Monbukagakusho Scholarship for Postgraduate!!

[Wingmaker]

Hello,

I applied Monbukagakusho scholarship for postgraduate, and have to sit for the English language written test this weekend. Anyone know what kind of test is this? Is it subject specific or generel English test?

I am from Malaysia by the way. Thanks in advance.

[Index]

I think I saw some sample tests on the website, or somewhere. Looked like basic English.

[Wingmaker]

I already found last year question paper for this test.

Hopefully can get through this level though.

[Wingmaker]

Just sat for the test today morning. Some of the questions are quite tough.

Having my fingers crossed, hopefully can get shortlisted.

By the way, is there anyone in this forum familiar with Japanese universities and professors in electrical engineering postgrad studies by research?

[DJnerate]

Monbukagakusho scholarships are extremely easy for postgraduate students to get, regardless of country, though I suspect that your field of study will be an important factor then. There were more probably 10-15 Malaysian Monbusho postgraduate students on the plane with me to Tokyo, there were probably even more on the plane to Osaka.

Unlike undergraduate students who always get sent to Tokyo or Osaka for the preliminary language studies, postgraduate students frequently get sent to other cities. This year Niigata got quite a few Malaysian students, from what I gathered talking to the others.

Good luck.

[Wingmaker]

I've been notified to attend the interview, anyone here knows what kind of questions they will ask? How to prepare for it?

[Index]

Have a look here: http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/jp/index.html

[Harvey]

postgraduate students frequently get sent to other cities. This year Niigata got quite a few Malaysian students, from what I gathered talking to the others.

Was the school in Niigata that all the malyasian students were going to called "IUJ"? The International University of Japan? I have heard about that place and am interested in it myself.

Also one more question. You mention students are "getting sent to...". I was under the impression that students were able to chose which university they wanted to study at when accepting the monbusho scholarship.

How much say do students have in their placement location?

Thanks

- Harvey

[Alma]

I've been notified to attend the interview, anyone here knows what kind of questions they will ask? How to prepare for it?

you have been already called for interview? i aplied for same thing, but still havent even english test. you did? how was it? what are things i should have on mind? please help :) thanks

[Wingmaker]

For postgraduate, the English test is 50-questions objective paper on grammar and comprehension. A lesser and easier version of GRE, which I am going to take next month.
You can find the past year questions from this website.
http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/jp/index.html

[Alma]

ok thanks.. good luck on interview!

[nashyde]

hello everyone!!i was wondering where did you guys get the application form?what kind of qualifications do i need? i'm sitting for STPM this year,btw.i need all kinds of info on this.thanks for the info!!

[Alma]

hello everyone!!i was wondering where did you guys get the application form?what kind of qualifications do i need? i'm sitting for STPM this year,btw.i need all kinds of info on this.thanks for the info!!

you should be able to get it in japanese embassy. you'll find anything you want to know at link posted already http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/index.html

:wave:

[Mike Cash]

Unlike undergraduate students who always get sent to Tokyo or Osaka for the preliminary language studies...

Not entirely accurate. I was an undergrad Monbusho (as it was known at the time) guy and I not only didn't get the Tokyo/Osaka preliminary language studies, I didn't get them anywhere else either.

I think that some of the students who were at the more northern universitites received their preliminary Japanese sessions at Sendai. Not sure about that, though.

[nashyde]

thanks a lot for the info!! if you got any updates please tell me!! thanks again !!

[kooriyuki]

Hi, first time here.
I'm applying for the research student monbusho, and I'm totally stucked @ how to write the study plan and field of study. As in, do I write in complete sentences, or just point form? And may I have a rough idea on how to write a proper study plan?
Thank you very much!!!! :-)

[chanoil]

Hi Kaooriyuki,
I'm first time here too.
In my opinion, it's better to write them in short, straight-to-the-point sentences and then, elaborate and explain them.
For study plan, I also need some advice here. Could anyone explain about how to write a study plan?

