Re: Todai University

[Hiroshi66]

I want to attend the University of Tokyo when I am older and become a Japanese History major. I know entrance is hard, but I want to make it a goal to enter. I have a few questions on this.

I plan to learn Japanese fluently by the time I enter the college. If I know the language fluently and pass all entrance and language examinations, will I be able to take classes in Japanese with Japanese students, normally - if I do not enroll in special exchanges, language classes, or the like? Will Todai allow me?

[Apollo]

If you want to enroll at Todai, that is great!! :-)
My cousin went there and it is a great university of course, however about being a foreigner getting enrolled at Todai:

It is not enough to learn Japanese fluently....you have to learn Japanese more than fluently (especially according to standards expected by a foreigner), meaning you have to learn more than than the required number of kanjis expected of a foreigner with 2-3 years of Japanese at a university....
ESPECIALLY if you want to major in history at Todai. I would suggest that you study in the U.S. and take a B.A. in Japanese language with history as minor first. After that, you can request for a further course in history at Todai if your grades are great and your Japanese skills are greater than fluent (according to standards expected by a foreigner).

[Apollo]

I plan to learn Japanese fluently by the time I enter the college. If I know the language fluently and pass all entrance and language examinations, will I be able to take classes in Japanese with Japanese students, normally - if I do not enroll in special exchanges, language classes, or the like? Will Todai allow me?

I seriously doubt that you can learn the Japanese language by the time you enter college...reason being that at Todai - you are expected to speak/ write Japense fluently and note: AT A HIGH ACADEMIC LEVEL!!!
No offence, but I'd suggest at least a B.A. in Japanese language before even think of entering Todai....You say you want to study history....note you have to read sources and books in Japanese and courses are conducted in Japanese.....if a foreigner wants to follow a history course, at least a B.A. in Japanese is expected.

[Hiroshi66]

Thank you! :)

I guess I will have to do just thought - however, let's say I took courses at a university while I was in high school and learned Japanese perfectly, at a high academic level. Would I be admitted to the regular section if this occured?

[epigene]

I posted my opinions in this thread:
http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14227

If you're willing to go through it, notwithstanding, good luck!

Although I don't have any statistical data on Todai entrance, I have been informed that virtually all students on the undergraduate level are Japanese or, if foreign nationals, people who grew up in Japan and went through the Japanese school system.

[Hiroshi66]

Thanks, epigene-san! :)

Okay, since Todai University's statistics show that there are hardly any foreigners enrolled, I am preparing a Plan B, C, and D. What about Kyoto University, Kobe University, Nagoya University, Osaka University, and the University of Naha? My question is particularly directed at Kobe Uni. Are these universities just as hard to enter in, and are the entrance exams set up the same way as Tokyo? Do they allow you to take classes with Japanese if you know the language?

Thanks! :)

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

A homepage of a studying abroad receptionist from "Kobe University" foreign countries
http://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/index.htm

A homepage of "Tokyo University"
http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/res03/i_guide00_e.html
A homepage of "Kyoto University"
http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/index-e.html
A homepage of "Osaka University"
http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/eng/index.html
A homepage of "Nagoya University"
http://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/
A homepage of "Hokkaido University"
http://www.isc.hokudai.ac.jp/www_ISC/students/students-e.htm
A homepage of "Kyushu University"
http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english.new/eng/index.html
A homepage of "Tohoku University"
http://web.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/international/home-e.html
A homepage of "the University of Ryukyu"
http://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/en/index.html

A Japanese history study homepage
http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/jhs/

[epigene]

A homepage of a studying abroad receptionist from "Kobe University" foreign countries
http://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/index.htm

A homepage of "Tokyo University"
http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/res03/i_guide00_e.html
A homepage of "Kyoto University"
http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/index-e.html
A homepage of "Osaka University"
http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/eng/index.html
A homepage of "Nagoya University"
http://www.nagoya-u.ac.jp/en/
A homepage of "Hokkaido University"
http://www.isc.hokudai.ac.jp/www_ISC/students/students-e.htm
A homepage of "Kyushu University"
http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english.new/eng/index.html
A homepage of "Tohoku University"
http://web.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/international/home-e.html
A homepage of "the University of Ryukyu"
http://www.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/en/index.html

A Japanese history study homepage
http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/jhs/
永島さん、いつもお世話になってます！:bow:

ところで、Hiroshi66さんは、
日本で日本史、国文学の分野を勉強したがっている頭の よさそうな男の子です。

国公立を目指しているようですが、私はこういう分野で は、私立にいい大学があるんじゃないかと思っています ーたとえば早稲田や学習院・・・

なにか、情報をおもちでしたら、おしらせください。な んなら、日本語で書いていただければ、私が英語で通訳 （？）します。よろしく！

[epigene]

Thanks, epigene-san! :)

Okay, since Todai University's statistics show that there are hardly any foreigners enrolled, I am preparing a Plan B, C, and D. What about Kyoto University, Kobe University, Nagoya University, Osaka University, and the University of Naha? My question is particularly directed at Kobe Uni. Are these universities just as hard to enter in, and are the entrance exams set up the same way as Tokyo? Do they allow you to take classes with Japanese if you know the language?

