Welcome to Gaia! ::

I'm not sure I'm of much help, but...

I'm going to study abroad at a Japanese university all of next year. My school recommends that someone with less than three years' study of Japanese only take English-speaking classes. Even if we do think that we're proficient in the language, the host university will still make us take a Japanese language test to prove our fluency. So, I guess that's what I guessed to be the standard fluency you'd need to survive in an all-Japanese setting.

Usually, there are two tests (but you only have to take one, depends on the school you want to enter) that can be taken to get into a Japanese university, but with my university, I didn't have to take either one to study abroad here, but it's only with what my Japanese university has contacts with the other foreign universities.

There's the JLPT or the Japanese Language Proficiency Test that determines what you Japanese level is at. There are 4 levels (as of now, next year will be 5) each with varying degree of difficultly. The taiwanese school that has a deal with the Japanese university I am at makes the students at least take 3rd or 2nd level of the exam to get to come over here. There's another exam for foreign students that wish to be excepted into any Japanese university, but the test (by looking at the books to study for it) seems to be on a level between the SAT, ACT, with calculus and other such stuff in it. Also, it's recommended that you be somewhere between 3rd and 2nd level of the JLPT (or better) to even understand it.

My university only requires us to finish 3rd year Japanese before we go over here. I really wish I should have taken the JLPT because chances are my ability first coming here would have been more poised and better. But, I guess that's what we get for our culture (and the fact the classes are usually taught in English).

For classes, I suggest being able to have strong listening ability. That was the one thing I had trouble with when I first came here.

The short answer: News and other broadcasts like it use very formal language*called Keigo*. Media uses very informal. Learning both will greatly benefit you

Again, thank you for the information. I know it would be beneficial to learn both.
But I meant to ask, are classes conducted using "normal, polite" Japanese (i.e. －ます), or a different level of Japanese (such as keigo, or something else entirely)? I would assume that a class wouldn't be conducted in informal Japanese.
Sorry that I might not have made my question clear from rambling in my last post.

Hey fellow guild members!

To those that are interested, I have a really big favor/request from you guys! and there will be rewards! (rewards are in-game items like monthly collectibles, evolving items, gold, event items, and quest items. Pretty much anything i have in my inventory and even the ones i have currently equipped, you can have em! depending on how good it is 3nodding ).

I'am currently in the process of applying to study abroad to Japan (Waseda University) through my school (CSULB), and unfortunately I'am required to write/type up another 2 page essay explaining my academic objectives (beyond language or culture acquisition) and academic fields in which i wish to accomplish them during the one-year study abroad program at the school of international liberal studies (SILS). And it needs to be done by March 5th 2009

Now writing essay is not one of special skills and sadly i'm actually incredibly terrible at it. I have typed a 1 pager that i used already for my school (CSULB) which was also required and i'm thinking of using it and maybe enhancing/extending it a little more.

Here is where the favor comes in, if anyone can write up at least a 2 pager for me i will greatly reward them! Ofcourse I will provide all the information neccessary and the essay i already typed up. You can use both and combine to make 1 ultimate awesome 2 page essay ! (The application gave few tips for writing the essay which are the questions in bold, but i can't make use of it for typing up a 2 pager).

Here are the few info so far:


-Start by identifying your academic major and explain what motivated you to declare that major.
-Major : International Business
-Motivation: Worked at a Japanese Company “Bandai”, worked on online game that was joint venture betweenan American marketing team and Japanese programmers.
Learned Japanese Language for over 10 years, want to put bilingual skills to good use. Combine bilingual skills with business materials/academics/education.

-Do you plan to pursue a higher degree later on?
- Persue a Master in Business Administration
-

-How will studying in Japan enrich your academic objectives?
-Provide first hand experience in actually studying International Business outside of Home country, United States of America, and able to grasp more knowledge and understanding of Japan’s culture, and history which is absolutely essential in International Business. No language barrier which makes it more effective to learn Japanese language and forcing me to speak and hear the language both on campus and outside of campus. To be able to actually live and participate in the countries’ atmosphere, environment, society, tradition and culture daily for one year will not only enhance my understanding and appreciation for the country tremendously but also prove to be beneficial for my career as well making it a key advantage especially for pursuing international business dealing with Japan.

-What subjects do you wish to study in Japan?
- Business, economics, Japanese language, culture, social science, and history

-What are your career objectives?
- To have a career in multinational company in which I can not only employ language skills in Japanese and English, but also my interest in Japanese and American cultures.

and here is the essay i typed up:


Studying at Waseda University in Japan has been my dream for a long time. My goal is to pursue a Masters in Business Administration and, then, to have a career in a multinational company in which I can not only employ language skills in Japanese and English, but also my interest in Japanese and American cultures.

Waseda University has a stellar reputation as one of the finest private universities in Japan. Their rigorous and highly competitive curriculum produces many talented individuals who serve as today’s leaders in a wide and diverse range of fields, not only in Japan but across the world. The partnership between Waseda University and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) offers me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in an academically challenging milieu that boasts outstanding faculty and students from around the globe.

Born and reared in the U.S. as a second-generation Japanese-American, I was fortunate to grow up in a home in which both English and Japanese were spoken. At the age of five, I began to attend a Japanese Saturday school called Asahi Gakuen. After the fifth grade, I continued my language studies for three more years at West Torrance High School. This was followed by several Japanese language courses at El Camino Community College. While attending college as a full-time student, I worked part-time at a Japanese toy company, Bandai America, Inc. Hired as a game tester, I also had the opportunity to join a development project team for their new online game, a joint venture between an American marketing team and Japanese programmers.

My functions as an assistant coordinator included translating various marketing articles, notes, comments and other related information, in order to create presentable reports to both Japanese and American developers and managers. My bilingual abilities proved very beneficial in this position, as I was often called upon to communicate with our company’s Japanese counterparts who were not fluent in English. In addition to the job applications, my Japanese skills have also been helpful in my private life. Furthermore, my perspective on the Japanese culture, customs, ideas and behaviors differs from most people. In this respect, I believe that I can also better understand and appreciate my own American culture through comparing it with the Japanese culture. As a student at Waseda, I will strive to do my best to represent American students and, in particular, students of Japanese-American heritage. I hope to build bridges of understanding and goodwill.

The opportunity to attend Waseda University will further enhance my knowledge and understanding of Japan’s history and culture. Waseda’s international business program is unique as it will provide me with the first-hand experience and knowledge of how successful Japanese businesses work. As my career will focus on international business between Japan and the U.S., this is an invaluable experience.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyways yeah. I'm one of those type that can write a 1 paragraph essay but any longer than that will only bore and sound repetitive. Pretty much i can;t write a good long essay lol. So if anyone is interested please help out! and you'll be greatly rewarded!!! THANKS SO MUCH GUYS!! and again the sooner the better!!! it needs to be done by March 5th!

Any further questions please post here or email me ZanEnt@gmail.com . Thanks!