[Wingmaker]

Regarding the study plan, what I think is you should have something in mind what you want to do in your graduate research work. It is about your ambition and direction for your career either in academic or in corporate world.
Anyway doing graduate study must have strong sense of purpose, as you don't even need one to rise in the industry you are in. That purpose is needed to convince the interviewer, and to display how much a graduate scholarship is important to you. That is my believe.

My plan of study consists of the key topics of study and research, some research activities and proposing a research project. But my plan is composed in point form.

[chanoil]

Hi WingMaker,
Thanks for your reply. I still remember that during the English&Japanese exams in early May, that the officer from Japanese Embassy mentioned that most applicants have filled in the study plan in a wrong manner.
So, be cautious in filling in your application forms.

Good luck to everyone in the interview. :)

-Chanoil

[vivu]

Hi everyone who took the Monbusho exam this year
Does anyone know questions and format of English test for the Monbusho exam in Malaysia or anywhere else this year ?
Thanks a lot.

[Alma]

Hi everyone who took the Monbusho exam this year
Does anyone know questions and format of English test for the Monbusho exam in Malaysia or anywhere else this year ?
Thanks a lot.

it was same way as last years.. you can find last year test here -> http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/pdf/004.pdf

[Alma]

p.s. if anyone wants to know... i took tests (english and japanese) and interview, and i passed preliminary selection :-) yea :relief:

:wave:

[vivu]

Hi Alma,
Thanks for your reply. Congratulations to you.
Could you please give me more info about this year's English test ? For example, unusual idioms or collocations were questioned in the test. I was told that questions in that test was quite weird and confusing in reasoning. I'd like to get acquainted with that kind of test.
Thank you very much.

[Alma]

Hi Vivu... you are planing to take test next year? don't worry, just study ;) I'm sorry but i really can't remember questions :( it was unusual test for me, and a little bit confusing, but nothing too much, you just need to concentrate good. I was under lot of stress, of course, and didn't study as much as i wanted, but i manage it somehow. there is no way you can prepare yourself properly, i think. just read various things as much as you can/have time. i could not understand everything, of course, and you saw last two questions? they have quite big text and lots of questions. given possible answers are quite confusing, but if you read text carefully (even without understanding every word), and q&a even more carefully, you will manage to do it good. and you have 1 hour for test, which is more then enough. and don't forget, you do not have to do it 100% correct to pass!

i hope this helps! if you have any other questions, shoot! if i think of anything else, i'll post!

:wave:

[vivu]

Hi Alma,
Thank you very much.
Best wishes

Vivu

[-Rudel-]

Wow! Great website, just what I was looking for.
http://www.studyjapan.go.jp

This website is ran by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs which makes it non-phony information.

[Alma]

Vivu, sorry again i couldn't help more! good luck :)

-rudel-, that site is first thing you need to look at, beside of talking with people in embassy... good luck too u 2 :)

:wave:

[adacongrains]

I passed the english test of the embassy selection but it wasnt as easy as the sample they gave us as a model test. The test in my opinion is advance english but as I could see your level is good enough to pass, there was a multiple choice section, another to fill gaps and two texts for reading comprehension. I dont know if it is the same exam everywhere but there wasnt grammar in the exam,all questions were about collocations, idiomatic expresions and prepositions and reading comprenhension. I would like to know if someone is already a finalist and could help me with tips to contact a researcher because I a looking for a university and it is very difficult.
Thank you very much.
Adita

[vivu]

Hi Adita,
Thanks for your reply. Your advice is really helpful.
I would be very grateful if you could give me some idioms or collocations in detail. Thanks a lot.
Besides, regarding the search for a professor in a Japanese university, as far as I know, Japanese professors rarely reply to an unknown student. It's a good idea to find a professor who knows you well to recommend you to a Japanese professor. It's the traditional way in Japan.
Best wishes.
Vivu

[Alma]

... I would like to know if someone is already a finalist and could help me with tips to contact a researcher because I a looking for a university and it is very difficult.
Thank you very much.
Adita

I would love that too!