Thanks! :)
Humm... Looks like it's taking time for Nagashima-san to respond, so I'll just go ahead with mine.

First, why are you so insistent on going to Todai or other national and public universities? What particular interest do you have in Kobe University?

I'm asking because, although Todai certainly ranks at or among the top in almost every academic discipline, there are many other universities noted for excellence in specific areas. In the case of Japanese history and language, Waseda is an excellent choice. Gakushuin had a preeminent authority in Japanese linguistics (although he passed away some years ago). I'm pretty sure that there are others.

Before you make up your mind on which university to go to, I think you should conduct a study on which universities are actually preeminent in the field. (I was hoping Nagashima-san had info on this.) In Japan, there are books comparable to the Princeton Review that show which academic departments in which university are excellent, along with other relevant information. Yoyogi Zeminaru publishes university entrance info every year, including specific requirements, tuition, etc., for that year. Why not start from there?

If you can read Japanese, see here:
http://www.alc.co.jp/jpn/learner/guide/103.html
http://www.yozemi.ac.jp/index.html

[Hiroshi66]

Epigene - what had you posted in Japanese?

Thanks for the links. :)

Well, I have checked out the programs at all those unversities, especially at Tokyo and Kobe, and they all have nice, organized, Japanese History departments. I could do Waseda, but I would rather go to a national or a public university than a private university. Maybe the private universities would be my second choice, but I want to shoot for a national university first.

I have reached my decision. I want to try to shoot for Tokyo University first. I recieved an email from them and they sort of reassured me. After that, I will always have a Plan B, enrolling in Kobe. THEN I'll try shooting for the private universities (I eliminated the other ones) like Waseda or Keio, etc.

I know Todai is hard to get into. However, there have been foreign students who have been proficient in Japanese and got in, right?

THANKS SO MUCH GUYS! :)

[Mahoujin Tsukai]

Tokyo University is the toughest university to enter in Japan [approximately eqivalent to Harvard (USA) or Oxford (UK)] :o . Be prepared for a VERY, VERY tough :mad: :worried: (but not impossible :relief: ) entrance exam.

In my opinion, the math questions in Todai's entrance exam made my A-level maths look like a piece of cake.

I know Todai is hard to get into. However, there have been foreign students who have been proficient in Japanese and got in, right?

I would expect many of these foreign students to be from China :note: (I heard that students in China are very studious). However, there should be American or European students who get into Todai.

Good luck!

[Hiroshi66]

Thanks! :)

I got an e-mail from Todai today, and the person who wrote the e-mail is going to e-mail me a list of the exams and requirements that I need to pass so I can take classes like a regular Japanese student.

I'll keep you guys posted!

I realized something - I'm going to shoot for Todai. I'll have my Plan B (Kobe), and Plan C (Waseda) but I'm going to shoot for Tokyo.

:)

Keep posting. *onegai shimasu! :)

[Glenn]

Well, I have checked out the programs at all those unversities, especially at Tokyo and Kobe, and they all have nice, organized, Japanese History departments. I could do Waseda, but I would rather go to a national or a public university than a private university. Maybe the private universities would be my second choice, but I want to shoot for a national university first.

I'm wondering what it is about the national and public universities that you find more appealing than the private ones. Are they less expensive?

[Hiroshi66]

That's one of them. The public universities are less expensive than the private ones, but some of the public ones offer better education than the private ones (not Waseda and Keio, but other less known ones).

Also, I thought the public ones might offer me an easier way to socialize, since I have HEARD from various people that quite a lot of people in the private universities are snobbish. I'm sure Todai has its fair share of snobs too, but I've heard that people are more laid back in public than private.

[epigene]

Hiroshi 66,

You CANNOT apply for both Tokyo and Kobe universities at the same time. The entrance examination dates are fixed, so that you can apply for only one national/public university in one year. That's why even the best students avoid picking Todai and select universities that offer better chances. Even the best private universities sometimes choose the same dates to force applicants pick one over another.

