Graduate Studies in Japan from edX

This course is designed to help you navigate through your journey in graduate school at the Japanese university of your dreams and beyond. The course will introduce you to universities in different regions of Japan and discuss what sets Japanese graduate education apart from the rest of the world. You will also be guided through the application process and necessary decision-making when planning for your stay in Japan. Finally, you will be given some post-graduation career insights.

This course is made up of interviews with students about their experiences in Japanese universities while offering a glimpse into their daily life, reasons for choosing their paths, and further aspirations. These videos are supported with written materials that go into greater detail about the necessary information you must account for when applying for graduate studies in Japan. What is the application process? How can you sustain yourself while in Japan? What does the research environment look like?

Professor Tomohiro Nozaki on behalf of the Admissions section of the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) shares information about international graduate opportunities. Some materials from Tokyo Tech will also be shared. These materials can serve as your starting point when discussing your own graduate studies plan, whether at Tokyo Tech or at a different Japanese university, in the discussion board.

At the end of each unit, you will meet a researcher, several alumni, and professors who can give you a broader view of what is yet to come after pursuing graduate studies in Japan. You will also be presented with a short quiz that can be a fun reinforcement of what you have learned.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Application procedure for graduate school in japan
Scholarships, grants, and other financial aids
Things to know before moving to japan
Internships and job opportunities after graduation
Dynamics in a research laboratory in japan

Expectations from graduate students
Daily life in japan
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to know more about:
You should also be able to get a feel of the:

Application procedure for graduate school in japan
Scholarships, grants, and other financial aids
Things to know before moving to japan
Internships and job opportunities after graduation
Dynamics in a research laboratory in japan
Expectations from graduate students
Daily life in japan
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to know more about:
You should also be able to get a feel of the:

Syllabus

Introduction: The Japanese university system and studying at the Tokyo Institute of Technology

Applying to Graduate School: Finding your advisor and staying organized

Funding Your Graduate Studies: Scholarships and financial aids

Studying in Japan: Coursework and research

Living in Japan: Necessities and utilities

Graduation and Beyond: Career support

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the Japanese university system and provides key information about available resources for international graduate students

Teaches you how to find an advisor and stay organized while pursuing graduate studies in Japan

Guides you through funding opportunities, such as scholarships and financial aids, to support your graduate studies in Japan

Provides insights into the coursework, research, and daily life of graduate students in Japan

Offers practical tips on necessities and utilities to help you prepare for your stay in Japan

Provides career support and guidance on internships and job opportunities after graduation

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Graduate Studies in Japan with these activities:

Attend Japanese Language and Translation Meetups

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Expand your professional network and stay updated on industry trends by attending Japanese language and translation meetups, connecting with potential collaborators and mentors.

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Research and identify relevant meetups in your area or online.
Attend meetups regularly and engage in discussions with other professionals.
Exchange contact information and follow up with potential connections.

Review Translation Fundamentals

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Reinforce your foundational understanding of translation principles and techniques to enhance your ability to comprehend and produce high-quality Japanese translations.

Browse courses on Language Translation

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Review key language translation concepts, such as equivalence, naturalness, and cultural sensitivity.
Practice translating short texts from English to Japanese and vice versa, focusing on accuracy and fluency.
Analyze existing translations to identify effective strategies and areas for improvement.

Read 'The Art of Translation' by Basil Hatim and Jeremy Munday

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Gain a deeper understanding of translation theory and practice by reading this seminal work, enriching your knowledge of the field and enhancing your ability to produce high-quality translations.

View Translation on Amazon

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Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and theories.
Analyze the authors' perspectives on translation and apply them to your own translation work.

Five other activities

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Translation Practice Exercises

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Strengthen your translation skills through regular practice and feedback, improving your ability to produce accurate and natural Japanese translations.

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Translate a variety of texts, including articles, research papers, and business documents.
Receive feedback from experienced translators on your translations, identifying areas for improvement.
Incorporate feedback into your translations, refining your skills and accuracy.

