FAQ: Why study Japanese in UK?

Everytime when I talk about my degree to new people I met, nine out of ten will ask me “Why do you come to UK to study Japanese?”. Why nine out of ten? Because there are still people don’t have a clear idea of the difference of China and Japan, or Asia. Anyway, I think it’s time to write down the reasons of “Why I am studying Japanese in UK”.

Want something different

Before I came to UK, my plan was to study one year English and then go to a university to do a business degree (mainly on management), like many other Chinese students will do here. But after soon I arrived here, I found out there are so many other Chinese students were doing the same thing. When I visited some universities and saw their class of business, more than half of the students there were Chinese. It’s almost like a mini Chinatown. And when they came out of the classroom, Chinese is the language they use to discuss their homework. I don’t say this is bad or something, but this is just not the thing I want when I come to another country to study a university degree. So from that point, I started considering some courses that more than just Business, and something less popular to Chinese students here.

In my application to Durham, I chose Asian studies and Management. But then in the telephone interview with professor of Durham University, he suggested me “Why don’t you consider taking another language, say Japanese, it would be better for you in your career in future if you are interested in Asia and also business”. Japanese? I did read a lot Japanese comics when I was little and quite interested in Japanese culture, but never thought that I would take it seriously as a university degree, it’s a big thing to me! So I replied to the professor that I need some times to think about it.

I talked to my parents about that. After I told them my thoughts, they were very supported. Plus if I take that course, I can go to Japan for one year as an exchange student from Durham, which it’s a great opportunity for me.

I was only 18 at that time. When I was in China my parents made most important decisions for me (but of course with the respect to my opinions), but this time, they couldn’t made decisions for me anymore, I had to do it myself. So after a few days considerations, I decided to take the offer from Durham. I was going to study something only came into my mind in a few days time for four years, that was pretty crazy.

Good choice?

I have been studying Japanese for three years now, plus had one year great experience in Japan. Looking back to what I have learned and experienced, I think I made a good choice.

My original will was to study Management, however, from what I have studied in class and worked with other people, I found that management is a subject that needs more practical experiences. Especially “globalisation” becoming a popular term nowadays, the understanding of another culture is essential for business. The year abroad experience in Japan gives me a huge advantage in this aspect. Not only the Japanese cultures I learnt, but more significantly my ability to adopt another new culture.
In term of career prospect, I’ve got one more language advantage aside from management studies. However, whether it’s useful or not still depends the coming year - whether I can get a prospective job or not.

Making choice right, not making the right choice

Often when people making choices, the first question is “Am I making a right choice?”. I did too. But now, I realise that “Whether I can make the choice right” is more important.