People from all over the world travel to Japan for many reasons. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes, tempting foods like sushi and Kobe beef, amazing tourist attractions like Osaka Castle, and its efficient public transportation, just to name a few.
Thousands of international students flock to the country every year for a world-class education. In addition to the high quality of life in the country, it has proven to be an ideal location for many students. This is something Apra Jain from Delhi, India, can’t experience firsthand due to the ongoing pandemic.
As one of many students stranded outside the Land of the Rising Sun, Jain shares her frustrations not being able to travel to Japan with Study International. As a second-year global studies and international relations student, it was difficult for her to improve her Japanese mastery without being in the country. She tells us more about her experience below:
Why did you decide to pursue a course in Global Studies and International Relations?
When their representatives came to my high school in India, my university introduced me to the BA in Global Studies. I was immediately drawn to this interdisciplinary course that touched on several of my interests.
This includes human rights, gender issues, politics and international affairs.
Why did you choose to study in Japan?
My college had a college fair in my high school and it promised everything I was looking for. Global study programs, multicultural environment, safe urban environment in Kyoto (one of the best places for students) and learning your native language in Japan.
In 2017, I was accepted as an undergraduate student and moved to Japan as soon as I graduated from high school. After graduation, I chose to continue my studies in Japan, specializing in a similar field.
Of course, because of the ban, my motivation and ability to learn languages has declined. Getting a scholarship, an internship, or finding a job has not been as successful as I thought it would be.
What is the biggest obstacle you currently face in not being able to travel to Japan?
The first problem was the jet lag. Getting up at 5:00 in the morning was exhausting and gave me migraines. It is unrealistic to assume that students studying at such odd times will perform as well as students in the classroom.
Also, it is difficult to do research or interact with family and friends during the day due to exhaustion. Taking classes or submitting assignments in one time zone while eating or sleeping can be stressful and confusing.
Another piece of the puzzle is the impact it has had on my mental health, having to deal with so much uncertainty and the ebb and flow of travel bans can be very frustrating.
Pedestrians wait to cross the street in the Shibuya district of Tokyo on December 11, 2021.Source: Philip Fong/AFP
What do you think should be done to help support stranded students outside of Japan?
The Japanese government should remember how they are trying to make the country “hyperglobal” and an attractive place for international students. One of the reasons for this is a shrinking and aging workforce.
The other is because the people-to-people exchanges between international students and Japan are mutually beneficial. With all this in mind, the only way to help these stranded students is for foreign students to travel to Japan.
With our entry ban, it gets us in trouble and jeopardizes the nation’s reputation. It also had a negative impact on our study abroad experience.
I don’t understand the logical reason why vaccinated international students have not been allowed in – DJs and athletes and even the US military are allowed to move freely without proof of isolation or vaccinations.
What about your university? Did they provide support?
Yes, unlike other Japanese universities, my university has been very supportive of me. In April 2020, when students were unable to enter, my university quickly developed an online learning system.
It also gives us the option to take online classes or view recorded classes. They introduced financial aid to support students impacted by the pandemic and made many books available online.
However, it depends on one’s research topic, since not all books can be found in online databases, which is important. Finally, the professors are friendly and knowledgeable about the situation of the students in their home countries.
What is your backup plan?
Japan is a backup plan for my master’s. Right now, I don’t have a backup plan because my degree is in progress and I don’t want to stop without finishing it because I invested a lot of time and money.
I hope to move to another country after getting my degree. The decision was not directly related to the ban, but the uncertainty and the shelved state made me wonder if I could see myself living in Japan.
What advice do you have for foreign students who want to study or travel in Japan?
I suggest finding ways to not feel alone and find a community that is similarly affected. Talking to others really helps realize that you are not alone. Getting to know people on Twitter who are going through the same situation is the only way to help me deal with a stressful ban.
I’ve created groups on this platform to bring together struggling communities and it’s great to share information and vent. Some of us are proposing peaceful protests around the world to raise awareness as the authorities ignore letters and petitions.
Honestly, finding appropriate ways to share your concerns and feelings really helps. I assure you that a wonderful experience in Japan is waiting for you!
