Academic Differences: USA vs. Japan

Dear student interested in studying abroad in Japan,

I really hope this information helps you! Most of this is based on the information given by the Kansai Gaidai University and the internet. So, let’s start! There are many academic differences between Japan and the USA but at the same time, many similarities. To start with, their classroom culture participation is not like the one in the USA. I have asked different people if it is usual for people to participate a lot in class like here and it is not. It is a little more common when there are international students in the class though, so don’t worry, you will be able to speak your mind sometimes! The academic system is similar in a sense: 80-100 is an A, 70-79 is a B, 60-69 is a C and 0-59 is an F. They also have a 4.0 grading scale as the USA does. The minimum amount of classes required for a full-time student is 14 credit hours which is about 4 classes. Classes usually last 90 minutes and there are research homework and field trips at times. Students are expected to be respectful and mindful of others. There is a big respect culture between students and teachers. When someone is older than you, there are certain addressing forms to refer to them as a synonym of respect.

Classes are normally worth 3 credit hours. There are exceptions like in the Japanese or Kanji&Reading classes which are worth 5 credit hours. The credits are not valued differently than Maryville College, which is a big relief! I believe most credits are going to be evaluated for the same worth in both places, except for the languages classes since at Maryville College they are worth 3 credit hours. Classes normally meet twice a week for 90 minutes.

There are many resources at the Kansai Gaidai University that you can take advantage of! There is the Speaking Partner Program in which they assign you a friend (kind of like iMentors at Maryville College) who you can hang out with and improve your Japanese. There are other different clubs like Tea Ceremony, or sporty ones like Judo, Kendo or Karate. There is also a Homestay program where you stay with a host family which helps you learn more about the culture and practice your language! In order to be considered a full-time student in both countries, I have to take 14 credit hours in Japan and 12 at Maryville College, so during that semester, it will be 14.

I really hope this has helped you! You will not regret discovering the world!