Hi Adita! well, I'm glad to find someone with same problems... I cannot find and contact anyone from professors... some universities put on there home page contact, so i contacted them, but from most, I have no answer till now. And I got info from embassy that they want my papers (including acceptance letter) by the end of the month. i dont know what to do...
btw, whats your major?

[chanoil]

Hi Adita, Hi Alma,

I'm glad to find someone who is in the preliminary selection... I'm currently looking for Universities and professors to complete the acceptance letter. Right now, I really have no idea on how to proceed.
I'm applying for Computer Engineering major, doing Research/Masters.

Do we need to submit the whole stack of applications to the universities (the ones that we submitted to the Embassy?)

[Alma]

well, hello chanoil! :)

about submitting documents... it depends, as far as i saw. most of universities i found do not provide list of professors, some have contact mail especially for students like us, and some just will not respond :( i contacted at least 8 universities, and got answer just from 4. two of them wanted same documents as submitted to the embassy (one by e mail, one wanted original documents). 3th wanted whole bunch of documents that i cannot possibly give, and told me they can't issue acceptance letter before september :( and fourth told me they do not provide it at all, they expect me to come to take entry exam (!?). so, i am still waiting for answers from these first two universities :( but guys or embassy want my documents (including acceptance letter) back before end of this month. i don't know what to do :(

[Sepideh]

hi ! It seems The Monbushu Scholarship for "Undergraduated"s is only for Natural Sciencers & Human-Social Sciencers. http://qsmile.com/qsimages/168.gif I want to Study Art as an Undergraduate student but I dont know how can I get the Art Scholarship for it. anybody knows anything ? http://qsmile.com/qsimages/258.gif plz http://qsmile.com/qsimages/258.gif

[Gaijin4Life]

Guyz u might wanna check out this site too has a lot of information on the Universities and other good info. http://www.jasso.go.jp/index_e.html

[chanoil]

Just to update on the Monbusho Postgraduate Application for Year 2007...
I haven't heard any reply from the Embassy after submitting the preferred list of universities to them.
I have passed through the tests and preliminary interview in the Embassy. They have submitted my documents to the Japanese Education Department (Monbusho), just waiting for their reply.
The Embassy person-in-charge of the Monbusho Scholarship mentioned that the Japanese Government will give a reply by February or perhaps go through another interview again.

How about updates from you, Vivu, adacongrains?
Anyone who has passed to the preliminary stage, any updates?

[ignacio]

sepideh

i am from argentine and i have known a sucessfull candidate who is actually studying film, which is based in art schools. be sure of that , you are probably wrong. The profile of the scholarship is to help developing countries so if you compete with someone who presents a project, for instance the cure of malaria you will probably loose your chances.
however you should emphasize the importance of arts as an reflexive system of your own culture.

I would like to know if any of you have the answers of the english examintaion, or any extra exam. I already have 2000, 2005 and 2006.

best regards

[sasorizachan]

Hi...
Im first time here...Im applying Monbusho Scholarship 2008 for postgraduate this year. And I have received notification letter to sit for a written english test on 27.5.2007.

I would like to know how the exam is going to be? Would it be any essay?Comprehension? Or Grammar?

Im from Malaysia. Thanks a lot.

[osging]

Hi Sasorizachan,

Congrats for receiving the letter. The test will be in objective form, duration is an hour. Basically it covers everything, from grammar (which is quite vague actually) to general basic usage of it.

In terms of preparation, frankly speaking I don't think much can be done about it in such a short time..Just sit back and relax, wait till that day itself and go in to take the exam..

Good luck!! :)

[sasorizachan]

Hi Sasorizachan,
Congrats for receiving the letter. The test will be in objective form, duration is an hour. Basically it covers everything, from grammar (which is quite vague actually) to general basic usage of it.
In terms of preparation, frankly speaking I don't think much can be done about it in such a short time..Just sit back and relax, wait till that day itself and go in to take the exam..
Good luck!! :)


Thanks for ur reply. ya...I also think so, there is nothing much I can prepare for it? So, u have taken the test before?

