Study or not study in Japan + general questions

[prixs]

Hi people.
Some basic information before I start: I'm 19, fresh out from upper secondary school, currently enjoying wonders of gap year and working towards saving enough money for language school in Japan. Surprise? Not.

So I'm interested in studying undergraduate degree in Japan and I have been thinking about studying computer science or graphic desing/animation/etc or something completely different. But I'm having a little doubt if it's worth it? Is Japan a good place to study computer oriented industry? I come from Finland, if that's any help. If I go for graphic desing then Japan would be one of the best choises, right?
Or would it be better to study degree here, do exchange in Japan and go do graduate studies to Japan? Urgh. Isn't it fun to decide what to do with your future.

Okay then, now that I'm over with debating whether or not, let's play that I'm actually going so the next step would be choosing a language school. So far I have been thinking Asia Bunkan Kaikan which would be perfect if there weren't like only asians, ISI language school, Yoshida and Kansai College of Busines and Language. Any other places I should look? Which of those would be the best if I want to get into university?

And one last guestions, would it be possible to get level 2 fluency in a year? For language genius it sure would be, but how about for ms.average student, who's ready to work hard and has upper beginner level and time to study it lower intermediate or something?

I appreciate everybody who takes time to answer (think about it, you can change my life!).

[Half-n-Half]

In my personal opinion it would be best for you to wait until you dive head first into a Japanese undergrad school. If you really are upper beginner level in your Japanese, do you think you can learn and comprehend your major all in Japanese? My advice would be to study where you can understand the language, build up your Japanese language abilities, and do an exchange program your sophomore or junior year in undergrad.

I don't know much about Japanese language schools but here's a link to a list of them:
http://jls-guide.com/english/school_list/index.html

For graduate school I would imagine your Japanese would have to be pretty good, maybe level 1 or 2, but I'm not sure and it might depend on the school; don't quote me on that. It might also help to know what you want to do afterward. Are you planning on staying in Japan after your schooling? If not I can't really see what advantage going to graduate school in Japan would have over going to an American graduate school that is recognized around the world.

Whatever you decide to do, just remember that it's your future and your life so you shouldn't take these decisions lightly. Best of luck and hope I helped at least somewhat.

[nice gaijin]

My understanding is that the Finnish education system is excellent, in that it subsidizes the hell out of the cost of being a student. I met a Finn doing a year abroad in Japan, and he seemed very happy with his decision to go to a Finnish University, learn Japanese, then come study in Japan for a while. Half-n-Half makes a good point that your future plans should be factored in to where you want to study. You should also try spending some time in Japan before you make any rash decisions about your future.

[prixs]

I have been in Japan twice and in future I'd like to work in international field, in Asia, Europe or America. Next thing might sound childish, but I don't plan staying in Finland for the rest of my life, but well, maybe I should seriously conciderer staying here for at least undergraduate because yes, we have a great education system.

To study in Japan my Japanese leven has to be at least in level two, which, if I decide to go, I would hopefully have after 18months of language school studying. Hmm.

Thanks to both of you, anybody else up for giving me opinions?

[kittychan81]

Try Human Academy - they have them all over Japan and prepare you for your JLPT. You will have to put in a lot of effort to pass level 2 in 1 year, but if you are dedicated you should go for it! They do the JLPT twice a year now in Japan so you could try again 6 months later if you fail. They do all sorts of courses - long and short so look at their website.

Human Academy is a good price too, and they let you pay monthly. Most students come from Asian countries, but when I was at the Osaka one there were a handful or non-asian students (Aus/Canadian/Spanish/Finnish/Russian/British etc). It meant I spoke Japanese all the time at school which was good, but didn't have anyone to ask in English in my class if I didn't understand which was sometimes bad!

[kanonlin]

prixs
My advice would be very contrary. i used to work as a international students advisor in UK university, but i mainly work to help international students to settle.
First you need to think of where do you want to work later in life? Japan or back home? if you think Japan is just for fun (i.e. do a course then work a few years but eventually go back to Finnland) I would advice to study at home and do you postgraduate course. the reason is that a) you save on money by studying at home b) since your ultimate goal is to work in Finnland or Europe, a degree at home or other Europe state would benefit you more. you can do the Japanese course after your graduate, then the master course in Japan, but study the longer course in the place you want to work.
also, you must look into finance. Can you or your family afford to send you to Japan for 1 year language course plus 3 years of UG course? you are looking into an expense of 65000 euros for 3 years min, that's just living cost and school fees, not even the air tickets to go home. There are scholarship for undergraduate which you can look into.
I am keen for students to go abroad and be away from home. You become independent and it is definitely a good experience. I think students who study abroad is a lot more mature compare to home student, and stands a better chance when it comes to finding a job.