While studying at Saitama University, students have the option to enroll in an intensive Japanese language program. All aspects of the language will be covered and the class meets almost everyday. The course covers material equivalent to the corresponding JLPT level.
Click "Read More" to find out more about the academics at Saitama University.
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Few things in this world have given me as much satisfaction as the ramen from Bones (らーめん梵's). Being only about a five minute walk from the campus bus stops, Bones is a paradise for the average college student.
Granted, I am bragging about this noodle joint a tad much, but they deserve it all. I have eaten at a Michelin star ramen restaurant, and I still prefer this small shop in Saitama. In fact, I always go here at list once or twice a week. Maybe it is an addiction? Huh. Click "Read More" for a full breakdown on my typical trip to Bones. When studying abroad, the little things are often what cause somebody to become the most baffled. For me, using a Japanese rice cooker was quite a challenge, simply because I did not know the kanji on the magical machine.
I strongly feel that other people will have the same struggle as myself, so I wanted to make a small guide on how to cook rice. Rice is something cheap that can be eaten everyday, so it is a very nice skill to learn. Click "Read More" to see my short and simple guide. The cafeterias at Saitama University are very convenient, cheap, and the food tastes pretty good. It can be intimidating to eat at one for the first time, but there is really nothing to worry about. Just like one would expect, one grabs a tray and asks one of the cooks to give them what they want. Then, take the tray to the register and they will tell you how much it costs. They accept both yen and Suica (IC) card as payment. The free drink options are water and green tea. The cafeteria is open on weekdays from about 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Click "Read More" to learn more about eating on campus at Saitama University. The International House (I-House) at Saitama University is currently where all international students stay if they choose to live on campus. It is a fairly inexpensive and convenient place to stay, as well as stress-free for students who are beginning their study of Japanese.
Click "Read More" to take a look inside the building and one of the rooms. The check-in days at the university were April 3rd and 4th. I flew nonstop from Denver Int'l Airport to Narita Int'l Airport (UA 139).
Haneda Int'l Airport is actually closer to Tokyo than Narita, so there are better options for one to take. I opted for my flight because it was nonstop. Once arriving in Narita, I went to the station located on the bottom floor of the airport. For about 2500 yen, I got an IC card (allows you to travel via train by scanning) and enough to make it to the university. Click "Read More" to see a brief guide on getting from Narita Airport to Saitama University. One of the most helpful tools I use while travelling is Google Maps. Even though Tokyo does an acceptable job at posting English translations at train stations, I would not have the confidence to navigate if it wasn't for Google Maps.
Click "Read More" to see why I love using Google Maps in Japan. International data plans can be very expensive, so many people opt for a rental SIM card while in Japan. For me, always having an internet connection takes a lot of the stress away when I am travelling alone. Knowing that your family and emergency contacts are just a message away is a huge relief.
The cheapest and best option that I know of is to use CD Japan's service. I rented an unlimited data SIM card for a year and it was just around $200. That's right. Unlimited data. CD Japan will ship the rental to the Japan Post mail centers at Narita or Haneda Airport. Alternatively, they also ship to an address of your choice. For iPhone users, a hotspot is required to activate the SIM card. I believe the Keisei train line has a hotspot, so it can be activated while waiting for the train in the airport's station. Android users may not need to connect to the internet to activate it. This blog is not sponsored by CD Japan, but I truly recommend their product. I have used it whenever I go to Japan. It is reliable, unlimited, and reasonably priced. |
AuthorI am a student from the University of Nebraska at Kearney who studied abroad at Saitama University in Japan. I want to share my experience to inform future students about the program. Archives
March 2018
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