Should I Study in Japan? (Confessions of a Foreigner Living in Japan)

[@lilisstories8635]

I'd like to see you do a video about grocery and everyday things, how much they cost, do you do a budget stuff like that if it's okey with you to share :3

[@razanal9750]

LiviTV yes! I would love that 😍

[@carolyngracemarie]

Studying abroad in Japan sounds like a dream~~

[@Jkups]

My dad said he’d be happy to pay for me to study there. I want to do it but it seems really hard. I am going to do it though. I can’t let this opportunity pass.

[@noraberlin671]

Something to consider: There are many English undergrad programs at top universities without the necessary Japanese skill level and standardized testing requirements.

[@mikanmandarin]

Nora Berlin definitely! I regret not mentioning it lol

[@varnahassan9909]

Where can you find those programs??

[@noraberlin671]

@@varnahassan9909 Some are listed here: univinjapan.com/, But I suggest taking some time googling and talking to people online. There are new English programs popping up every semester!

[@afraidoftrees8360]

*I got like five ads and I'm not even mad because you deserve that coin*

[@mikanmandarin]

Afraid Of Trees LMAO thank you but I actually put two in the video so I wonder how you got 5 😭😭I appreciate you understanding my need for that coin tho

[@afraidoftrees8360]

@@mikanmandarin That's strange, I just counted them and there is at least four, one at the start, the end and two in the middle. I hope that all the money ends up going to you, keep doing what your doing, I adore your personality, style and content💖

[@mikanmandarin]

Ah sorry I meant in the middle of the video! I wonder how it works 😭 and thank you 💓

[@matildas3177]

That's odd, I got one before the video and one in the middle 🤔

[@lamusiquefanatique]

I got 4 also.

[@Kiwi-le2bd]

I love how informative your videos are! Also I love your outfit ❤️

[@jadecummings8093]

Yeah, your outfit's gorgeous 😍.❤

[@r1iiina]

I went to Japan as an exchange student for 6 weeks and it was absolutely amazing. You do feel like an alien sometimes, but at least for me, everyone was so kind and helpful I didn't feel bad at all. For those considering moving there or just visiting, go, it's a beautiful and magical place. Mikan, you're so so sweet! Wish you the best

[@andreagomez7538]

I think it's amazing liking the atmosphere of a place even if it's not your country and falling in love with a city so much that you want to stay, I'm feeling the same at this moment 💕

[@winnyfields4789]

I would love to see a video with herokazu where you learn the “Japanese slang” or like you have to guess what onomatopoeia is in English like ぶーぶー etc.

[@mikanmandarin]

We actually do study onomatopoeias at my language school though they’re the hardest to remember sometimes 😂 but yes one on Japanese slang I wanna do some time! Thank you for your suggestion 💓

[@PommeVanille]

I would love you to do more videos about life in Japan, something I would really like to see is what you can buy to eat or cook at family mart (or other shops)

[@mikanmandarin]

That’s a nice idea!!! Thanks!

[@roxy__1]

Love your outfit 😍💕✨

[@taylorlink7277]

this is all very great advice! lately your videos have been super informative and i really think they are some of the most realistic for those inspiring to come here. i studied as a language student through my university and now i live here and basically everything you said is quite accurate. my coworker is always vacationing and my boss has thrown a lot of shade at her for not taking her job very seriously. the long hours thing is also a problem and while i have seen improvements (like ppl basically insisting other workers go home once the clock strikes the end of their shift), a lot of my fellow coworkers leave 2-3+ hours after theyre supposed to. i hope your studies go well!

[@adventuresofajet-setter1377]

I'm currently an ALT in Japan and oh my god you got everything right xD i feel the exact same, I love Japan and love being here but there are so many challenges i've needed to face being here. Thank you for your honest yet optimistic outlook!

[@romie8084]

I’m also from Sweden! I really want to move to japan and study there💕

[@vince-0923]

Thanks! This actually helped me decide. Although, I still must wait.

[@atroposmoirai2298]

Good morning from San Antonio Texas. Glad I was able to catch your vid and listen to you while I drive from my overnight job at Amazon. Always great to see a positive energy in the morning.