[osging]

Nothing much to prepare to b frank. Ya I took it before.

[pocketpc]

must've been very tough! what happened to those who posts up until their interview, then went silent? they failed, i reckon?

hey osgig, how many attended the test? must've been tough competition. did you submitted the same study plan everytime or do you improvise, or change your topic?
anybody know what they ask during the interview? will they be asking about the research itself? personality check maybe? both? what do you do to impress? what do you not do so that you dont look over-doing it?

how many stages again?
1- fill in form
2- english test or japanese
3- interview
4- fly?
is that it?

good luck to all Malaysian facing the test this weekend. but if i should put it in japanese, let us all strive hard and do you best!
Ganbaremashoo!!!! (^o^)/~

ATOM.

[osging]

must've been very tough! what happened to those who posts up until their interview, then went silent? they failed, i reckon?
hey osgig, how many attended the test? must've been tough competition. did you submitted the same study plan everytime or do you improvise, or change your topic?
anybody know what they ask during the interview? will they be asking about the research itself? personality check maybe? both? what do you do to impress? what do you not do so that you dont look over-doing it?
how many stages again?
1- fill in form
2- english test or japanese
3- interview
4- fly?
is that it?
good luck to all Malaysian facing the test this weekend. but if i should put it in japanese, let us all strive hard and do you best!
Ganbaremashoo!!!! (^o^)/~
ATOM.
Hi Pocketpc,
I guess during my time, there were around 200-300 people attending the test. I do not understand ur question regarding me changing the study plan everytime. I only applied once last year, which is for the 2007 batch, and I am not applying it this year as there is no need anymore..so I did not change my topic or improvise everytime..
Bout the interview, its just a casual conversation, just some small talk regarding yourself and also your research proposal, some of them werent even asked about their research proposal.
And your sequence of events is correct..

[rider84]

Hi...
Im first time here...Im applying Monbusho Scholarship 2008 for postgraduate this year. And I have received notification letter to sit for a written english test on 27.5.2007.
I would like to know how the exam is going to be? Would it be any essay?Comprehension? Or Grammar?
Im from Malaysia. Thanks a lot.

Hello there! Just found this forum and i see quite a lot of useful information here.
I am going to tomorrow English test as well. All the best to you (and to me too :-) )

[xgg]

i also have oledi sat for the exam, it's quite easy this year compare to the pass years, so anyone who will be sitting this year, gambateh neh~~

[Nall-ohki]

I got the reply from the Embassy today - I passed the initial screening of my application, and they want me to come in and take a Japanese examination and an interview.

Downloading old tests from this page:

http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0307e.html#3

Don't know what the interview is going to be like yet, but I'm doing mental preparation now.

頑張る

[Alma]

congratulation, Nall-ohki, and good luck! keep us updated! :wave:

good luck for others too! everyone, keep on posting!

[bakr_pathologist]

Hi everyone,

My name is Bakr, 24 years old Egyptain male, currently i pursuing my postgraduate study in the field of Veterinary Pathology.

I'm very happy to join your forum, and i'm looking to share experiences with you all

I have passed the language exams, and i will have the interview next tuesday, so please i want some advice

How can i prepare my self ?
What kind of questions they may ask ?

I would appreciate any quick response and thank you in advance

[Alma]

I have passed the language exams, and i will have the interview next tuesday, so please i want some advice
How can i prepare my self ?
What kind of questions they may ask ?

hello bakr_pathologist, and congrats!:bravo:
I wanted to answer you on PM you send, but I guess it is better here, so other people who are interested in it can see.
I actually can't help you much. Really do not know how you can prepare. I was asked something like this... first I introduced myself. they asked WHY I want to study in Japan. I think that is most important question, and you'll have to explain it really detailed. then about study program, about Japan in general, about my previous trip to Japan (study trip for Japanese students), and what I've learned from it. What are my plans after (big one too, I believe, at least for me was), a little bit about me and my country, etc.
overall, nice and pleasant conversation (but I was very nervous, of course) :bluush:
It's been almost year now from that, so I forgot a bit. but those are main questions, I bet.

