Group C: Student Life in Japan and Alberta:
In the 21st century almost all high school students must continue their education. Some may work or take a year off to decide what they want to study but eventually good jobs and promotions require special training.
1. Is this situation the same in Japan?
Students can continue their education in:
- University
- Technical institute
- Specialized training certificate programs (e.g. hair dressing, massage therapist, day care worker)
Answer
Yes the situation in Alberta and Japan are similar and are mostly the same.
These days students look for programs that offer practical, co-op programs or work experience. Almost all students have to work at a part time job while they are studying. Some continue their studies on a part –time basis after they have reliable employment.
2. Is this situation the same in Japan?
Answer
Japanese students also work part time while in school.
We are students. Johanna goes to university while Nic goes to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Our lives as students are similar, but also different.
Comparison Chart Between University of Alberta and NAIT
| Items | NAIT | University of Alberta |
| Time of classes | Usually 2 hours | 60 minutes or 80minutes or 3 hours |
| Number of Classes for full time studies | 7 classes | 4 classes minimum 5 classes maximum a semester |
| Number of breaks | 2 : reading week in February and Christmas break and other holidays | 2 : reading week in February and Christmas break and other holidays |
| Semester length | 4 months | 4 months |
| Exam format | Lab exam and/or theory exam | Written essay style |
| Mid terms | 0-2. More important courses may have a lab and theory exam. | 1-2 depending on course written style |
| Lecture style | Hands on demonstrations, written notes, interaction with teacher | Power points, talking, iclicker, videos |
| Number of days at school | 5 days a week | Varies per semester (2-3 days a week of classes, 5 days for studying, writing papers) |
| Time spent traveling to school | Less than an hour both ways | 2 hours each day |
| Time spent in school | 25 hours per week | 15 hours per a week |
| Time spent eating lunch | 30 minutes during either a lunch break or a spare | I ate in class or after class usually 15 minutes or less |
| Time spent walking to class | 10 minutes a day | 30 minutes a day |
| Time spent reading | 1 hour a week | 15 hours a week |
| Time spent working on projects/ essays for class | 20-25 hours a week | 15 hours a week |
| Time spent researching | n/a | 15 hours per an assignment |
| Time spent studying for mid term exams | 0.5-3 hours per exam | 3-5 hours per exam |
| Time spent studying for finals | 0.5-3 hours per exam x ?? exams | 48 hours for all 5 exams |
| Time spent doing my hobby | 10-20 hours per week | 3-6 hours per a week |
| Time spent sleeping | 6-8 hours a day | 6-8 hours a day |
| | | |
3. What kind of experiences did you have when you went to University? What clubs were you involved in? What classes did you take?
Answer
Most people in Japan have a similar University experience to here however they have more courses and go to school 5 days a week. Also there are clubs in University like skiing, music,
In the USA most college students leave home to study and live in the residence of the University. In Canada most students live at home while they are studying, unless they come from a small town. Of course, these students must either live in University residence like Lister Hall or find an apartment nearby.
4. Is this situation the same in Japan?
Answer
In Japan some students live at home if the University is close to where they live others live in residence if the university they go to is far from their home.
Canadians are becoming more and more health conscious. We try to eat nourishing food. We also eat special dishes on special occasions
5. What kind of food do you eat for breakfast, lunch, and supper?
Answer
For Breakfast Japanese people traditionally have misou soup, rice and vegetables, now this is changing as some only have a banana for breakfast. For Lunch the school usually provides a lunch through a cater and the students serve their classmates lunch. For Supper many Japanese are now starting to eat out as they do not have time to cook or go home and eat.
5. What kind of food do you eat on special occasions? What holidays or festivals do you celebrate?
Answer
Japanese people celebrate many festivals a few that are in Hokkaido include the Sapporo ice festival in February and the Hokodate fire works festival in the summer.
Life is becoming more and more hectic. We are told that we must find balance in our lives. This means having hobbies, going out with friends and working out.
7. What do you do when you are not working?
Life in the 21st century is driven by technology. Young people use twitter, facebook, and other social media on a regular basis. Using computers is a necessity. So are cell phones.
8. How is technology used in your daily life in Japan?
For more information see Student Life in Alberta and Japan links in HTEP post on http://abssgr8.blogspot.com and/or email pacinet@gmail.com
