How to convince parents to let me study in Japan

[leathercouch]

College app time is approaching, and I really want to attend university in Japan. However, my parents are very against my going overseas to study. Because I have a decent chance at the best universities in my country (Ivies, Ivy+s, top LACs, etc), they would much rather have me attend school back home. Also, because of our financial situation, I would attend a school such Penn for basically free. Honestly, at times like these I frustrate over the fact that I have Asian parents.

 

[ewww]

eww ... You have no chance if Your parents are like me.

Tell them that You are seriously thinking about leaving family if they will not allow You to study in Japan. That may work.
Explain them that UPenn sucks, it should be easy, because that is true.

From the other side, You may get B/S in two years from local university - if You will work hard and if You have enough transferable credits from school. Do You make AP classes? I beleive it will be much easier to enter Japan after that. That could be less stressing for both You and Your parents, and ... prolly You will find funny that desire to study in Japan after You will get Your first degree.

Good luck.

 

[Mike Cash]

Off to college? Congratulations; you're an adult. Want something your parents aren't willing or able to provide? Work and provide it for yourself. Prefer to just suckle their figurative financial teat? Then accept what they provide and be grateful for it.

 

[nekojita]

Your parents are probably right, especially if your only argument is "I really want to." I know that nobody thinks their parents are right when they're 18 (I didn't), but it usually turns out later they are.

Do you actually know what the relative cost would be of:
1. U. Penn
2. the other US locations you're applying for
3. the Japanese universities you want to apply to
(include in this cost of travel, living expenses)

Have you looked into visa arrangements, what admission tests you'd need to pass (language based or otherwise), to go to a Japanese university?
Have you looked into Scholarships (文部科学省奨学金 etc)?
Have you considered applying to US universities which do year abroad or similar exchange programs? (Penn Abroad )

 

[leathercouch]

I sat down with my parents and had a rational conversation with them; they said that they would support me for one year and let me decide if I actually want to continue my studies there. One year is enough time for me to determine whether or not studying in Japan was just a three year delusion. Anyhow, I will be applying for Nagoya University's biology program for early admissions in a few months; I am just waiting for the updated admission details.

 

[Glenski]

Why exactly do you want to study in Japan? Run your reasons past us first (well, second, considering you already had a talk with your parents). We can tell you if you are being realistic.

Depending on what you want to study, most universities will not teach courses in English, so are you even prepared for that eventuality? Biology? Uh, I don't think that is taught in English. What are their requirements? You aren't going to get by with a dictionary and translation software, I can assure you that! And, studying as an undergraduate usually means you also have to take basic liberal arts courses and PE, too, again all in English. Pretty regimented here.

 

[nice gaijin]

why not attend a local university and do a year abroad, instead of going through the hassle of applying for a foreign university? Also, if my experience and the experiences of my friends are any indication, Japanese universities look prestigious only on paper.

 

[Mike Cash]

Have manga and/or anime been part of your life?

 

[ewww]

Glenski, Gaijin>> I beleive that there should be good reason, which makes You so critical to biological education in Japan.

I know several postdocks from Japan, who are working at the same place as me, and they are solid like a rock. I mean, it could be consequence of some selection process - it is not easy to be accepted as postdoc here, but ... there are several men - not one and not zero. I know one postdoc, who had opportunity stay in states, but he come back to Japan, he told that work is much more interesting here. He is working in Yokohama now.
I heard that biological school in japan is very strong, especially bioinformatics, genetics, virusology.

Just 2C.

 

[leathercouch]

Nagoya initiated an English taught curriculum a few years ago. However, I am not actually too cognizant of the program's prestige. I have inquired about this course multiple times; however, thoughts about the program seem to be eclectic and a bit too varied. That is why I am employing help from veterans such as the ones on this forum. Global 30. When I mention this, some people instantaneously disparage the initiative, while others laud its merit. I would gladly hear your opinions on such a controversial topic.

Biological Science Program - Nagoya University | Degree programs in Japan | Japan International Programs | Taught in English | Study in English

 

[Glenn]

He is working in Iokogama now.

Where/what is that?

 

[ewww]

Where/what is that?

Sorry, Yokohama ... Geography always was may weak spot

 

[Half-n-Half]

Whatever you do I would still suggest applying to universities in America, especially the Ivy Leagues if you think you're qualified, and not limit your options. Have a few safety schools you are confident you will get in, especially if you think you can get a full ride. Your parents are just worrying about your future and unless you plan to work and live in Japan no companies in the US will have even heard of Nagoya University, but I bet everyone knows even Penn State.

 

[Glenn]

I'm sure everyone knows Penn State, but he said Penn, home of the Wharton School of Business. Penn is less well known, but it's one of the best schools in the country, and the Wharton School the best from what I understand.

 

[Half-n-Half]

I'm sure everyone knows Penn State, but he said Penn, home of the Wharton School of Business. Penn is less well known, but it's one of the best schools in the country, and the Wharton School the best from what I understand.

Whoops, sorry, didn't realize there was a distinction!

 

[Glenn]

Ha, it's cool. I think a lot of people don't know about Penn, unless they're in that circle, you know?