Educational Differences

The relationship between teachers and students in Japan is different from that in the United States.  It is often warmer and yet more formal at the same time.  If you keep a few of these differences in mind, it will help prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication between you and your teachers.

Students should show a high level of respect toward their teachers. This respect may be shown in ways that are somewhat different from in the United States. It is expected that students will go to class on time, turn their cell phones off, be well-prepared, notify the instructor if they take a sick leave in advance of the class, or will otherwise miss class.

Keep in mind that some behavior that is acceptable in the United States may convey a message of disrespect in Japan. For instance, “asking questions” or “offering unsolicited comments” may sometimes be regarded as impolite, or even inappropriate, in classrooms. This tendency might be more common among older male professors who received academic training in Japan. The best advice is for you to be aware of such differences and use your judgment. Remember that the same intentions (for instance, “being respectful”) are expressed differently in different cultures, and you are there to learn a new way of such expressions. The School in Japan maintains a strict “no eating in class” policy. We also ask all the participants to use polite-level Japanese with professors.

When you miss a class due to illness, it is not unusual for your teacher to show concern by calling you.  This does not mean the teacher doesn’t believe you are sick or is being overly nosy; instead the teacher is demonstrating care for your well-being.