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Student Life in Japan

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Student Life in Japan

Japanese universities differ from other universities around the world in a few important ways. One of them is in the teaching methods, traditionally classes in Japan rely on a one way teacher-centered lectures for programs in Japanese and a very interactive student-centered approach for international courses in English.

Questions and discussions used to be rare in Japanese universities but this has changed over the years as instructors are becoming more open to student involvement in their teaching modules.

Assignments and studying are also a very great part of the Japanese university system, however, Homeworks are very minimal, and study groups are increasingly taking center stage. The system varies depending on the university or the specific program.

The grading system in Japan is also quite different, most universities employ a four-scale grading method of the following:

  • C – Average/Pass
  • B – Good
  • A – Very Good
  • S – Excellent

As a rule across several institutions in the country, student grades are dependent on factors such as Attendance, Presentation, Final Paper and in some cases classroom participation also applies.

RocApply Tip: From our interactions with foreign students presently studying in Japan, they all concurred that lecturers mainly give students an A-grade on the condition that they complete all their coursework, assignments and have perfect attendance. Missing more than two classes automatically reduces your grades to a B.

Regardless, studying in Japan can be loads of fun, every university has numerous ‘Sakuro’ or ‘Circles’ easier known around the world as student clubs.  These are groups of students who have mutual interests or hobbies and gather a few times every week to learn, study and practice together, for example, there are Music Circles, Martial Arts Circles, Anime Circle and a whole lot more.

As a foreign student who is interested in Japanese culture, joining a circle is a great way to see and learn how Japanese society works. Mirroring the real world in Japan, these circles have a strict hierarchy and set of rules for admittance. New signees must obey and politely learn from more experienced members.

Furthermore, many large national universities have a very active international representation and association that organizes many events where foreign students can interact with each other and with Japanese students as well. These associations also organize amazing homestay programs and trips all year long where international students can learn first hand about the culture and communicate closely with the locals.

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