[@chl0beary]

If I’m an art student do I have to take the maths exam ??

[@unknownperson8757]

I love to go The Japan when I go to university. You inspire me.

[@Mmmeownie]

Hi there! Long-time lurker of your Instagram and KZbin here! You should consider looking at the MEXT scholarship and the application requirements from the Japanese consulate from your country of citizenship! I was reading that if you have Japanese language ability (N1), you can apply for the bachelor's course. The master's and doctorate course doesn't necessarily require a certain level of Japanese. I think that if you try to go this avenue, you can avoid the typical strictness of the entrance exam if you're not seeking a degree in the hard sciences.

[@mikanmandarin]

my language is definitely not N1 unfortunately im starting that now but that'd take a while haha and i'd personally rather finish N2 confidently and then learn the rest with like real life experience, plus from what i saw on the mext requirements and from mel who's on mext there is a maths exam?? maybe thats a different thing? either way not for me but this might be helpful to others so thank you for writing it out!!

[@Mmmeownie]

@@mikanmandarin I see! Perhaps it may differ from the graduate course that I was looking at but I wasn't planning on actively going for the application until about 2020 or 2021 so I do not yet have the complete details. I was reading that the graduate requirements are more lax if you have a supervising professor behind you in your application. In any case, regardless of the path you take, you seem to do your best in tackling life with your all so I'm confident you'll continue to live your best life in Japan! Much love!

[@ao4698]

I’ll be living in Japan for my year abroad for my Japanese degree, I’m soooo excited! Still don’t know where to go though haha, can’t decide on Nagoya or Osaka!

[@lenasmovingcastle]

It’s been 3 years how did it went??:)

[@jupita551]

Thank you for the information! I'm REALLY bad at maths as well, but I want to study a language one day~

[@gabsco792]

I'm thinking on taking a year abroad and I am a bit scared about social life and the level of Japanese that I'll need. But your video actually kinda motivated me to really consider it. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm.

[@jinxthissenjinxedarts6993]

Im almost done with my school and im really concidering to move to japan later on. But i first want to experience the place myself thanks fot this video i know know a bit more!

[@VictoriaMorganawesometori]

You're not making it sound all bad, you're just being upfront and honest. And I'm glad you're not sugar coating anything, and I'm glad you achieved your goals and I'm glad you like it there! May I ask, what visa are you on currently?

[@mikanmandarin]

Victoria Morgan student visa! I’m a student

[@chelseanortje6112]

Awesome and extremely helpful info!! Thank you!

[@seemahhh3193]

Oh I am ur big fan I admire u a lot keep on making different kinds of video I love watching u

[@karinakarpova6478]

Thanks for all the info you gave us!❤

[@tinkxx9194]

That's so cute outfit love the hat and comfy sleeves

[@rishabhlakra2778]

Mikan can you plz make a video on how can i start or find work in japan as a fashion designer

[@hannahwitter6502]

Love your channel!

[@yuubisnakemusic4839]

I’m actually planning on doing a language school & then going to college in japan!!!! It’s what just feels right:) anyway thank you sm for the tips!:)

[@bluepatootie7533]

Thank you Mikan for being so helpful! Can you make a video about how you study Japanese - I think it will be a fun video idea ^.^

[@ao4698]

Yessss another video from you!!

[@niamhcrosbie1610]

I know it would take a lot of work, but I'd love to see a "What I Eat in a Week in Japan"!

[@Qwitsucosplays]

You mentioned something about a ‘training college’. I’m very curious about that option in place of university. I am awful at maths. What is a train college?

[@mikanmandarin]

like specialised colleges!! eg for make up or cooking and things like that!

[@Qwitsucosplays]

Mikan In Japan ah thank you very much!

[@Marylovescoffee]

I love your blush what brand is it ?

[@mikanmandarin]

Iluv Greentea i actually forgot and it’s faded on the packet 😭 I’m really sorry but it’s just a bright pink!

