Admitted to Waseda's Japanese Language Program for International Students | Application Guide | Easier Than I Expected

Hi everyone~ I'm Isn't!!! My first study-abroad post is finally here (*´∀`)~♥

✨My background✨

Because of the pandemic, my dream of studying abroad kept getting put off. During college I was accepted for exchange four times and never got to go once. So last year I set myself a big goal: get into a Japanese university's bekka (preparatory program for international students) on my own!

Last September I applied to and was accepted by the bekka programs of four Japanese universities: Waseda University, Keio University, Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Kansai University and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. In the end I chose my first choice, Waseda University💓

I've now spent one semester at Waseda, and I'll post everything big and small about studying in Japan here(శωశ)

This first post covers two topics, good for beginners: application info | prep timeline

✨Application info✨

1️⃣ What is a bekka for international students?

🏷️Bekka programs at Japanese universities last half a year or a year. At Waseda, where I study, you can choose either the half-year or the one-year program. When you have time, keep an eye on each school's official website, where they post application news. Note: not every university has a bekka, so I suggest first checking which schools have one, then analyzing and comparing them one by one.

🏷️Every school has its own culture and strengths. Set your study-abroad goals, figure out what you want and learn about each school's resources. 🏷️Here are the Japanese universities with bekka programs I found when I applied last year: Waseda University, Keio University, Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Kansai University, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. (There are others waiting for you all to add xd)

2️⃣ How do you apply?

🏷️Japan has two intakes: spring, starting in April, and fall, starting in September. For spring entry, the application period falls in September–October, depending on the school.

🏷️Admission is mostly based on documents. A few schools also have an interview or ask for a video recording in Japanese.

🏷️Document review: a basic self-introduction, why you want to apply, your study history, your short- and long-term goals, how you'll use this study-abroad experience in the future, and so on. (I'll write another post on the specific questions and how to answer them)

🏷️Honestly, there's quite a lot to prepare for the documents, including a recommendation letter from a professor, academic records/transcripts/proof of funds and so on. I suggest politely asking a teacher or professor you know whether they can write you a letter, and getting your school documents ready ahead of time, so you're not scrambling once applications open.

🏷️Documents are usually submitted by mail, except at Waseda, where everything is submitted online. (All hail Waseda) Mailed documents have to go by international express mail (EMS), so please, please send them early. (It's super expensive!)

3️⃣ How do you find out if you got in?

🏷️Schools announce results between October and November. You'll get an email first and a paper acceptance letter later. Every school releases results on a different date, so it's easy to end up torn QQ. My honest advice: apply to one or two schools. It isn't that hard to get in, and choosing is painful. (In the end I turned down three schools and went to Waseda~)

✨Prep timeline✨

📍June: follow news about bekka programs

📍July: start seriously reading posts online and gathering information

📍August: decide which schools to apply to and start on the application documents

📍Late August: full swing on documents and interview prep

📍September: officially apply to my four chosen schools

📍October: acceptance letters arrive one after another (see the timeline in the image above)

📍November: start on enrollment procedures and visa documents

✨Thoughts after one semester✨

🧚‍♀️The spring semester was the richest, most fun time of my life, and also the time I made the most friends and met the most international students in such a short period! Bottom line: choosing a school you like and thinking about your goals while you're there matter most💓🥹

When I was preparing last year, I found there weren't many real study-abroad stories online, so pulling everything together was a bit of a struggle~ So! One of my goals going forward is to share information about studying in Japan with anyone interested, or even planning to apply🤩 I hope it helps those of you who need it💓🥰💕

I recently started a study-abroad account, mainly about student life abroad. Feel free to follow me🥰

https://www.instagram.com/jessica_in_jp/

That's my little study-abroad share. If you have any questions, you're very welcome to DM me!

Finally, here's a line I really like: "Just do it !!! "