Ask yourself what you most want to do after graduation. Why do you want, or not want, to go to university? What type of occupation do you find interesting? The answers to these sorts of questions will help you reach a decision. Depending on your goals and your means, it should slowly become apparent whether studying overseas, continuing your studies in Japan, or directly entering the workforce is the best option for you.

With regard to continuing your studies overseas, many students find that by studying in a new environment and experiencing a new culture, they now look at Japan from a different perspective and many of their previously held opinions and stereotypes have changed. In addition, globalization and the effects of the internet are increasing both the popularity and necessity for strong English-language skills. If study abroad appeals to you, then it's time to start thinking about which country and program is best for you.

Your main goal should be to attain the highest grades possible at the high school you currently attend. In particular, your grades in second and third-year of high school will play a large factor in the admissions decision of the college/university that you will apply to. Your secondary goal should be to improve your English-language skills. Since most university programs will require a TOEFL score between 500 and 600, that's what you should be aiming for. However, a 550 TOEFL is an extremely high (almost unattainable) standard for the average Japanese high school student, so you shouldn't become overly concerned (so as to cause a drop in your high school GPA). Therefore, while in Japan, we recommend that you concentrate on your grades and continue to minimize the gap between your current English-level and the necessary language-requirement. Then, upon graduating from high school in Japan, go to your destination country as early as possible (April or May), and concentrate on improving your English.

Remember, it is easier to make up for the lack of English at a later date, than it is to make up for poor grades. Some schools also offer a conditional admission for students who demonstrate the necessary academic ability, but lack the necessary language skills. In such cases, you may be able to start taking some academic courses even before you have fully completed your language training. Finally, although it may take up to a full-year (or sometimes even more) of English-language study, depending on your current level and language acquisition rate, with persistence and determined effort, you will eventually be a full-time student at a university overseas--a very big accomplishment in itself!

In general, the more time you have to prepare, the better. Although there are many exceptions, one to two years of preparation time would be ideal. However, even if you are in your final year of high school and did not do as well as you would've liked on your Japanese university entrance exams, studying abroad is still a viable option. With decent marks and intensive English language training, you can continue your studies overseas with minimal time lost.

Although there will be some variance between countries, as well as whether the institution you attend is public or private, most Japanese students considering study abroad should budget between 2 million to 2.5 million yen per year (with the range varying somewhere between 1.5 million to 4 million yen per year). This should be enough to cover total costs including tuition, accommodation, and spending money.

The possibility of transferring to a university overseas will depend on your current situation. The process will be somewhat different depending on whether you: are currently still enrolled at a 4-year institution in Japan; have already graduated from a 2-year institution in Japan; or have dropped out of college/university in Japan. If you are still enrolled in university in Japan, do your best to attain the highest GPA possible. You should also try to participate often in class. By creating a strong impression with your professors, they will be morel likely to provide you with favorable letters of recommendation. If you have already graduated from a 2-year college, then you will also need to submit your official transcripts and recommendation letters. Depending on your major and the institution that you are applying to, many of your credits should also be transferable, thereby decreasing the amount of time it takes to receive your Bachelor's degree. Finally, if you have dropped out of university in Japan, transferring to another university may be rather difficult, but there are still options available to you as well. A Community College, Polytechnic, or Further Eduction institute may be the best place to start, gradually working your way up and then transferring to a university program. In all cases, you will first need to improve your English-language skills and be determined to work very hard.

If you have already graduated from a university in Japan, we would strongly recommend considering graduate studies. A second bachelor's degree may be an option if you want to pursue a completely different area of study, or your undergraduate grades were not very strong. But, the same two years being spent on undergraduate studies would be much better spent pursuing a master's degree. In general, although the admissions requirements, costs, and time commitment will be very similar, the difference on your resume and prospective employment opportunities may be quite large.

If you are currently still enrolled in university in Japan, you should:

• raise your GPA
• improve your English-language abilities
• write your statement of purpose and goals
• start talking to your professors about your goals and ask them for Recommendation Letters

If you have already graduated from university, you will need to submit your TOEFL/IELTS score, a personal essay, resume, and letters of recommendation from your professors and employer. In addition, most graduate schools will require a minimum of a "B" average during your undergraduate studies.

Once again, the ideal would be one to two years in advance. However, if you no longer have that much time available, you should at least try to have a minimum of 6-months preparation time so that you can fully research schools and prepare a convincing application.

In comparison with choosing a university, choosing a graduate school program is a much more time-consuming and labor-intensive activity. You need to compare program content closely; clarify exactly what kind of research you want to do; and specify which professors you want to study under. In order to conduct this research, you should use the Internet, various publications, rankings, and school brochures. However, nothing can compare with direct correspondence and communication with the Graduate admissions offices and professors themselves.

Some schools and programs offer internships and/or cooperative education schemes where you can obtain valuable field experience while still a student. In these cases, if you can create a strong and formidable impression during your internship, the company may hire you directly upon graduation. You should also consider working or volunteering in your field during your time off in between terms/semesters. Any experience you can obtain may place you ahead of your peers when it becomes time for the all-important interview. Japanese students should also be aware of the numerous job fairs that occur both in Japan and overseas. Many companies are specifically looking to recruit new graduates with fluent English/Japanese language-skills and international experience and understanding. Other opportunities to consider after graduation are applying for visas that allow you to gain valuable work experience and occupational training. In the US, the OPT (Optional Practical Training) Visa, which allows graduates of colleges, universities and graduate schools to work for up to a year, is a particularly popular option. Similar options also exist in many of the other countries, so make sure to speak to placement counsellors and advisors.

Keep in mind that experienced Global Daigaku.com counsellors can assist you with all aspects of the study abroad preparation and application process. If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.