[@wrentii]

do you have advice for people who dont go to school and dont have a degree but still would like to move to japan and work?

[@olgakalitova1718]

Love your outfit =) Thank you for a new video!

[@isilife4331]

Such an interesting video! And I appreciate how honest you were ❤️ Would you consider making a video about your journey in Japan? (like which visa you are on, how to apply, how you found a job, your goals etc.) I think that would be really interesting too 😍

[@mikanmandarin]

i made a video kiiind of like that when i first moved here so if youre interested theres that but maybe ill make one that's a bit clearer soon! thank you for the suggestion!

[@faay123456]

I love you Mikan!❤️

[@isopod7224]

💜💜💜💜

[@mikanmandarin]

i love you too!!!

[@JL-ok7li]

yesss😍 i have been waiting for this!! ilysm!

[@eyeofeywa]

I love this background music! It’s so relaxing! P.s. Love you❤️

[@ldive]

Can you do a daily makeup routine vid? Your makeup is always on point, and I really wanna recreate it. If you can’t, do you have any KZbinrs you’re inspired from?

[@mikanmandarin]

arctic gorilla I’m really bad at make up so unfortunately I won’t be making tutorials but I like the ones by Anzujaamu!

[@anaaadrienne5745]

Please can we get more vlogs of like everyday activities in Japan!! Like food shopping, basic necessities shopping, chores and such ❤️

[@littlestpie]

I know I just got back from Japan three weeks ago, but we're already planning on going back next September ; ; my fiancé and I both fell in love with Japan and hope to have the ability to move there one day. I'm thinking of applying for a student visa within the next few years, honestly...

[@martina984]

Hi Mikan, I just want to say that I adore you and I love your videos! ❤️❤️❤️

[@carldiva3922]

Yes Mikan! I definitely felt like fish out of water during my days in Japan... it's a completely different culture! I'm from Argentina, I moved to Ireland and I don't have that feeling here, just felt I didn't belong to Japan regardless the kindness of the people, delicious food or cozy houses... and no matter how much you love that amazing country!

[@zeynepsar8803]

You had the "I love Japan" energy during the whole video 😂

[@kamiiu]

5:21 SAMEEEE! I'm a junior in high school and im so lost :(

[@hp2546]

2:35. I can add that going to a university in Japan is not like America. In Japan, there is no such thing as going to community college and expect to gain transfer credit. Systems of making it to University would be different compared to America.

[@weili5762]

Ur so cute and the video is helpful! Thank you

[@thomasmarrujo5886]

The world could use a few more Mikans

[@shunboo]

頑張れ！ 応援してます！

[@allyanasantocidad4126]

I'm your new subscriber! I like your videos, your style and you and your boyfriend are so dang cute together! 😊 I've learn something from you and thank you so much about that, I'm moving to Japan near future with my boyfriend once he and me got married! You're from Tokyo? He's from Osaka though, hope that I had fun being there soon. 🙂

[@JaccsieB]

What are your goals for life now? I'm always curious about people who didn't know what they wanted to do and then time goes by if they've found it now.. If you don't mind saying!

[@kamiiu]

I'm curious too!

[@mikanmandarin]

J B don’t wanna say cause I’m scared of failing shdkfhs

[@JaccsieB]

@@mikanmandarin Aw well I'm happy for you that you found what you want to do! I wish you all the luck and I'm sure you won't fail!

[@marlene144]

Ahahaha, i just never know what are my live goals. So I choose countries where to go and live instead xD

[@ekaterina7033]

Mikan-san I’m in love with your videos!! I am a Russian student currently studying in Japan and I took EJU last year and got into a Japanese university! :) You can apply to top private universities (like Keio etc) in Japan without taking maths. So I recommend you not to give up on the idea of studying in a Japanese university! ;) みかんさんなら、きっとできると信じています！

[@HirokoNihon]

Hi! Do you have insta? I would like to ask you some questions because i am going to take the exact same path! Thank you so much !

[@void4955]

@@HirokoNihon are you planning to study in Japan too? I've been researching bout it for so long and the more I study the more confused I get. I'm thinking of going as an under-grad. Wbu?

