Ryukoku University

Things are pretty much made very easy here - don't always accept what you are told (as the Japanese often do), and don't always feel that that you have to act like a Japanese. Sometimes it is better to be a rude gaijin to make life a little easier. The Japanese are very approachable on a surface level (asking directions, help, etc), but are very hard to get to know on a deeper level. They are generally curious about foreign culture, and on campus it is not unusual to be aproached by strangers curious about your country or wishing conversation practice in another language.

Ryukoku is a great place to come if you are unfamiliar with Japan - the International Center here helps you with everything, and the JCLP programme is great for beginners/intermediates. Also, as it is a Buddhist university, the Buddhist studies and Japanese literature studies are excellent. You get to speak a lot of Japanese during your time here, and the atmosphere is generally friendly and relaxed.

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