If you fail one year, you have to try the next year. That's why there are many young people in "limbo" between high school and college. They're called "ronins."

[epigene]

That's one of them. The public universities are less expensive than the private ones, but some of the public ones offer better education than the private ones (not Waseda and Keio, but other less known ones).

Also, I thought the public ones might offer me an easier way to socialize, since I have HEARD from various people that quite a lot of people in the private universities are snobbish. I'm sure Todai has its fair share of snobs too, but I've heard that people are more laid back in public than private.

I'm a mother of two kids who were educated in Japan until high school and have know their friends who went to universities in Japan. I think you are overly stereotyping private universities. Many of the politicians and corporate execs being arrested for corruption, embezzlement, etc., went to Todai, in fact. Also, the recent growth in the income gap in Japan (rich becoming richer and poor becoming poorer) is sending more and more students to apply for public/national universities. The competition is higher than ever before. There are simulation tests in Japan where you can assess where you rank among the students applying for college the following spring. You should take that first before you decide.

[Glenn]

Epigene - what had you posted in Japanese?

I guessed she missed this. Oh well, I'm not epigene, but I guess I can do a good enough job of translating what she said.

永島さん、いつもお世話になってます！:bow:

ところで、Hiroshi66さんは、
日本で日本史、国文学の分野を勉強したがっている頭の よさそうな男の子です。

国公立を目指しているようですが、私はこういう分野で は、私立にいい大学があるんじゃないかと思っています ーたとえば早稲田や学習院・・・

なにか、情報をおもちでしたら、おしらせください。な んなら、日本語で書いていただければ、私が英語で通訳 （？）します。よろしく！

"Mr. Nagashima, you're always so helpful!

By the way, Mr. Hiroshi66 is a bright young boy who wants to study Japanese history and language in Japan.

He seems to be shooting for public and national universities, but for these fields I think there are some good private universities -- e.g. Waseda and Gakushuin.

If you have any more information, please let me know. You can write it in Japanese, and I'll translate it into English. Thanks!"

San gave me a little trouble, but I think I did alright.

[Hiroshi66]

Glenn, thanks for the translation! :)

Epigene, I am sorry for any offense I may have done to you. However, I took your reccomendation, and checked out Waseda University (not Gakushin). I was really interested, and their Japanese History program seems to be strong.

I think that the three universities which I am going to be choosing from are Tokyo, Kobe, and Waseda. I sent e-mails to Waseda, Tokyo, and Kobe asking them if foreign students proficient in Japanese can take classes like a regular Japanese student (if I learn the language over here and then just take normal classes in Japanese history there). Once I get a reply, I am going to inquire on what exams I need, and then what my potential schedule would be at all 3 colleges if I enroll.

So far, only Tokyo replied, saying that they do allow foreign students who are proficient to take regular classes with Japanese students over there. Now I am asking him the part about the exams. Kobe and Waseda have not replied yet.

Thanks guys! :)

[Stets]

First there's some important questions,
what kind of career are u aspiring to do in the future?
In which country? As a general note, Japanese degrees are pretty useless in the U.S..
What year in school are u?
Where in the U.S. do u live?
Is going on a high school exchange program out of the question?

Japanese (especially private) Universities (especially Waseda) are eager for International Students (especially Americans), and the English-language entrance exams are much easier than the Japanese-language ones. Plus private universities sometimes even give tuition breaks to International students JUST for being International students! (up to 50% reduction!!)

I'm also planning to enter a Japanese university sometime soon. I'm going to apply to language schools this fall after going to Japan for 3 months, taking a look around and deciding (which one/what city/what kind of enviroment [Language School? Specialty School? University program?] etc.). After passing the JLPT level 1, I'll enter a university. I'm actually considering Keio, Waseda, and Kyuudai. But I'm also looking at some lower ranked universities.

As far as getting a GOOD education High-ranked public university is the way to go. Keio's the #1 Private university, but on the 1-10 scale of public universities it would only be like a 6-7.

All public unis WILL admit International Students if they pass the JLPT Level 1. Ofcourse whether or not u are accepted is dependent on other requirements, EJU score, etc. etc.. Most (maybe all?) Private unis will too. so u don't really need to ask I think.

