University in Hong Kong or Japan?

[I`m Potato]

So, I am from Hong Kong and I have 2 places to choose from for my university.

1) Hong Kong - HKU

2) Japan - Tokyo U / Tokyo U of Foreign Studies

I'm fluent in Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese), English and knows very basic Japanese.

However, in order to apply into Japanese Universities such as Tokyo U (I don't want to enroll into an English taught course) I would need to get a pretty good score in the EJU exam (language proficiency exam for university education), but that's probably impossible because I've never had proper Japanese education and I just self-study it.

I can read and listen alright but have no idea how to use proper grammar and stuff to write a proper essay.

Anyway, my parents wouldn't want me to go back to HK because that's where I came from, so there's no point in studying abroad if I go back studying there.

SO I'm stuck with a dilemma here.

[Aquarius]

So, I am from Hong Kong and I have 2 places to choose from for my university.

1) Hong Kong - HKU

2) Japan - Tokyo U / Tokyo U of Foreign Studies

I'm fluent in Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese), English and knows very basic Japanese.

However, in order to apply into Japanese Universities such as Tokyo U (I don't want to enroll into an English taught course) I would need to get a pretty good score in the EJU exam (language proficiency exam for university education), but that's probably impossible because I've never had proper Japanese education and I just self-study it.

I can read and listen alright but have no idea how to use proper grammar and stuff to write a proper essay.

Anyway, my parents wouldn't want me to go back to HK because that's where I came from, so there's no point in studying abroad if I go back studying there.

SO I'm stuck with a dilemma here.

Unlike our Norwegian member, knowing Chinese already is a good start so please do not hesitate to further your Japanese language education if you are really into the idea of going to Japan for uni. May I ask why such a limited options for uni destinations?

[I`m Potato]

It's due to my financial restraints that I am stuck with either going to HKU or Japanese Unis.

[Aquarius]

If your grades are good enough to apply the above 2, then I believe there are plenty of US & UK unis would offer scholarships. I know that some unis in the UK specifically have scholarships for Hong Kong students, and in the US there is a very good liberal arts uni called Berea that will allow you to study & stay for FREE. Anyway, you already know how to write trad. Chinese so you've almost aced the hardest part in learning Japanese!

[I`m Potato]

I have researched about the scholarships in the UK, however I do not think that would be sufficient for alleviating my financial expenses overall. Moreover, I personally have few interest in studying in the US, so I guess I will be more suited to an Asian environment.

To me, the hardest part of Japanese is memorizing syntax and the various readings of each kanji! That's what makes it so dinstinctively difficult even if you are fluent in the Chinese language. However, I do agree with you that the prior knowledge of Chinese characters would be beneficial in aiding the process of understanding Japanese.

[Frozy]

i was also thinking to apply to HKU, however im not chinese nor do i speak chinese ;s

Edited August 29, 2010 by Frozy

[Aquarius]

i was also thinking to apply to HKU, however im not chinese nor do i speak chinese ;s

Me neither for both of your statements, however, you still have time to consider since the admission deadline is around Jan/Feb!

[I`m Potato]

I've applied to HKU! Wish me luck Haha.