[@xkiraxkiraxchanx]

I hope it's not weird to say but your voice is soothing to listen to

[@rimshax]

みかんMikan Hi, Thank you for this very informative video. You said you can study fashion at a vocational/training school. Can you study fashion at an actual university in Japan? Is it better to study fashion at university than a vocational/training school? Thank you 💞

[@korraalexander1296]

We support a sister that hates math too. Idk why but I forget half the math I learn after a test. Like I can learn it but I can’t retain it. Also your clothes are cute. But idk if you saw how Moreena in Japan video where she was harassed and spit on. But that video made me nervous about Japan. I might want to visit for two weeks though. Not for the Tokyo Olympics though lol I bet some foreigners are going to embarrass us.

[@ب_ب-ج4ك]

Should I come for Engineering in Computer Science after High School? I have JLPT N3 level. And I love maths 🙂

[@Gourami_x]

I just got back from Japan I miss it so much :( It's weird but I had the feeling that I fit in there more than my own country.

[@Haihoney]

How did you find your language school ? I’ve been curious and I’ve seen many sites, but I haven’t known which to actually look into

[@flowerzgamez9365]

I am very worried about being homesick too much. Are you homesick often and if so what do you do about it?

[@malnya]

Im majoring Animation in the university here in Portugal but the course and quality of education is really poor when compared to the UK or Japan, and since Japan is the land of anime and a country that i always loved so much it would be a dream to do my last year in japan but, as you mentioned, the universities in japan ask a lot of stuff from students, specially the EJU or JLPT N2 as a requirement for entrance and i dont feel like im on that level or so safe about the one i have and moving out of nowhere. My sister is now moving to the UK with a job opportunity and she told me to do Erasmus to an english university and stay with her. I found that more safe but japan has such a special place in my heart and dreams. What would you do if you were me or what do you suggest?.. (Thank you for the video and most of luck and happiness for you in Japan.) 😊😚😳

[@mikanmandarin]

Mafalda Pollycarpo can’t you do animation at a specialised training college (専門学校)? In which case you only need the N2! I might be wrong but I feel like there would be some? Check out the Tokyo school of animation maybe but I don’t wanna study animation or anything so I know very little

[@Puteri-f5h]

If someone not good in maths like always be in the level D is that university in Japan will accept the request?

[@Rinachika]

where to look for an apartment in Japan? thanks in advance :)

[@karkkidaim9796]

If I wanted to study in a language school in Tokyo, what should I base my school choice on?

[@norrenee]

karkki daim check out go go nihon. They have a lot of useful information on different languages schools! I did one year at KAI Nihongo School in Shin_Okubo, Tokyo. I really enjoyed it, and made a lot of amazing friends there.

[@j4sp3rd51]

I’m studying right now myself and learning hiragana. I want to move to Japan and study there but I don’t know which age I can go🤔 (I know u have to be 18 to go by yourself but idk if u can go earlier if u go on some kinda language trip)

[@istoletheuwus4205]

What is N2??

[@elifyildiz3929]

but what about studying the language I've heard it's one of the hardest to study?

[@annedroid787]

How did you afford/pay for language school and living expenses?

[@shyshyshysana9766]

Love you so much Mikan! I commented on ur Instagram asking about how u match ur outfits and what colours might work best! You responded and said u just put whatever on and see if u like it! I STILL CANT BELIVE U RESPONDED!!! I love you so much and your KZbin channel is EvERyThiNg!!!! ♥️♥️♥️ Ps I love the outfit u are wearing in this vid omg😭😍

[@grapefruit5179]

Shy shy shy Sana no sana no life 🍭

[@shyshyshysana9766]

Chai Coca 🍭

[@sarahklug1532]

what is n2? i only know a1 a2 b1 b1 and so on...

[@Neiiley]

can you talk about how you got your part-time job please? Is it fine to just go into a shop to ask if they're hiring & then hand over your CV? x

[@anasm2704]

Mikan which school do you recemend for a person who is bad at math and japanese ?

