Do you have to study at College to study abroad?

Just curious: what college major would *require one to study abroad in Japan? (points) please & thank you : )?

• What majors in college would require (ok, maybe not require but would make sense for) you to go to japan? I have this friend who already graduated high school two years ago and is currently studying abroad in Japan. I thought she was an English (or literature or journalism) major, but I’m not so sure anymore. I cant really think of a reason why she would be in Japan FOR her schooling it’s something in an English department. Like, I guess it would make perfect sense if she was majoring in that foreign language or was doing something political maybe. my questions are; - could she major in something English related and study abroad over there? I cant imagine how it would help. - What majors COULD she have that give her a legit excuse? I know you can study abroad wherever your little heart desires and she doesn’t NEED a reason to be there but I recall her telling me there was an academic reason. She knows little to no Japanese so it left me a little surprised b/c I could of sworn she was an English major. . . -___- I’m just curious. Thanks guys!! and yeah, I could ask her but I wont talk to her for a month maybe :b

• Answer:

  Usually only language majors and perhaps international affairs/business/relations majors actually require a study abroad. However study abroad is extremely popular among students of all majors. It's an opportunity to learn a new culture and perhaps a new language and broaden your horizons. It's perfectly normal for an English major to study abroad. If her major is literature-based, she could be studying Japanese literature (presumably translated) or she could just be taking her gen eds. Many study abroad programs do not require you to speak the language, particularly in countries where the main language is not commonly taught in high schools so college students don't have the appropriate background to take college-level courses. I think you're taking this a little too seriously. People study abroad for all sorts of reasons.