Connect with Japanese Language Professionals

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Seek guidance and support from experienced Japanese language professionals, gaining valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your translation skills and career development.

Browse courses on Japanese Language

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Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential mentors.
Reach out to professors and researchers in the field.
Join online forums and communities dedicated to Japanese language and translation.

Contribute to Open Source Translation Projects

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Enhance your translation skills and contribute to the wider language community by participating in open-source translation projects, exposing you to real-world scenarios and diverse texts.

Browse courses on Japanese Language

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Identify open-source translation projects that align with your interests and skills.
Join the project and follow their contribution guidelines.
Translate sections of the project or provide feedback on existing translations.

Develop a Translation Portfolio

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Showcase your translation skills and versatility by creating a portfolio that demonstrates your proficiency in different genres and domains, increasing your credibility and competitiveness in the job market.

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Select a range of your best translations that represent your skills and experience.
Create a website or online portfolio to display your work.
Get feedback on your portfolio from experienced translators or potential employers.

Translation Project

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Demonstrate your translation proficiency by completing a substantial translation project, showcasing your ability to handle complex texts and produce high-quality translations.

Browse courses on Japanese Language

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Select a Japanese text of significant length and complexity.
Research the subject matter of the text to ensure accurate understanding.
Translate the text into English, paying attention to accuracy, fluency, and cultural nuances.
Proofread and edit your translation, ensuring that it meets professional standards.

Career center

Learners who complete Graduate Studies in Japan will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Graduate Researcher

Graduate Researchers can delve into scientific and academic pursuits. This course introduces potential graduate students to advanced academic study in Japan. It covers skills for selecting and connecting with potential advisors, financing graduate studies, and settling into daily life in Japan.

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University Administrator

University Administrators lead and support teams that manage the operations of higher education institutions. This course offers insights into some of the key aspects of working at universities in Japan, such as the application process, managing research teams, and student support.

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Admissions Counselor

Admissions Counselors help select and enroll students into educational institutions. This course may help prepare those who wish to work in admissions by providing an overview of graduate school admissions in Japan and the unique factors that international students may need to keep in mind.

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International Student Advisor

International Student Advisors support students from other countries as they acclimate to their new educational environment. This course provides a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face international students in Japan, which may be helpful for those wishing to work in this field.

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Academic Librarian

Academic Librarians help students and faculty conduct research. This course provides an overview of the Japanese university system and research landscape, which may be useful background knowledge for those interested in working as an academic librarian in Japan.

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ESL Instructor

ESL Instructors teach English to non-native speakers. This course includes some information on Japanese culture and daily life, which may be useful for ESL Instructors who wish to either teach Japanese students English or teach English in Japan.

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Career Counselor

Career Counselors help individuals plan their careers. This course includes information on internships and job opportunities for graduate students in Japan, which may be useful for those who wish to work as career counselors for students or professionals in Japan.

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Translator

Translators convert text from one language to another. This course helps provide context for academic research in Japan, which may be helpful for those who wish to translate academic or scientific documents from Japanese.

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Interpreter

Interpreters facilitate communication between speakers of different languages. This course includes some information on Japanese culture and daily life, which may be useful for interpreters who wish to work in Japan.

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Cross-Cultural Consultant

Cross-Cultural Consultants help organizations and individuals navigate cultural differences. This course provides an overview of Japanese culture and society, which may be helpful for those who wish to work as cross-cultural consultants in Japan or with Japanese organizations.

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Journalist

Journalists write and report on current events and issues. This course may help prepare those who wish to work as journalists in Japan by providing an overview of Japanese culture and society and the Japanese university system.

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Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver lessons to students. This course provides an overview of the Japanese education system, which may be useful for those who wish to teach in Japan.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses understand and improve their operations. This course includes information on Japanese culture and business practices, which may be useful for those who wish to work as business analysts in Japan.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations. This course includes information on Japanese culture and business practices, which may be useful for those who wish to work as consultants in Japan.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue goals. This course includes information on Japanese culture and business practices, which may be useful for those who wish to work as sales managers in Japan.

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