International Academic Experiences in Japan

Abstract

The Japanese government has introduced various policies to attract highly skilled professionals including foreign faculties at higher education institutions. However, there is little guidance for foreigners, especially from the Global South to navigate the job hunting process. When we came to Japan to pursue our doctoral studies (along with a 7-year-old and a 7-month-old), we did not plan to work here afterward. However, learning the language (even at survival level), finding a mentor (inside and outside the university), actively participating in academic conferences, and being the agent in our study and work helped us overcome the roadblocks.

In this chapter, a husband and wife reflect on their academic journey abroad – challenges and opportunities – in Japan. We hope that our experience and advice would be useful for young families interested in pursuing education abroad and perhaps working in Japanese academia.

Citation

Enkhtur, A. and Gundsambuu, S. (2022), "International Academic Experiences in Japan", Nachatar Singh, J.K. (Ed.) Academic Mobility and International Academics (Surviving and Thriving in Academia), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 149-164. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80117-510-420221015