<p>I have been wanted to study abroad since high school and now that I am in college, here is my chance!</p>
<p>At first, I was thinking of Japan, but after my first year as a freshman, I have been more inspired and exposed to study in either China and Australia as well.</p>
<p>Over this summer before I begin as a sophomore, I am starting to look for schools I want to attend. And to give you more insight, I want to directly enroll to the school as well because these so called "study abroad programs" are hell of expensive and I think going with one of these programs will provide me limited options to the things I would like to do in a country and I won't fully experience traveling abroad. For example, to study with IES to go to Japan costs $37,000 for a full year. Damn...that is more than what I pay for at my school for a full year.</p>
<p>But the problem is, I just don't know where. China, Japan, or Australia?</p>
<p>But here's another thing, If I do go with direct enrollment, some schools do require that the international student knows the language, but there may be some schools that provide international students with classes in Chinese and Japanese, but I have to research on it more. </p>
<p>Also, I know there are more to it than what I stated about. I would also would have to figure out if my school will take the credits, housing, food, and the list goes on.</p>
<p>So I am stuck! Does anyone have any experiences studying in any of these countries or being in these countries that you would like to share or some more advice?</p>
<p>If you want to learn a language in a year, I would not recommend an Asian one, unless that is all that you do. European langs resemble ours more, so you can learn an indo-european one in a year. </p>
<p>But what do you want to do it for? That should be clear to yourself. </p>
<p>I encourage you to do, it will be a life-changing experience. I went to live in Europe for a year and more or less stayed. </p>
<p>Regarding costs, I did a year in Germany when I was learning the language (i.e. not fluent) and it didn’t cost a thing (in 1978, at least), yet the credits were transferable. I met a lot of AMerican kids who paid full tuition a their schools for admin help, yet it was easy for me to arrange things myself. </p>
<p>I’ve personally studied in Japan and would personally recommend my study abroad school, Kansai Gaidai, for anyone to study at, but it’s a bit difficult for those not doing it through their own school and they don’t really have a program for internationals to enroll full-time or start out just taking language courses to reach the level of Japanese necessary to enroll full-time. If you want to just enroll yourself for one year study abroad without going through your school, I know it;s difficult but possible as I had a friend who did this, but enrolling there full-time is near impossible as an international student.</p>
<p>Thank you for the suggestions for the both of you.</p>
<p>@alcibiade I have no interest in studying in Europe so that option is already out! Sorry! But thank you!</p>
<p>@lang92 and yes I have heard it is very difficult! I will try my best though. It’s much cheaper and I won’t be cheated on with my money lol. We will see because I still haven’t decided yet.</p>
<p>Well, Asia is definitely where one feels “it is happening”. If you know you want to learn the language, I would recommend doing an intensive course in it, full time. It is a life long commitment and it may wed your career to Japan.</p>
<p>I lived in Japan 1990-1991 (almost 2 full years) and studied Japanese while working. I never got much past being able to use polite phrases (which is in stark contrast to learning 3 languages in Europe), and even when I could say more, the Japanese are not used to foreigners speaking their language - so even if you say it correctly, they may not understand. </p>
<p>I have never lived in China, but I have gone on many work trips there. I find it far more open and lively than Japan, on the way up instead of stagnating like Japan has for the last 20 years. It really depends on what your goals are, as you haven’t even said you’re doing it for a language.</p>
<p>Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy it. It is an extraordinary adventure to live in a different culture and learn the language.</p>
<p>If you are determined to go to Asia but are concerned about language, consider going to the English-speaking countries/cities: Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Philippines. </p>
<p>If you are looking into Chinese, do a good internet search - lots of students from around the world sign up for immersion Chinsese courses in China and they are quite affordable. Look and you’ll see.</p>
Thank you guys so much! I am sorry for the late reply. After careful look at both countries, I have decided to go to China to study abroad! Wish me the best!