Post: #1

I'm considering the possibility of going abroad for a semester for a study abroad type of thing. I have the choices of Tokyo, Berlin, and Seoul. Three cities I would love to live in on paper. As you can imagine I'm a little conflicted on where to go. I'd like to learn more about them outside of preconceptions (ie Tokyo is a metropolis, Berlin has a huge art scene, Seoul is bleak but neon lights make it fun).

Given that accommodation is provided, I'm looking at spending maybe $5,000 over 4-5 months, which I'll have at minimum saved from spring and summer. Is this reasonable?

How are these cities in terms of getting around without a car? I know they all have extensive metro systems but the fact is not every metro is made equal. If there's any information from people who've lived long term (or longer than a few weeks) in any of the cities I'd love to see the datasheets/relevant posts, haven't come across many.

In terms of Seoul and Tokyo, I'm very interested in learning the languages and culture, but don't really know how receptive they are to foreigners. I've heard everything from Seoul clubs banning foreigners on the level that Japan's "no gaijin allowed" shops do, to student areas in Seoul being great for foreigners (is Itaewon a student area or just foreigners?).

Similar things have been said about Tokyo, but in Toyko's defense it is the biggest metropolis in the world and I don't think can be generalized that heavily.


Advice, datasheets, constructive criticism is very appreciated.

Edit: Forgot to mention, I tend to lean towards night game and have a preference for Middle Eastern and East Asian women.

Post: #2

I’ve never been to Souel or Tokyo, so I can’t compare them. However I think Berlin is probably the least risky for a 4-5 month time period. If you aren’t a huge fan of Tokyo/Seoul after a few weeks and are stuck there, it could be disappointing for the remainder of the time.

Berlin has plenty of nightlife options (although it’s fairly spread-out), is easy for English speakers, and is culturally very similar to the Anglo-sphere. It should also be very easy to meet your classmates as well as other young expats and travelers.

Post: #3

Berlin is a godforsaken shithole.

Post: #4

Timing of 4-5 month Period is important. Berlin Oct-Feb is shit vs May-Sep

Post: #5

Eh, I kinda like the winter, but I can definitely imagine it's not the best for picking up from summer tourists.

Post: #6

@Cam Newton
I do see Berlin more as the "safe" option. I've been to Central Europe and my family has some event around the same time so, were I to choose Berlin, it wouldn't be the worst of times.

But at the same time I kind of feel like Tokyo and Seoul have a "time limit" for entering without being an English teacher. It could just be in my head but I feel it's a lot easier to touchdown in Europe with work or for travel after university than it is East Asia or even SEA to some degree.

With regard to how I mentioned money, would $5000 USD/5 months be enough considering I won't be paying for rent?

Post: #7

@Kelent: Tokyo will be pricey, you have to watch your budget. Seoul you will have more flexibility in spending. Berlin is no problem on that budget.

Post: #8

@EEnomad thanks for the info! Is it still possible to go to Tokyo as a working professional (basically 23+) without being an English teacher? I went for a week and absolutely loved my time there but can't really afford it at the moment :/. Would be fine as an English teacher but other options are preferable

Post: #9

Please, don't go to Berlin! It's a shit place.

The best German citys are Munich, Cologne and Dusseldorf.
Unfortunately I've no experiences with Seoul or Tokyo.
But I would choose Tokyo because the Japanese are more open to foreigners than the Koreans.

Post: #10

Tokyo is really expensive.Berlin is the cheapest of the 3.Japan is very hard for gaming unless you have golden hair and look exotic

Post: #11

In my opinion, all 3 options are shit.

Tokyo has the most pleasant winter, but is also the most expensive. As long as accommodation is provided, it doesn't matter that much were you go financially. Berlin is a fully international city with lots of English Speakers. It's as Western as it gets. So, choose Berlin if you want something familiar, or Seoul / Tokyo if you want something new.

Now pick your poison.

Post: #12

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  Given that accommodation is provided, I'm looking at spending maybe $5,000 over 4-5 months, which I'll have at minimum saved from spring and summer. Is this reasonable?

In Berlin, you'll be living very comfortably on US$1k per month excluding accommodation. Might struggle in Tokyo though.

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  How are these cities in terms of getting around without a car? I know they all have extensive metro systems but the fact is not every metro is made equal. If there's any information from people who've lived long term (or longer than a few weeks) in any of the cities I'd love to see the datasheets/relevant posts, haven't come across many.

I relied heavily on a car back in my hometown but didn't lack for one after moving to Berlin. Practically everyone rides a bike and the tube is extremely reliable for a Western city. Tokyo is slightly less cycleable but the metro is almost futuristic in quality.