I've been researching this stuff alot over the last year and a half so if u have any questions feel free to ask me--> Genki6623@hotmail.com

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

I hardly know a study of Japanese history.
I found a homepage of the university student who majored in Japanese history.
You had better ask him about the present conditions of a Japanese history study.
http://home.netyou.jp/zz/pokochan/japan.html


In addition, it may be good to write a question here because I found BBS for a university student.
http://www.casphy.com/bbs/univ/

[jt_]

I think that the three universities which I am going to be choosing from are Tokyo, Kobe, and Waseda. I sent e-mails to Waseda, Tokyo, and Kobe asking them if foreign students proficient in Japanese can take classes like a regular Japanese student (if I learn the language over here and then just take normal classes in Japanese history there). Once I get a reply, I am going to inquire on what exams I need, and then what my potential schedule would be at all 3 colleges if I enroll.No offense, but like Miss_apollo said at the very beginning of the thread, I think you also should consider a backup plan that doesn't require you to become completely fluent in a language that you haven't (or have barely) begun to study in the course of four short years. Something like devoting yourself as much as possible to your study of the language during high school, then entering a US college with a good Japanese studies program and planning to study abroad for at least a year, and then go to Japan again after you graduate, perhaps looking into graduate programs in Japan.

Something like that would be a lot more feasible than what you're trying to do, I think. It seems to me like you think that if you just take four years of university-level Japanese language classes and get good grades, you'll be at the level where you could expect to be able to hold your own in classes at a prestigious Japanese university meant for educated native speakers of Japanese. This really couldn't be further from reality.

I would say that to have even the slightest hope of accomplishing this, you'd have to a) have a VERY STRONG innate aptitude for language and b) spend a SIGNIFICANT portion of your free time working on your Japanese (making and talking to Japanese friends, reading as listening to as much Japanese as you can, and practicing writing essays and such to improve your writing skills -- mind you this is all AFTER and IN ADDITION TO the very long period of time it will take to build up the fundamental knowledge of Japanese that is necessary to even be able to use the above activities to improve your language skills).

Mind you, I think that your motivation is wonderful, and if you want to try to pull this off, nobody can stop you. Still, if you even want to have a fighting chance, I would recommend you start devoting yourself entirely to your language studies RIGHT NOW, and not let up for a second until you reach the level you're shooting for.

Even if you do so (or are already doing so) the odds are overwhelmingly against you. Good luck.

[Hiroshi66]

Stets ~ Hey! I want to be a professor of Japanese History. I am in ninth grade, in California. I'd like to work Preferably in Japan, but it doesn't matter really.

Thanks for your input! However, if I take the English language exam, won't I have to be taking English classes and basic Japanese classes?

Hiroyuki Nagashima ~ Thanks! :)

jt ~ I know, Apollo-san's suggestion is essentially what happens if I can't get into a Daigaku in Japan. I'm just brainstorming now.

I just got a reply from Tokyo Daigaku saying they do accept students fluent in Japanese to take classes as regular Japanese. Waseda didn't understand my inquiry, and Kobe has yet to reply.

[Hiroshi66]

Okay, Todai e-mailed me about the level of exams. I'm in my final e-mail with them. I'll keep you posted. I will soon post a plan for me and a decision for what I am going to do.

[Duo]

hmm aren't you like 14 years old ? how can you make plans to go to university so early. Shouldn't you be thinking a bit more about the present. I thought i was going to go to school in Canada, but like that in a blink, I ended up returning to Brussels. life is so unpredictable sometimes, maybe you shouldn't really make yourself live in plans like these, cuz if for some reason they vanish, you will be left sad and bitter, i mean it's very good that you are so goal oriented so early on, but who knows what can happen in the next 4 years. you mite develop new interests or meet a girl and decide to stay with her, just hypothesis, I guess what i'm saying is take it easier, don't over do it, keep focus of your goals but dont let them dictate your life, well, good luck with your entrance and everything, i really do wish you the best.

[Hiroshi66]

Well, I am still deciding. All this is speculation of course. My classes aren't that difficult so I'm usually just bored and think of the future, I guess.

[-Yu-]

I was very much surprised when I read " I want to go to Todai".
It's really great to think of going there yourself at your age whereas there are many kids forced to study in order to go there by their parents in Japan.

I finished my uni-entrance-exam-study just 1 week ago.


In my opinion, Kyoto-University must have entrances for foreigners or Japanese brought up in other countries, since my friend who is half Australian and half Japanese and now studying in Australia, is planning to go to the university. You should check.

Good luck, there is always possibility of achieving a thing.

[Hiroshi66]

Hey, thanks -Yu-! :)

Well, like I said, I'm going to take the exams in Japanese, not enroll in the foreigner language section of the university. I'm going to take classes like a regular Japanese. The university told me that most of the exams (including the main) one will be taken like that. Except the one for Japanese language which proves I am fluent.