Now I have question for all of applicants.... Here, in Bosnia, application procedure for this year finished just yesterday. How come that you already have tests and interviews? :?

[bakr_pathologist]

Thanks Alma, you really helped so much.

Good luck for you all

[rider84]

i also have oledi sat for the exam, it's quite easy this year compare to the pass years, so anyone who will be sitting this year, gambateh neh~~

Yea, i agree, it is easier than those previous years papers that i've flip through.

[rider84]

hello bakr_pathologist, and congrats!:bravo:
I wanted to answer you on PM you send, but I guess it is better here, so other people who are interested in it can see.
I actually can't help you much. Really do not know how you can prepare. I was asked something like this... first I introduced myself. they asked WHY I want to study in Japan. I think that is most important question, and you'll have to explain it really detailed. then about study program, about Japan in general, about my previous trip to Japan (study trip for Japanese students), and what I've learned from it. What are my plans after (big one too, I believe, at least for me was), a little bit about me and my country, etc.
overall, nice and pleasant conversation (but I was very nervous, of course) :bluush:
It's been almost year now from that, so I forgot a bit. but those are main questions, I bet.
Now I have question for all of applicants.... Here, in Bosnia, application procedure for this year finished just yesterday. How come that you already have tests and interviews? :?

Thanks for the sharing. So you are now in Japan studying for your postgraduate?

I guess different country will have different time schedule for the application, language test, and interview. Some country might be earlier, some might be later.

[Reonagg]

sepideh
I would like to know if any of you have the answers of the english examintaion, or any extra exam. I already have 2000, 2005 and 2006.
best regards

Hey Ignacio, could you send me those exams? I only have 2006. I'm from Spain and I'm preparing for Monbusho scholarship. Many Thanks in advance, and good luck with your application!

renoagg[at]hotmail[dot]com

If anybody has any english or/and japanese exam from previous years, please send it to me, I would be yours debt forever.

Thanks.

[Alma]

If anybody has any english or/and japanese exam from previous years, please send it to me, I would be yours debt forever.
Thanks.

test are basically the same, so don't focus on finding them so hard. I'd rather advise reading English books, and practicing Japanese. :wave:

So you are now in Japan studying for your postgraduate?

no, not yet. I postpone my leaving to Japan to October this year.


:wave:

[rossignole]

hi bakr, congratulations. hope that u will succeed in the interview
i'm will pass the english exam next week and i would like u to tell me how was your test is it more about grammar or what

thx a lot
ciao

[Nall-ohki]

So... I just took the practice examinations for the English as well as the Japanese (A), (B), and (C) sections:

Japanese (A): 94
Japanese (B): 61
Japanese (C): 31
English: 78 <--- :okashii:

So, the Japanese ones started out easy and then got progressively harder (the C one kicked my butt :blush: ).

The thing I was really surprised with was some of the bad ambiguity in the English test. I lost points on some things that were almost trick questions.

It's wierd, because it's a test that I'm almost sure a studied non-native speaker of English could pass more easily than a native speaker (of which I am one).

Anyway... I recommend taking the practice tests before you go in - they seem very useful.

I'll let you know more when I go take the real ones this Thursday.

[xosammi]

has any one from Canada received notice for the resulte of preliminary screening???

[pocketpc]

so they'll give u you marks? interesting... malaysians... how was the test the other day? you guys should get the invitation for an interview by mid this month. update us please.

i'm coming back to KL at the end of this year. should be able to apply for 2009. appreciate all the advise posted here.

