So, we got our homework for summer break (at least, I think we have all of it… but knowing my teacher he might spring another assignment or two on us tomorrow).

We have to do about 170 questions in preparation for our certification exams and show the work for them. We also got assigned 5 pages of problems involving C++, but I already did all but one. Some of my friends have started the homework and they’re already despairing. I’m going to see what can be done on the plane ride home…. then I need to figure out a schedule for getting everything done while still having time to, you know, visit my family and friends.

Homework over break is definitely one of the things that I don’t like about going to school in Japan…

Most of the e-mails I get mention concerns about the age gap between them and their would-be classmates. As with most things, though, I think the age issue has both advantages and disadvantages associated with it.

Sure, it’s kinda strange being an older student. I am about 6 to 7 years older than most of my classmates and when you’re in your twenties that gap is kind of significant. I am still young enough (and, uh, immature enough) to fit in, but there are a lot of times when I feel like there is a gulf between where I am and where everyone else is.

In terms of advantages, I’d say that a big one is that I’m already used to managing my workload. I have had 5 years of university to teach me how to handle my assignments — how to break down larger assignments so that I’m not panicking at the last minute with nothing done, when it’s okay to procrastinate and when it’s not, and what areas I can skimp on if I let my procrastination get the better of me. Having that skill makes things a whole lot easier, let me tell you.

There’s also factors such as having several years of experience dealing with things such as paying bills, which many of my classmates are only now learning how to do. The teachers often talk about how we’re going to become full-fledged members of society soon, but in reality I’ve been there (except for the having a job part) for years now.

Overall, I’d say that my age is more advantageous than not. The 6+ years of experience I have on my classmates helps to make up for the difficulty I have due to my Japanese not being perfect. If nothing else, my experience makes for a great icebreaker; I’ve made more than a few friends by doing things like sharing tips on getting assignments done.

For those of you who can be in the Osaka area on September 23, my school is holding its annual HAL-MODE FESTIVAL, wherein graduating students show off their portfolios (among other things). As a student, I can get as many tickets as needed, so drop me a line if you’re interested.

I should be worrying about the upcoming J-Ken, but instead I find myself thinking about the fact that I’m going to have to take a test before I can become employed. This is apparently standard practice for Japanese companies, and I know that big companies like Nintendo are notorious for having difficult math portions.

Are there any American companies that do this? I mean, most of my friends are employed and I have never heard of any of them having to take a test… not even those who are game programmers (which is where I’ll have to start out in all likelihood). Am I just that oblivious, or is it really just that Japan in particular believes the malarkey that tests are the best way to measure aptitude?

I was asked to post a follow up to my first article, so I pulled from First Impressions and wrote the rest from scratch (I later used the “Academic Life” section as the foundation for A glimpse into my academic life). Check it out: My Search for a Japanese Game School Part II: Inside.