The OECD ranks Japanese high school students number one in the world for maths, and number 2 for scientific literacy.  Japan has the highest number of Nobel prize winners of any Asian country.  49% of Japanese High School graduates enter university.  Japan has over 700 universities, with 10 universities ranked in the top 200 worldwide (including Tsukuba).

Studying abroad gives you an unparalleled opportunity to live, work and explore a different culture.  You will be able to learn about the people, the culture, the history and language of one of thew world's most unique cultures.  Living overseas will help you develop as a person, becoming independent and taking responsibility.  It will help you to see things from new perspectives, and appreciate the differences between cultures, while also seeing the deep similarities between people.  Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom; meeting people from different cultures and making friends from all over the world are also important parts of growing up.

Global 30 allows you to learn Japanese all the way throughout your degree program, while also earning a degree in another subject. Many students with an interest in Japan feel they have to choose between a degree in Japanese and another subject. With Global 30 at Tsukuba, you can have the best of both worlds; learning Japanese while also gaining a degree in another subject. Student who wish to remain in Japan and work after graduation may enjoy a significant advantage over lanaguage majors, who may have comparable Japanese levels, but who lack the degree specific skills.

Japan has a long and fascinating history filled war and intrigue. Japan has been inhabited for thousands of years. Discover peaceful temples and shrines, demon museums, and the history of how Japan was unified by the sword. Tsukuba is less than 45 minutes from the historical capital, Kamakura, and an hour from the world class museums in the current capital, Tokyo.

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, with Japan ranking last in the number of victims of crime per capita (nationmaster.com). Japan regularly turns up on lists of the safest places to visit in the world.  Japan also has one of the world's most advanced healthcare systems, reflected in this high life expectancy.  Members of the National Health Insurance scheme pay only 30% of their healthcare costs, with a trip to the doctor or dentist often costing only a few hundred yen (few dollars).

For those wishing to learn Japanese, or take part in a Japanese martial art, the University offers obvious benefits. The University has sent over 60 athletes to the Olympic games, and we have numerous Olympic medalists and world champions on staff. Judo players have the opportunity to train in one of the world's foremost university clubs, while high level instruction is readily available. Students wishing to learn taiko drumming, shamisen, Japanese calligraphy or the tea ceremony are equally well catered for.

Study abroad is an impressive part of any resume.  Employers value the skills you learn as an international student.  As well as the personal growth you will undergo studying in Tsukuba, interacting with your professors, classmates, tutors and friends, will help improve your international awareness and employment opportunities.  Internationally aware employees are in strong demand, and many companies actively recruit students with overseas learning experience - especially if they are able to speak a second language.  If you choose to return home after graduation, you can be confident that your experience in Tsukuba wil help you appeal to high-quality employers, particularly those involved in international business.
For this wishing to remain in Japan, there is a strong job market for highly qualified graduated.  Many major companies have publicly stated their desire to hire foreigners graduating from Japanese institutions. 

Tuition fees are comparatively cheap in Japan.  While an "in state" student in the US may spend $10,000 a year or more on tuition, with "out of state" and international fees being several times higher, tuition fees at Japanese public universities are a mere 535,800 yen (approx $6,500) a year.  Furthermore, at Tsukuba the regular entrance fees and first year tuition fees have been waived.  Partial and full tuition fees waivers are even possible for high achieving students from poorer backgrounds.
Furthermore, a wide range of scholarships are available, both from the university, and from public and private organizations.  A limited number of Tsukuba scholarships are available, paying a monthly living allowance, and either a travel allowance in first year or paying fees in later years.  A wide range of other scholarships are available, with some directed towards specific nationalities, women, minorities, or those with high level Japanese proficiency.