Japan student exchange - being Chinese

[Ko Rin]

Hi! ^^
I'm planning on doing a senior high school exchange program, within a few years. I also already found an organization; YFU. So all I need to do is plan this whole thing out, work on my Japanese language skills, keep saving money and make sure my grades at school won't drop or anything ^^
But I'm a bit concerned about something, which is that I'm Chinese. Though I was raised and born in the Netherlands and my Chinese kinda sux XD
And I was wondering how the Japanese people, and especially the students at school, think and get along with Chinese people. And would it actually be possible to make any friends as a Chinese person.
At another forum I found someone who works there in Japan and organizes these kind of exchanges and saying this:

"If there is a group of you, you will stand out. Be prepared for people staring at you or making comments. If there is only you and you do not look particularly western then probably you will be left alone more."

Would anyone know how I would be treated if I'd go to a Japanese high school, and while we're at it, are there any tips? ^^
Thanks! =D

 

[Charles Barkley]

Hi! ^^
I'm planning on doing a senior high school exchange program, within a few years. I also already found an organization; YFU. So all I need to do is plan this whole thing out, work on my Japanese language skills, keep saving money and make sure my grades at school won't drop or anything ^^
But I'm a bit concerned about something, which is that I'm Chinese. Though I was raised and born in the Netherlands and my Chinese kinda sux XD
And I was wondering how the Japanese people, and especially the students at school, think and get along with Chinese people. And would it actually be possible to make any friends as a Chinese person.
At another forum I found someone who works there in Japan and organizes these kind of exchanges and saying this:

"If there is a group of you, you will stand out. Be prepared for people staring at you or making comments. If there is only you and you do not look particularly western then probably you will be left alone more."

Would anyone know how I would be treated if I'd go to a Japanese high school, and while we're at it, are there any tips? ^^
Thanks! =D

Of course you will stand out, no avoiding that really as a foreigner in Japan. If you go to a decent level school in Tokyo, I imagine it would be much better than a lower school somewhere where there isn't as much exposure to foreigners. I lived in the country for a while and encountered a fair bit of anti-Chinese sentiment, but haven't really found it much in Tokyo. Sorry I can't offer anything else more specific.

But if you are friendly and aware beforehand that it may be difficult and will take effort on your part, I'm sure you'll be fine.

 

[pipokun]

Sorry I can't offer anything else more specific.

Something like the above is the problem (nothing specific at all)

I heard millions of stories:
Tokyo is different; local cities are different; older generation is different; younger generation is different.

Those different-loving guys don't know what is a lower school like. (in this thread, high schools in Japan)

1. Keep saving money for your future.
2. Bill Gates does not fix your ipod (another forum is another one)
3. Keep posting here
4. Enjoy your high school life here

 

[Charles Barkley]

Those different-loving guys don't know what is a lower school like. (in this thread, high schools in Japan)

Perhaps you could clarify what these means--I have tried, to no avail, to make sense of it.

 

[mshane]

Hi there! So has the exchange program? Are you still in Japan or home? Well, maybe nest time you plan to have this adventure I could help you with that. Feel free to contact me anytime! Thanks a lot!