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  In terms of Seoul and Tokyo, I'm very interested in learning the languages and culture, but don't really know how receptive they are to foreigners. I've heard everything from Seoul clubs banning foreigners on the level that Japan's "no gaijin allowed" shops do, to student areas in Seoul being great for foreigners (is Itaewon a student area or just foreigners?).

Never came across such shops in Tokyo.

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  Edit: Forgot to mention, I tend to lean towards night game and have a preference for Middle Eastern and East Asian women.

In Berlin you can literally go out 7 nights a week, non-stop. The mood takes a nosedive in winter but it doesn't stop people from hitting the clubs. I found Tokyo's winter to be less depressing for some reason.

Don't bother coming to Berlin for East Asian women. There are a handful here but their quality (specifically) sucks dogs balls.

Post: #13

(09-23-2018 05:17 AM)JWLZG Wrote:  

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  Given that accommodation is provided, I'm looking at spending maybe $5,000 over 4-5 months, which I'll have at minimum saved from spring and summer. Is this reasonable?

In Berlin, you'll be living very comfortably on US$1k per month excluding accommodation. Might struggle in Tokyo though.

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  How are these cities in terms of getting around without a car? I know they all have extensive metro systems but the fact is not every metro is made equal. If there's any information from people who've lived long term (or longer than a few weeks) in any of the cities I'd love to see the datasheets/relevant posts, haven't come across many.

I relied heavily on a car back in my hometown but didn't lack for one after moving to Berlin. Practically everyone rides a bike and the tube is extremely reliable for a Western city. Tokyo is slightly less cycleable but the metro is almost futuristic in quality.

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  In terms of Seoul and Tokyo, I'm very interested in learning the languages and culture, but don't really know how receptive they are to foreigners. I've heard everything from Seoul clubs banning foreigners on the level that Japan's "no gaijin allowed" shops do, to student areas in Seoul being great for foreigners (is Itaewon a student area or just foreigners?).

Never came across such shops in Tokyo.

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  Edit: Forgot to mention, I tend to lean towards night game and have a preference for Middle Eastern and East Asian women.

In Berlin you can literally go out 7 nights a week, non-stop. The mood takes a nosedive in winter but it doesn't stop people from hitting the clubs. I found Tokyo's winter to be less depressing for some reason.

Don't bother coming to Berlin for East Asian women. There are a handful here but their quality (specifically) sucks dogs balls.

So what kind of women would you say generally go to Berlin? I know East Asian women in Berlin might not be the best quality, but there are exceptions to that rule right?


Glad to know that 1k/mo would be living comfortably. There's also an option I've been mulling to go to Shanghai but tbh I don't know how I'd deal with pollution, so I'm not seriously considering it.


What would you say surprised you about Berlin?

Post: #14

(09-23-2018 02:14 PM)Kelent Wrote:  So what kind of women would you say generally go to Berlin? I know East Asian women in Berlin might not be the best quality, but there are exceptions to that rule right?

In terms of background, comers of literally evey colour and race, plus a few you'd never heard of, move to Berlin, some more than others. EA's are more than one might think — more than Edinburgh, but less than NYC. Don't get me wrong, I've seen a few WB's, but I don't recall seeing many of them in the 8-9 range; probably try a uni campus.

(09-23-2018 02:14 PM)Kelent Wrote:  Glad to know that 1k/mo would be living comfortably. There's also an option I've been mulling to go to Shanghai but tbh I don't know how I'd deal with pollution, so I'm not seriously considering it.

LOL. You'd eventually end up feeding off scraps trying to get by on US$1K p/m in Shanghai.

(09-23-2018 02:14 PM)Kelent Wrote:  What would you say surprised you about Berlin?

Probably the fact that there's something for almost every niche over here. I was amazed at how many twentysomething-looking attractive mums there are here, pushing prams.

Post: #15

(09-24-2018 08:00 AM)JWLZG Wrote:  In terms of background, comers of literally evey colour and race, plus a few you'd never heard of, move to Berlin, some more than others. EA's are more than one might think — more than Edinburgh, but less than NYC. Don't get me wrong, I've seen a few WB's, but I don't recall seeing many of them in the 8-9 range; probably try a uni campus.

....

LOL. You'd eventually end up feeding off scraps trying to get by on US$1K p/m in Shanghai.

....

Probably the fact that there's something for almost every niche over here. I was amazed at how many twentysomething-looking attractive mums there are here, pushing prams.

Nice, glad to know there's some pretty good variety in Berlin, even things others might not know about or consider! I'm very partial to East Asians but would be fine to have a girl from most backgrounds, just haven't had the best experiences with American girlfriends in the past so thought I'd make the preference known.


