professional degree. Four-year colleges are segregated into national universities, local public universities, and private universities. The curriculum includes liberal arts, foreign language studies, physical education, basic studies of majoring subject, and majoring subject.