Once sealed off from the outside world, Japan is now one of the world's most developed nations, inextricably bound to its global economy and contemporary culture. This unique history has produced some startling contrasts: 180 mph bullet trains and traditional tea ceremonies, the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku and the peace of a Zen garden. Comprised of four main islands-Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, Japan draws thousands of students to its shores each year.

Japan's strong education system played a large role in the country's transformation into a leading industrialized nation. Today, both Japanese and American institutions offer excellent study abroad programs. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu is one of the most culturally diverse universities in Japan, and is known for its international education program. Tsukuba University, which boasts several Nobel Prize winners, attracts science and technology students from all corners of the world. Lakeland College Japan, located in Tokyo offers a fully-accredited curriculum in the liberal arts, with particular emphasis on Japanese and Asian area studies. Though Japan can be an expensive study abroad destination, scholarships, grants and fellowships, such as the Japanese Government Scholarship, actively promote international student exchange. Visit StudyAbroadFunding.org to find other funding opportunities for study abroad in Japan.

Intensive study of the Japanese language is a common track for overseas students, and a good preparation for internships or long-term study. The Kyoto Consortium of Japanese Studies (KCJS), a consortium of 14 American universities, sponsors an advanced studies program for undergraduates. KCP International Language School, located in the heart of Tokyo, offers a total immersion program to undergraduates, graduates and adult learners. There are also many language schools that provide short-term courses for students of all levels, such as the Genki Japanese and Culture School in Fukuoka.

Japan has the second largest economy in the world, much of it built on advanced technology in industries such as electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles. Internships abound for students in all fields of study, including political science, business, engineering, social sciences, education, economics, science and technology, and students can learn a great deal from the dedicated and hardworking Japanese. Temple University Japan, the oldest and largest foreign university in Japan, arranges internship placements in embassies, multinational corporations and organizations.

Most everything in Japan, including its cuisine, is presented with simplicity and beauty. Students can try their hand at ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging, and shodou, Japanese calligraphy. One famous Japanese pastime is origami, or the art of paper folding, which also forms the basis of advanced research for physicists, mathematicians and engineers. Perhaps the most famous example of this is Miura-ori, which is used in the production of maps and satellites. Research into the possible applications of the principles of origami in science and engineering are undertaken at such prestigious institutes as Kyoto University and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, which also offer a full range of programs in many other fields.

Students will notice Japanese of all ages reading manga, comics that cover a broad range of topics from fantasy to business and commerce. They are also a great study tool for students studying Japanese. Anime, animated films based on all genres of fiction, is another popular media. A movement is underway in Japan to take a more academic approach to these art forms. In 2008, a graduate-level animation department, the first at a national university, was established at the Tokyo University of the Arts.

Japan is home to thousands of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and religion and theology are popular subjects for study abroad students. Kyoto, considered Japan's most beautiful city, boasts 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, and has more World Heritage Sites per square kilometer than any other city. Kyoto also draws more students than any other Japanese city with its high-tech firms, numerous universities, and close proximity to Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Tokyo.

The Heian Shrine in Kyoto is known for its beautiful gardens. An important art for many centuries, Japanese gardens take one of three forms - Tsukiyama (hill gardens), Karesansui (dry gardens) and Chaniwa (tea gardens). Study tours to Japan's gardens form an integral part of many study abroad programs, and are of particular interest to students of art, art history, history and architectural history. All students, regardless of their academic pursuits, will learn to appreciate the delicate cherry blossoms and the majestic fall leaves.

No student studying in Japan will fail to admire the overwhelming kindness of the Japanese people. Locals frequently help study abroad students navigate through busy train stations or help translate an all-Japanese menu. The Japanese are also very generous and give omiyage, or small gifts, at every occasion. Students should be sure to bring souvenirs from their hometown to give to Japanese friends once they arrive. Crime is also very low in Japan, making it an extremely safe study abroad destination.

A traditional form of Japanese theater, kabuki portrays historical events and moral conflicts through song, dance and exquisite costumes. Students often enjoy these performances at the famous Kabuki-za Theater in Tokyo, where some of the actors have been distinguished as national living treasures. Bunraku, a form of Japanese puppetry, shares many of these same themes. Different from ordinary puppetry, puppet handlers dress in all black and remain onstage, becoming one with the almost life-sized puppets. The Tonda Bunraku Puppet Troupe recently launched a short-term program for students who wish to receive training in this art form.

From exquisite gardens and quiet temples to frenetic city streets and fast-paced businesses and universities, Japan offers students a wide variety of opportunities to experience a different culture and pursue an education in a world-class setting.

Resources -

IIEPassport.org: www.IIEPassport.org
IIEPassport Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
Freeman Asia Awards: www.iie.org/programs/Freeman-ASIA
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP
Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program: http://www.jetprogramme.org
Programs for U.S. Teachers Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund: www.iie.org/jfmf
Toyota International Teacher Program: http://www.iie.org/programs/toyota
MIUSA Resources for Students with Disabilities: http://www.miusa.org/ncde/intlopportunities/copy_of_japan
Embassy of Japan: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology: www.mext.go.jp/english

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