American Studying Abroad In Japan?

Cannot comment on Japan specifically, but have lived in several other countries so far. You will always experience a certain degree of "culture shock" wherever you go, which includes frustration and isolation. (See Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_shock for a quick read or otherwise there is a lot of interesting research on the topic as well.)

I understand that you are worried about this, but I personally find going through this process one of the most rewarding aspects of living abroad. You will become so much more open-minded and improve your ability to adapt and deal with all sorts of unexpected situations. Sure, the isolation can be tough at times, but it also makes you more independent and there are plenty of (facebook) expat groups that allow you to connect to others that are undoubtedly in a similar situation. Also, depending on which university you go to, exchange students tend to find each other and hang out together. My previous roommate studied in Japan for a semester and had the time of her life (+ met her current boyfriend over there).

I lived in Spain for 6 months in college and then Beijing for 3.5 months the following year. There was a culture shock going to Spain, but much more culture shock going to Beijing. I knew Spanish really well and also could get by in Mandarin Chinese. Study the language before you go there.

Have fun.

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I studied abroad there for a couple months and had a few consulting projects there. You can learn a lot of Japanese over the next year, and I suggest you do. It's not too crazy difficult, just focus on picking up the alphabet (learn how to read and speak hiragana/katakana) and basic stuff like numbers, greetings, emergency words, etc. Basic grammar. Very doable within 5-6 months. That will help a lot when you go.

The experience of studying/working abroad is incredible. It's challenging sometimes but you will learn a lot about yourself and the rest of the world. Just do it! Happy to address other questions here or via DM.

Japanese people are fantastic and Japan is one of the nicest countries in the world. Learn about the culture, learn what are cultural faux pas, don’t be the stereotypical annoying American tourist. And learn the language - take some classes now, watch YouTube, no need to learn characters, just basic conversational stuff. Make an effort, be respectful, and you’ll be just fine! 

Google translate on your phone is alright for Japanese but not nearly as accurate as French/Spanish etc but you can take a picture of characters and have it translate to English which is a game changer. 

Japan is one of the best countries in the world, you should absolutely jump at this opportunity, I think you will have an amazing time. I’m jealous  of you honestly haha

Totally agree with the other commenters - spent a year working in Japan after high school and really enjoyed.

Would recommend trying to get out of Tokyo for a bit (although be aware locals will not speak any English whatsoever, even in tourist hotspots like Kyoto) - buy your Shinkansen ticket beforehand (much cheaper) and get a portable WiFi router (Japanese cell phone contracts are impossible).

The site ‘tofugu’ is really good for learning hiragana/katakana quickly and has some great recommendations for other learning resources for language/culture.

Impress them with your weeaboo knowledge and you will integrate seamlessly into grrorious Nihon currture (If you get asked who´s best girl, Asuka or Rei, it´s a trick question. The correct answer for 26 years and counting is of course Misato.)

American who spent a summer exchange there (wasn’t in school). It’s an amazing place. People are very kind and service is the best in the world. Japan has a very diverse geography as well, as places south like Okinawa have Miami weather yet Hokkaido is like Alaska. Really beautiful landscape.

Food is top notch- it’s not just sushi and seafood like it’s made out to be. Their grilled meats and vegetables are the best i’ve ever had and i’ve seen most of Southeast Asia. Everything is very clean in restaurants/hotels/trains etc., people live life there with a mutual understanding of respect for privacy and cleanliness.

As per Tokyo, I spent about a quarter of my time there but it’s a phenomenal place to be. Safest big city in the world (if not second to Singapore), everything at your fingertips. Amazing history and plenty of things to do both in Tokyo and in the surrounding area. Plus, with high speed trains everywhere you can zip off to Kyoto and see a bit more of what traditional Japan is like. Oh, but be aware- summers in Tokyo are HOT. Like damn. Think Texas heat with Panama humidity. But it’s quite nice outside of Tokyo in the summer. I spent most of my time in a coastal city on the western shore (Sea of Japan) and it was pleasant and beautiful.

The culture is very interesting in japan and learning a bit of the language at a speaking level may help. People generally don’t speak english but they’re so nice that they’ll do their best to make a translation easy lol.

It’s great, I can answer any questions if u need

Tokyo Drift intensifies