Page 51 - StudyTravel Magazine December 2016 Issue

language tertiary

deStinatiOn JaPan

Japan’s charm

A country with plenty of history, enchanting culture and its own unique understated lifestyle,
Japan is an enthralling, mind-opening place. Georgina Deacon discovers the charm that
attracts international students to this fascinating country.

country known for its traditions the Japanese live their lives will be soaked What’s on the menu?
and customs, as well as its up by an international student, perhaps
modern technological fl air, even changing their outlook in life. “Living While many foods in Japan will be familiar to stu-
Jap
a an is an alluring hub bringing in Japan will allow you to interpret what dents – sushi rolls, ramen soup and deep-fried
together old and new in a spectacular your party opposite is implying, as well as tempura – it is important that they aren’t afraid to
fashion. Th e country also boasts a strong giving you skills in negotiating smoothly try new things.
economy with many career opportunities for with those who may hold viewpoints that “in tokyo, the robot
those learning the language. “Most of our contrast to your own.” As Munezai Yo at restaurant has one of the
students fall in love with Japanese culture KAI Japanese Language School www.kaij. most amazing shows
fi rst, and want to learn the language to help jp in Tokyo notes, “Japan is the country of you’ll ever see, with a
increase their understanding of the culture,” consideration. People often take very good great mix of traditional
notes Evan Kirby, Director at Genki care of you with kind consideration.” Japanese cultural ele-
Japanese and Culture School (Genki JACS) Elena Stefan at JCLI Japanese ments with futuristic
www.genkijacs.com, which has centres in Language School http://en.jclischool.com robot battles. Worth
Tokyo and Fukuoka. in Tokyo notes that due to the technical particular mention is the
At Yamasa Institute www.yamasa.org diffi culty of the Japanese language, even if zauo chain of restaurants
in Okazaki, Glen Cowan, Marketing Co- it is not a requirement for a future job it is in Fukuoka and tokyo where
Ordinator, says that students learn Japanese a skill which shows that someone is very you catch your own fi sh from the
for two reasons. Th e pragmatic reasons are determined. “Japanese values can enrich restaurant pools, then tell staff how you’d like it
due to Japan’s economy and the fact that someone’s way of thinking and are famous cooked.” – Evan Kirby, genki Japanese and
the country is “home to some of the world’s for respect in front of other people, hard culture school
leading electrical, automotive and fi nancial work and correctitude,” she explains. “two of the three foods the greater aichi
institutions”. On the intrinsic side of things, In order to lend their mind to Japanese region is known for are misonikomi udon noodles
this is down to the country’s rich history. principles, students must fi rst open them (a noodle dish with a miso-based broth) and
“Th e culture itself is fascinating in its and accept what may be a totally new way miso katsu (a crumbed pork cutlet covered in
intricacy and unspoken nature,” he says. of thinking and doing things. Megan miso sauce). Okazaki itself is home to the Hat-
Students can also gain important Arzbaecher at Greenheart Travel www. cho Miso factory. another aichi delicacy is teba-
skills in business transactions and decision greenhearttravel.org, an agency in the USA, saki chicken wings, a speciality of the nagoya
PHOtO: eM7 / SHutterStOcK continues, “Your experience here may also themselves in order to combat culture shock. is to buy food in conbinis. Some of the conbinis
region.” – glen cowan, Yamasa institute
encourages students to totally immerse
making by studying in Japan. Glen
“For low-budget students, the best option
teach you how to read people’s slightest
“Life there is much diff erent than what
even have a place where people can take lunch –
they’ll be used to, so it’s important that they
reactions and to deal with diff erent
moreover, they are open 24/7.” – Elena stefan,
personalities and viewpoints in a way that
push their boundaries and continually try
Jcli Japanese language school
is both amicable and productive.” He notes
new things,” she says. “Th e best way to fi ght
that the understated, harmonious way that
48 | Studytravel Magazine | deceMber 2016 those feelings once they’re in Japan is to