Shijo-Tsushin #14 February, 1998

Frustrations from Abroad

by Toko KOYAMA

I'm really happy to hear that you are preparing the next issue... can't wait to see it. I'll try to write something that could be issued when I find time, coz I have A LOT of stuff to say. I can go on and on for hours with this kind of subject... I hope a lot of people would read it (especially the college professors who say that kikokushijos are not so valuable anymore and are very reluctant to accept them!)

My point is, there's no way to show the college professors who are going to consider me that I have been doing these kinds of study. The only things they're concerned with is my grades and my score on the entrance exam, and that's what frustrates me. Even if I know everything they want me to know in my head, if I know it in English and if I'm unable to show it in Japanese, they're no good for exams.

But what is really bothering me, perhaps, is the whole fact that I have to be worried about the "juken-sensou" that I have to face in six month, while I should be enjoying this great life abroad and cherishing every precious second of my limited time. Although living abroad, Japanese students are constantly bothered by the fact that they need to have not only good grades, but good letter of recommendation and a good transcript, in order to go to a good college when they go back to Japan. And then it always comes down to the problem with this education system in Japan, and the rest of the argument is as you know. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little bit, but I hope you get the idea.

Thanx for taking your time to read this whiny letter, and trying to understand my frustration. I'll write and utter again when I find time. Looking forward to see the new issue!

Toko is a Japanese high school student living in the Netherlands.

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