Job Discussion Forums

phoenixstorm · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 24

Hi, just wondering if anyone out there living and working in Japan while studying can give me a rundown on what it's been like for you.

Do you study full time? Do you attend night classes while working? Have you been able to manage classes around your work schedule?

Do you participate in a distance program with a university from your home country?

I really would like to make the move to Japan in the next couple years, but I also want to get my masters. I'm just trying to figure out if its reasonable to do both or if I should put Japan off until I'm done with school.

Thanks!

MrCAPiTUL · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 232 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

I have worked and studied in Japan, but not at the same time (I did the exchange term of my MBA in JP), and am actually in the process of preparing application materials to try to do my PHD there.

What I have noticed is that most of the people who were working fulltime and studying part time in various programmes were Japanese, not foreigners. This was usually via a sponsorship through their company in recognition of various corporate achievements.

If you come in on a student visa, you can only work part time legally. If you work fulltime in a business context, you won't have time. You'll work 12 hour + days not counting your commute. If you teach fulltime, it will be similar to doing it in the west, except the cultural element will be different. 9 hour days with classes in the morning or night, depending on your work schedule.

Speaking of grad schools: does anybody know of any schools, off hand, that offer phd programmes using English medium (not including hard sciences)? So far I have Waseda, Sophia, and Ritsumeikan.

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

MrCAPiTUL · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 232 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

Thanks, Mr. Monkey. I'm going to the site now~ Also, good call on the distance angle. That could be a viable option for a masters. Would just like to add - make sure the school's distance program is of the same rigor as their full time programmes, or else it may not hold as much weight in the professional arena.

I guess another question for the OP is: how well do you effectively manage your time? And how good is your Japanese? If it is sufficient enough to pass the language exam to enter college, that would open up a lot of study opportunities to you. Sometimes it is hard to find programmes in English (as you can see from my addendum to your thread). If it isn't good enough, then you would have to spend time learning J before you'd enter a programme here (depending what you were planning to study, of course).

lenoreelux · Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Posts: 44

I went to Wasdea, even though it was for undergrad and I was taking Japanese, I really enjoyed being at that school. It is one of the top 3 in Japan and I was planing to go back for grad school after a few years working in Japan and becoming more fluent in Japanese. Most of the teachers and staff were very helpful and gave me a bunch of materials to look over if i do decide to return.

Have you also checked Keio and Aoyama Gakkuen also?

I have had friends that went to those schools also.

phoenixstorm · Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 24

Thank you all for the information! My Japanese does not extend beyond Hai. So I'm thinking distance learning from a uni back home would be the way to go.

My job now allows for time to study at work, giving that up for uncertain working conditions might not be a good idea.

I want to do my degree in education possibly tesol but hopefully with certification to become a teacher back home.

Looks like I may have to stay where I am for the time being.