In 15 Seconds
- Means living and studying in a foreign country for school.
- Combines the noun 'ryuugaku' with the verb 'suru'.
- Used for long-term academic stays, not short vacations.
Meaning
This phrase means moving to another country specifically to attend school or university. It’s about the whole experience of living and learning in a foreign culture.
Key Examples
3 of 6Sharing a dream with a friend
いつかフランスに留学をしたいです。
I want to study abroad in France someday.
A job interview
大学時代に一年間、カナダで留学をしました。
I studied abroad in Canada for one year during my university days.
Texting a classmate about plans
来年から留学するつもりだよ！
I plan to study abroad starting next year!
Cultural Background
Studying abroad is a highly respected path in Japan, often seen as a way to gain 'international sense.' Since the Meiji era, Japan has sent students abroad to bring back knowledge, making it a deeply rooted concept in modernization. Today, it is a key part of the 'shukatsu' (job hunting) strategy for many university students.
The Destination Particle
Always use the particle `に` (ni) or `へ` (e) for your destination. `アメリカに留学をする` is the most natural way to say 'study in America.'
Don't confuse with 'Study'
If you say `日本で勉強する`, it just means you are studying *something* while in Japan. `留学をする` implies you are there *because* of the study program.
In 15 Seconds
- Means living and studying in a foreign country for school.
- Combines the noun 'ryuugaku' with the verb 'suru'.
- Used for long-term academic stays, not short vacations.
What It Means
留学をする is the standard way to say you are studying abroad. It combines the noun 留学 (study abroad) with the verb する (to do). It implies a significant commitment. You aren't just visiting for a week. You are living there, attending classes, and probably struggling with a new language. It’s a big life event for many people. It suggests a journey of both academic and personal growth.
How To Use It
You use this phrase like any other suru verb. If you want to say you want to study abroad, say 留学をしたい. If you already did it, use the past tense 留学をした. You can also drop the を in casual speech to say 留学する. It’s very flexible. You can add the destination before it using the particle に. For example, 日本に留学をする means "to study abroad in Japan."
When To Use It
Use this when discussing future dreams or past experiences. It’s a great conversation starter at a party. You might use it when talking to a teacher about your career. It’s perfect for social media captions about your travels. Use it when you are actually enrolled in a program. It sounds more official than just saying you are "traveling."
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for short vacations or business trips. If you are going to Hawaii for five days to surf, that’s 旅行 (travel). If your company sends you to London for a week, that’s 出張 (business trip). Also, don't use it if you are studying a language online from home. You actually have to cross a border for this one! It requires a physical change of location.
Cultural Background
In Japan, 留学 is seen as a major milestone. Many students feel it is necessary to "see the world." There is a specific term 海外志向 (kaigai shikou) for people who want to go abroad. Studying abroad is often linked to the idea of becoming a global citizen. It’s a point of pride on a resume during job hunting. Many Japanese universities have mandatory exchange programs now.
Common Variations
You will often hear 交換留学 (koukan ryuugaku) for exchange programs. There is also 短期留学 (tanki ryuugaku) for short-term summer programs. If you are a student currently abroad, you are a 留学生 (ryuugakusei). If you want to sound a bit more formal, you can say 留学を志す (ryuugaku o kokozasu), which means to aim or aspire to study abroad. It sounds very determined and cool!
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, neutral phrase. The main 'gotcha' is using it for short trips; ensure there is an educational component to the stay to use `留学` correctly.
The Destination Particle
Always use the particle `に` (ni) or `へ` (e) for your destination. `アメリカに留学をする` is the most natural way to say 'study in America.'
Don't confuse with 'Study'
If you say `日本で勉強する`, it just means you are studying *something* while in Japan. `留学をする` implies you are there *because* of the study program.
The 'Kikokushijo' Factor
People who return from studying abroad are often called `帰国子女` (kikokushijo). It's a specific social category in Japan that carries both prestige and sometimes a feeling of being 'different.'
Examples
6いつかフランスに留学をしたいです。
I want to study abroad in France someday.
Using 'shitai' expresses a personal desire or dream.
大学時代に一年間、カナダで留学をしました。
I studied abroad in Canada for one year during my university days.
The past tense 'shimashita' sounds professional and clear.
来年から留学するつもりだよ！
I plan to study abroad starting next year!
Dropping the 'o' makes it sound more natural and casual in text.
ピザを食べるためにイタリアに留学をするよ。
I'm going to study abroad in Italy just to eat pizza.
Using a serious phrase for a silly reason creates humor.
留学をして、もっと成長して帰ってくるね。
I'll study abroad and come back more grown up.
Expresses a promise of self-improvement.
留学をするには、どのくらいの英語力が必要ですか？
How much English proficiency is needed to study abroad?
A standard way to ask for requirements.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'I want to study abroad in Japan.'
日本に___をしたいです。
`留学` specifically refers to studying abroad, whereas `旅行` is travel and `勉強` is just general study.
Choose the correct verb form for 'I studied abroad.'
去年、韓国に留学を___。
`しました` is the polite past tense, which matches the context of 'last year' (kyonen).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Study Abroad'
Dropping the 'o' particle.
留学する
Standard dictionary form with particle.
留学をする
Using polite endings.
留学をします
When to say '留学をする'
University Exchange
Applying for a semester in Tokyo.
Language School
Going to Spain for 3 months to learn Spanish.
Career Planning
Discussing international experience in an interview.
Dreaming
Telling friends you want to live in London.
Practice Bank
2 exercises日本に___をしたいです。
`留学` specifically refers to studying abroad, whereas `旅行` is travel and `勉強` is just general study.
去年、韓国に留学を___。
`しました` is the polite past tense, which matches the context of 'last year' (kyonen).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions勉強 (benkyou) is the act of studying. 留学 (ryuugaku) is the specific act of going to a foreign country to study.
Yes, but you should call it 短期留学 (tanki ryuugaku) to clarify it is short-term. Usually, 留学 implies a semester or longer.
It is neutral. You can make it formal by saying 留学をします or informal by saying 留学する.
You would say 私は交換留学生です (Watashi wa koukan ryuugakusei desu).
In textbooks and formal writing, yes. In casual conversation, people often drop it and just say 留学する.
Absolutely! It applies to any level of education, from middle school to PhD programs.
If your primary visa/reason for being there is school, use 留学. If it's work, use 海外赴任 (kaigai funin).
The word is 留学先 (ryuugakusaki). For example, 留学先は日本です.
Not really slang, but people might use ガチ留学 (gachi ryuugaku) to mean 'serious/hardcore study abroad.'
No, 留学 specifically contains the character 留 (stay) and 学 (study), but culturally it always implies going to a different country.
Related Phrases
海外に行く
To go overseas
交換留学
Exchange program
ホームステイをする
To do a homestay
語学学校に通う
To attend a language school