I figured as much, Shanghai seems to be extremely expensive, I had thought though that being a student some things might be cheaper or more reliably underpriced than in the West.


Berlin's art scene and general vibe does seem attractive. I've wondered though and am not sure if you could really give me a read but how is Seoul in comparison? I've heard Seoul has a decent underground art scene/club scene provided you know where to look in the city. I'm big into different varieties of metal, and house music/"EDM".

Post: #16

(09-20-2018 10:05 PM)Kelent Wrote:  I'm considering the possibility of going abroad for a semester for a study abroad type of thing. I have the choices of Tokyo, Berlin, and Seoul. Three cities I would love to live in on paper. As you can imagine I'm a little conflicted on where to go. I'd like to learn more about them outside of preconceptions (ie Tokyo is a metropolis, Berlin has a huge art scene, Seoul is bleak but neon lights make it fun).

Given that accommodation is provided, I'm looking at spending maybe $5,000 over 4-5 months, which I'll have at minimum saved from spring and summer. Is this reasonable?

How are these cities in terms of getting around without a car? I know they all have extensive metro systems but the fact is not every metro is made equal. If there's any information from people who've lived long term (or longer than a few weeks) in any of the cities I'd love to see the datasheets/relevant posts, haven't come across many.

In terms of Seoul and Tokyo, I'm very interested in learning the languages and culture, but don't really know how receptive they are to foreigners. I've heard everything from Seoul clubs banning foreigners on the level that Japan's "no gaijin allowed" shops do, to student areas in Seoul being great for foreigners (is Itaewon a student area or just foreigners?).

Similar things have been said about Tokyo, but in Toyko's defense it is the biggest metropolis in the world and I don't think can be generalized that heavily.


Advice, datasheets, constructive criticism is very appreciated.

Edit: Forgot to mention, I tend to lean towards night game and have a preference for Middle Eastern and East Asian women.

Well if your preference is towards East Asian women the simple advice would be go to East Asia.
However, as a German I can tell you that Berlin might be a shithole - but a pretty diverse and big one. So you'll find plenty of girls from every race.

Also you have to see how you want to live. Learning Korean or Japanese is rather impossible in a short period of time. German might be a difficult language but far easier for you as an English speaker.
The metro should do okay for all three cities; outside of the US almost all 1st world countries have decent public transporation in cities with more than a million ppl
Last concern would be money: Tokyo is ridiculously expensive as you know, Seoul I can't really tell but Berlin is fairly cheap for a city of its size. Just think about it.

Post: #17

I think u can't live in tokio for 1000 USD a month.
I don't know. About Seoul but Berlin is international fair priced and many girls from everywhere to Game and because it's huge city much to do and see.

Post: #18

If you're into Asian girls, then Tokyo or Seoul (either one is fine). Otherwise, Berlin.

Post: #19

You can't live off $1000 in Tokyo. I believe even the shitty capsule hostels are $1000 a month now. Doing it in Seoul is kind of doable, but it's a stretch. You'll still be miserable, and can't really meet up with girls to go out on dates.

I would say go with Berlin.

Post: #20

> "I'm looking at spending maybe $5,000 over 4-5 months"

With that budget, I think Berlin would be your best option. Its relatively affordable and a lot of people there are
of the starving artist type so you will be able to have fun without spending a ton. Plus it is more international which is a plus in my opinion, game-wise and also for meeting new people.

Post: #21

Seoul - much cheaper than tokyo but you'll get bored out of your fucking mind there unless you do a lot of travelling elsewhere. I was bored after a week. Girls are some of the hottest in asia but are hard (unless you want to bang bottom of the barrel 5s/6s). Culture of extreme hypergamy, many of them are not into white guys at all. Many clubs such as Burning Sun just won't allow you in whatever you say.

Tokyo - A bit more lively, great food. Expensive as hell. Logistical nightmare for nightgame for people to get back home after midnight. Tinder not so great. Far from the best place for game.

Berlin is just a shithole.

Do you have any other options?

Post: #22

I lived in Berlin for a year and it's one of the best cities I've seen as far as nightlife goes. There are rundown power houses turned into clubs (Tresor, Berghain) as well as higher-end places (Watergate, Monkey Bar...), so there's something for everyone. As far as gaming goes, the locals aren't the greatest catch and the most approachable club-goers, but there are a lot of exchange students/foreign girls who want nothing but the D, so it's really not that bad. I'd recommend to try out Warschauer Strasse first, where you can find Watergate, the Matrix (shitty little club but easy to bring a foreign girl home), Suicide Circus and lots of bars.