Tokyo Dreams: Overcoming Obstacles to Study Abroad

Many people, like myself, lay their heads down at night and dream of travelling, usually of that one special place. For me it’s Tokyo.

Having visited earlier this year as a tourist, I am ready to take my relationship with the neon metropolis to the next level, combining it with my other love, education. Mesmerized by the mall-sized arcades, robot cafes and coconut bubble tea (the weirdest yet yummiest drink) it has rapidly become my dream to study and live in Tokyo.

However, like all good things, you have to work for them. These are the obstacles I’ve encountered, and the steps I (and maybe you too) need to take in order to turn my study abroad dreams into reality:

1. Learning the native language

While the majority of the younger generation speak good English in Tokyo, there are certain words that seem not to translate so well. (An example is “vegetarian”, resulting in one wasted “vegetarian” ham and cheese omelette!) So in order avoid any awkward cross-lingual encounters, it helps to know your stuff.

I also feel that when preparing to live in a new place it’s common courtesy learn the basics of the native language before getting there, as a sign of respect for heritage and culture. This is probably the easiest of the study abroad obstacles to overcome: with the necessary hours and consistent dedication anyone could be speaking Japanese in no time.

2. Finding the right course

I know, I know, you are probably thinking I’m crazy, having chosen a city to live in but with no specific course in mind! However I am certain that no matter what subject I study, living in Tokyo will help me grow and will mean an education gained from a nation built on efficiency and perfection – which is just as valuable as any specific course title to me. Saying all of this, if my life were a movie I would undoubtedly study robotics and join in the fight against monsters in the Pacific Rim... but unfortunately due to my un-scientific mind that will never happen!

3. Learning about local customs

Reading up on Japanese etiquette before my holiday definitely helped. Upon arrival I knew to bow when greeting and leaving someone, and to avoid sneezing or blowing my nose in public places. Both tips came in handy more than I anticipated.

However, there are some things books can’t teach you. It wasn’t until I immersed myself in Tokyo lifestyle and interacted with the locals that I began to learn everyday manners. For example, everyone gives and receives objects using two hands, never put your bag on the floor and always form an orderly queue, even for the subway.

Every country has their own little signs of respect and unique local customs. Doing something you might consider perfectly normal could get you anything from a look of disgust to a jail sentence, so researching the essentials is a must before travel, but once there stay open-minded about adapting to a new set of rules.

4. Preparing for an international move

Uplifting roots and moving to the next town is expensive enough, but when you are thinking of making an international move you really need to do your homework and prepare well in advance. Things like visa costs, transport, accommodation, cost of living and tuition fees will all add up. You need to ensure you have enough savings to keep you covered. The last thing you want is to be in the city of your dreams with no money to do anything!

Once the physical preparations have been made, be sure to read our guide to the emotional aspects of leaving home to study abroad to prepare yourself mentally too.

Overcoming these obstacles to study abroad may take a long time and keep the distance between myself and Tokyo for a few more years. But I know the rewards to be reaped in the long run will make it well worth the effort.