[@bunnniebunnie]

im currently studying to pass the n2 ( i think im currrently n3??) bc i want to study at a 専門学校 in 2020 but i live on a small island where it's really hard to find a tutor or any outside help for my studies (theres not a very large japanese community here). i've saved up and bought textbooks and dictionaries but i'm very slow at using them. do you have any tips for trying to cram as much information into your brain as possible in the shortest amount of time because im struggling and im scared i wont pass in time ;(((

[@mikanmandarin]

Maia Medhurst N3 to N2 by 2020 by self study should be fine if you’re persistent!!

[@JEE946]

Hi Mikan! I have been doing a lot of looking into studying as an undergrad in Tokyo. I wish to apply to Internatial Tokyo Univeristy (I've emailed go go nihon who will be helping me with process I believe!) And was wondering if I'd have to take the math exam with it? If I get in, I worry my parents will be furious with me as they want me to stay in state. However, my state is ranked one of the lowest (2nd-3rd worst) for education out of my country and I feel like I've worked too hard on my grades to give up!! I'm also scared of such a big cultural and language change, and of being alone. Any advice? Thank you so much for the video as well, it's very informative!!

[@void4955]

I'm thinkin of Tokyo uni as an under-grad too. But I've been reading so much negative stuff about Tokyo uni and a lot of ppl saying Kyoto uni is much better.

[@Weallstink965]

I wish i could find a way to make it work with my life rn to spend a year or two in Japan. It defiantly sounds like something I want to experience but I feel asthough I won't be able to make it work right now ;-;

[@HoHanonnona]

This might be a strange question but how are you with grammar Mikan? I am a person who has a very VERY hard time with understanding grammars, I barely even understand Swedish grammar, so I'm scared that I would "waste my time" if I went to Japan to study. Maybe I'm just overthinking it all, but I felt like asking since most people I've heard that has talked about their experiences in Japan, hasn''t really mention if they struggled with the gammar or not.. ^^'

[@mikanmandarin]

of course grammar is difficult but you get used to it over time! you'll find that what you found sooo difficult 3 months ago is really simple now, it's always like that!

[@HoHanonnona]

@@mikanmandarin I can imagine it being like that when you are in Japan and hear/see it all the time :D Must just be me overthinking things then ^^

[@mikanmandarin]

yes and you end up seeing kanji you just studied all the time, it's great practise!

[@BothHands1]

At first, you'll find grammar to be the hardest part, but compared to English, Japanese grammar is actually fairly easy. It just takes time to get used to it. The hard part for me comes when i have to learn vocab that isn't a part of everyday speech. Like vocab used in science or politics, or other bureaucratic situations. Mikan mentioned opening a bank account, where I'd def have to ask a lot of questions to understand all that legalese vocab. The more obscure vocab is stuff you won't use often, but is very important on your journey to becoming fluent. Since you don't see the words often, it's also very easy to forget to use or study them, and then they disappear out of your vocab entirely. Anyway, best of luck!

[@irule10338]

Hey Mikan, As i want to apply for a language school in Tokyo a lot of schools require me to show proof of 2,171,000 YEN in my bank account as proof that I can financially afford to live in Japan. Did you have to go thru something like this? I live in America, not sure if matters. Hope you can give me some insight on this. Thanks :) Love your videos

[@shaleemichelle]

US$20,000? Did I convert that right??? If so, that's an insane number. I mean, that's probably the lower end of cost for most colleges here in America. But still. I honestly didn't expect it to be that costly. Do they not offer any sort of tuition financing options? Sksks this is a dream of mine too but I have like, $2k in my bank account and work between 60-75hrs a week, rip. 😭😂

[@mia-dr2rw]

Shalee Michelle no 1 thousand US dollar = one million yen if you put 90 thousand dollars of English money and convert it to yen you basically will never have to work in Japan and can live life as if you were Rich. 90,000 = 90,000,00,0 yen

[@ollie6563]

Sorry if you answered this and I missed it but how did you apply to the language schools? Like did you use a third party to help you through the enrollment or were you in direct contact with the school?

