What are Japanese university students (teenagers) like? Are they similar to western high school students?
I'm Japanese but I've lived in Indonesia my whole life, with an international education. I'm nervous about going to university in Japan and I'm wondering if I'll get along with Japanese students, in particular Japanese girls of my age (18). Are their personalities, attitudes, and behaviors similar or different to those of western students? How are they similar/different?
Japan - 6 Answers
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1 :
I am almost positive that they are not that similar to western students, but I do know one thing for 100% proven fact.... whatever they are or are not like however they behave whatever their habits are, attitudes and personalities NONE of them, are as smart, funny, loyal, sweet, or pretty as you Thats a fact. They will all be begging to be your friends. Trust me.
2 :
They are going to love you, and you will have not problem making friends. You will probably make friends with the more cosmopolitan types. Remember that in Japan you are not legally an adult until you are 20. I think a lot of Japanese university students have been taken care of by their mothers so much, that they have to learn a lot about basic living skills like cooking and housework. In that way, I think they are like teenagers. The moms (and dads) sacrifice so much so that their kids can get good test scores and get into a good university.
3 :
This will really depend on where the college is in Japan, and they are only similar to western college students in certain ways. I'm from Taiwan, so I know a tiny bit about this kind of stuff. If you're attending college in a more urban environment, student personalities, attitudes, etc. tend to be more alike those of western urban college students, though that's not saying they're the same. What I mean is they'll be people of the new generation. What they like and what their lives revolve around is what's popular in Japan. However, with this whole new era of westernization, you may find many similarities between western and Japanese students. For example, they may ride their bike to school, or eat at McDonalds quite frequently, not to mention Japan's light-year technology. I'd also suggest studying a little of the Japanese culture. Even though societies are changing, traditions often stay. Family is always important. Often times, young adults do not stray far from their families when leaving their homes, unlike in the west, so family is strongly focused on. It's things like these that make up their personalities, attitudes, behavior, etc. If the college is in a more suburban or rural environment, these traditions and cultures are going to be further emphasized, as compared to urban areas, where these things are loosened quite a bit. I know this is a little broad, but I could definitely write up an essay on this topic. In a nutshell, you have to find out what Japanese students are into. For starters, possibly modern Japanese "rock" music, video games (if you make guy friends), their unique style of clothing (especially their young school girl appeals), the coolest and newest technology, etc. If what you're concerned with is getting along with them, dig into their interest, let them know who you are, observe if it helps, and combine elements of who you are with what Japan has to offer and you're bound to make friends. Just make sure you know Japanese too.
4 :
It depends one by one. Some are very westernized but some are not. Most difference could be modern young female Japanese students are not religious. If you are strictly religious, I'm afraid you may have a big stress to different culture.
5 :
You'll be surprised how ignorant they are about the world outside Japan, and by how materialistic they are. You'll get along for fun, but don't expect any serious conversations because a) they're not capable and b) close friendships take a lot of time and effort
6 :
Yah, close freindships do take a long tiem and alot of effort. and its true, they dont know alot about whats outside japan. I use to live in Japan and went to high school there. They are taken care of alot more by their parents then Canadian families. I dont know why the other people said they are unable to have serious talks, it just takes time for peopel to get use to you and become good friends thats all. But really, they arent anythign like canadian students. Their culture is different, they have different values, so of course they will be different from canadain/american students for sure. Just make sure that you adapt and "BECOME" a japanese student. If you stand on the side and think "oh thats weird" then youll never make good friends. If your livign in japan, and your going to school there, then become a japanese student. Thats the onyl way youll make friends.
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