Studying and moving abroad are challenging, my friends, especially in Japan. Starting from the surrounding culture, learning systems, weather, food, and other small things if not prepared properly can disrupt your learning process. So that you can prepare yourself better, here Schoters summarizes 8 culture shocks studying in Japan.
1. No Orientation Period
Unlike school activities in Indonesia, Japan does not provide an orientation period for its students. It’s different from Indonesia, which always holds orientations to introduce the campus environment and meet with seniors. On the first day, you will learn directly in the classroom. So, prepare yourself from day one, okay, so you don’t get caught up in the culture shock of studying in Japan.
2. High Level of Discipline
One of the culture shocks of studying in Japan that most Indonesian students experience is the high level of discipline. Ordinary Japanese will come 10 minutes before the event starts. Lecturers in Japan are also known to be strict and you cannot ignore the rules that are given in class.
3. High Level of Individuality
Somewhat different from the Indonesian learning system which uses a lot of group assignments, you will hardly find lecture assignments that are done together. Due to the high level of individuality, you cannot depend on the people around you. So, prepare yourself so you don’t get culture shock studying in Japan.
4. Strict Attendance System
Because of the high level of discipline, you won’t be able to “sign absent” as is often found in Indonesia. The attendance system already uses a lot of barcodes and attendance is one of the determinants of graduation.
5. Weather in Japan
Apart from the scope of the class, one thing that you cannot underestimate is the weather. The weather is also a factor in the culture shock of studying in Japan for Indonesian students.
In Japan, temperatures can reach -20 degrees Celsius in winter and 40 degrees Celsius in summer. Preparing yourself with the right clothes and medicine will help you to survive in extreme weather.
6. Large and Dense Transportation System
As an Indonesian, you will surely be amazed by Japan’s vast, large and dense transportation system. Dozens of underground station points with pedestrian tunnels are the choice of many people for traveling.
If you are not careful, you can miss the destination of the stop. Therefore, prepare for your trip so you don’t get lost and get culture shock from studying in Japan.
7. Signature Using Hanko
The culture shock of studying in Japan, which many people don’t expect, is the Japanese signature system, which is different from Indonesia. This must be considered, especially for you as an international student who will fill out several documents during your study period.
Japan uses hanko or specially marked stamps to validate visa documents, resumes, banks and other important documents. You can make your own hanko at the nearest hanko shops .
8. No Dryer in Dormitory
For Indonesians, drying clothes without a dryer is commonplace. But maybe the story will be different in winter. Although one of the developed countries, Japan still believes that drying clothes in the sun is better. However, it is slightly different from Indonesia, where clothesline in Japan can usually be opened and closed.