[@mikanmandarin]

Ollie yes! Gogonihon!

[@ollie6563]

@@mikanmandarin Thanks!

[@j4sp3rd51]

Loved the video tho🥰

[@SaraaRocks]

wait so if i don't go to school right now... but i want to teach/have a job in japan.. is that even possible? IM CONFUSED AND DUMB hduashduaidh

[@shaleemichelle]

I know, same, I wish this topic would be expanded on by someone who knows the gist of how that sort of thing works.

[@echo8513]

Honestly, I'm quite scared of the intense workload I most likely would have to go through should I be able to live In Japan. I'll have to work on that before I even go there but I'll stare It In the face with my optimism!

[@tay.butler239]

So, I really want to try study in Japan and can think of many Pros and Cons, but, there is a Con that really worries me. Is it easy to make friends there? I could push through the crazy work load and such but I don’t like being alone for long. Whenever I don’t go out with friends for a while I end of feeling really lonely and stuff which I HATE, so, if I had to move to a foreign country it’s seem almost impossible for me to make friends. So long story short, is it easy to make friends there and if so, any recommendations and advice on it? By the way, you looked very beautiful in the video today, the colour looks very nice on you :)

[@mikanmandarin]

Tay.Butler it just depends on a lot of things but at first it’ll be lonely for sure! But if you go to a language school you’ll most likely make friends there!

[@shiro4420]

well, my future trip is guaranteed then.

[@MishalityxD]

First of all: I looooove Your outfit and you look awesome in a beret

[@mikanmandarin]

MishalityxD it’s a good idea! No need to jump into any long term commitments

[@MishalityxD]

@@mikanmandarin Thank You for the answer ^^

[@ahappyfrenchtoast2669]

Hello, I'm sorry to bother but dod you take the course? I plan to take a short 1 month-course too after the pandemic is over and go for a long term course if I enjoy it by 2022 (hopefully the pandemic is over). How was the experience if you did it?

[@MishalityxD]

@@ahappyfrenchtoast2669 No prob at all

[@kipirapa]

I LOVE YOU!!!🗾🎌

[@mikanmandarin]

i love you too!!!!

[@kipirapa]

aww you are the best !!!!!!!!!!!!😘😘😘

[@xDisaaster]

can i ask what your job is? you mentioned before that you're no longer doing private english lessons so i was curious what other jobs a foreigner can have

[@mikanmandarin]

Choe I got “promoted” at an English teaching company and do some office work and make like homework videos but my job kind of just fell into my lap and it’s unusual to have

[@AnnaTheFallMaiden]

It would be great if you could slow down just a tiny bit. I'm very confident with my English, but there were a lot of bits that simply were too fast for me :/

[@theofficialabi]

Thank you so much for this video it was very informational.(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ My sister and I will be studying in Tokyo next year in the spring and we had some worries but thanks to your video we feel more reassured.

[@jessicam1755]

かわいい双子KAWAII TWINS just subscribed to you ❤️

[@theofficialabi]

@@jessicam1755 Thank you so much(✿◠‿◠) We can't wait for you to join us in our new adventure in Japan!

[@vcr7476]

so i know you have a "proper job" as you say, but have you ever mentioned what exactly it is that you work with? also, are you considered a "native english speaker" there?

[@lain0918]

I felt like I've heard this explanation about your schooling several times...

[@mikanmandarin]

Lain 09 because people keep asking haha

[@crimtan]

That moment when I listen to her for her accent :D

[@typical_ae]

Hello😄😊😘 Greetings from New Zealand ❤❤❤

[@Lu-vy6cy]

Hi Mikan! I have a question, do you think it could be really different living in Japan than living in Spain? (I'm from Spain so sorry for my English :'D) P.S: loved the video :3

[@Bee23175]

❤️

[@ineselkerraz7730]

Why don't you do a video speaking in japanese with Hirokazu ? It might be very interesting to hear you speaking japanese ! 😙

[@chocmint]

love your outfit

[@stalkerstalks6140]

Greetings from México 🇲🇽 💕

[@trixping8155]

Is her real name Mikan