How would I go about studying abroad in Japan?

Studying abroad problem?

• I am a sixteen year old girl who is very interested in studying abroad when I reach university. My place of interest is Japan, and the reason for this is because 1. I love the culture, food, and people. and 2. I am studying international business and feel that it would be good to know about Japan in the future since they are a huge economic powerhouse. Going to Japan for a year or so would be a total dream of mine. However, I haven't told my parents where I want to go yet, and they assume I want to go to europe to study, such as in France or Italy. I think this sounds cool too, but I am european (half italian half english to be exact) and have already been to those places many times. We go there annually every few years, so I feel like it's already 'been there done that', and I already know a good amount of Italian and I take French in school (I am canadian) so I feel like it doesn't spark that much of an 'adventure' to me. I'm worried that I will disappoint my parents if I tell them I want to study in Japan, as first of all, they're not all that fond of my liking for Japan for some reason because they've gotten all caught up with negative Japanese stereotypes, which bugs me, because no country is perfect and they seam to think europe is some haven, which it totally isn't, but neither is Japan of course, no country is. I like talking to my parents about my future, so I have to tell them, but I'm not sure how. And whenever I talk to them about going to Japan, even just on vacation, they rain down on me with negative things they know about Japan, which is really discouraging for me. They also think it's super dangerous, and that's a lie too. How do you think I can tell them that I want to go to Japan and not europe without them getting all upset and trying to convince me out of it? Just give me your honest opinion. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Explain to them WHY you want to go to Japan. That is very important , they won't agree with you unless they know why you really want to go there. Japan is a really good place to study , my uncle did and he loved it. And then like you said they are a huge economic powerhouse and you have to tell them that all those negative things doesn't bother you. They are your parents , your future is important for you , no matter what they say they will understand and they can't totally forbid you to study there can they? It's your life and you have the right to get a good education , you also have to tell them that Europe isn't heaven , no country is but also you have to tell them Positive things about Japan and stand for your opinion. If you want your parents to understand then show them how much you want to go there. And if Japan is really the place you want to study then don't let your parents talk you out of it , they might get a little upset but if they love you they will understand and they won't be upset forever. What is think you should do is that you should tell them what an opportunity it would be for you to study there and all the good things about Japan and don't let those negative things change your mind stay strong and good luck :)