[xgg]

I have sat for the test but havent recieved any news from the embassy, but they said will be middle of june , so i am still hoping the best of it Cheersz:bluush:

[Reonagg]

Thanks Alma for the advice. I just wanted to practice with fresh tests a couple of times, it's true that the style doesn't change through the years.
...The waiting is drivin' me nuts, guys. I sent the huge bunch of application papers a day before the deadline and:
1.-I don't know for sure if the papers have arrived to the correct office.
2.-I don't know if I sent all I was supposed to.
3.-I have just realized that the doctor forgot to specify my blood type.
4.-There won't be any news till 30 days.
5.- ...
I . NEED . TO . (K)NOW
I had not realized before how badly I want to get this scholarship. Seriously. I should focus in my last exams at university and I should be thinking in the interview and exams at embassy but you know, I don't even know if I'll be called to them so it's kind of...*struggling*, I have to act as if I were to be called but I don't know that for sure so I should focus in real things like uni exams but then again if I don't prepare the exams&interview in some way and I'm called there'll be no time to do it... So, as I have said before: this is driving me nuts :mad:
In any case, the attitude I have right now is the least beneficial.
....
... I still want to know now :(

[rider84]

I have sat for the test but havent recieved any news from the embassy, but they said will be middle of june , so i am still hoping the best of it Cheersz:bluush:

Mid of June? i thought is end of June?

Thanks Alma for the advice. I just wanted to practice with fresh tests a couple of times, it's true that the style doesn't change through the years.
...The waiting is drivin' me nuts, guys. I sent the huge bunch of application papers a day before the deadline and:
1.-I don't know for sure if the papers have arrived to the correct office.
2.-I don't know if I sent all I was supposed to.
3.-I have just realized that the doctor forgot to specify my blood type.
4.-There won't be any news till 30 days.
5.- ...
I . NEED . TO . (K)NOW
I had not realized before how badly I want to get this scholarship. Seriously. I should focus in my last exams at university and I should be thinking in the interview and exams at embassy but you know, I don't even know if I'll be called to them so it's kind of...*struggling*, I have to act as if I were to be called but I don't know that for sure so I should focus in real things like uni exams but then again if I don't prepare the exams&interview in some way and I'm called there'll be no time to do it... So, as I have said before: this is driving me nuts :mad:
In any case, the attitude I have right now is the least beneficial.
....
... I still want to know now :(

Don't get too nervous, Gambateh! :-)

[Reonagg]

Don't get too nervous, Gambateh! :-)
That's easy to say!
Anyway, since I'm feeling so freaking nervous, I decided to test myself taking the last English exam. I was hoping to get some self-confidence but the results left a lot to be desired...yeah, it scared the **** out of me :shock:, which is also good because I'm working harder now (I'm reviewing idioms HAHA :evil: )...

...

...but I still want to know :(

[Reonagg]

I was just wondering...which part of the Monbukagakusho scholarship application procedure (documents in general, letters of recommendation , finding a professor, choosing/writing the research project, interview, exams...) have you found/do you think will be more difficult or annoying?. I'd really want to know.
In my case, needless to say...
...it's the wait for the results of the preliminary screening.
:(

[rider84]

I was just wondering...which part of the Monbukagakusho scholarship application procedure (documents in general, letters of recommendation , finding a professor, choosing/writing the research project, interview, exams...) have you found/do you think will be more difficult or annoying?. I'd really want to know.


I am interested to know that too.

[osging]

Personally, I think that finding a Sensei to take you in would be the hardest part..the rest is just standard procedure for any kind of postgraduate application...good luck guys!!

P/S: rider84, did u get shortlisted for d interview?

[eng.tariq]

hi everyone it's my first day here i should submit my documents on thusday ..i'm very confused about the research plan and the field of study , how should they be filled ?? i'm applying for research student in software engineeing , please anyone have research plan tamplates to send me ..thank you so much (Alma especially)

[Nall-ohki]

I took my language exam and interview this last week, and I must say I am nervous awaiting the result. Normally, there are around four people who apply at my consulate, and this year there were 11 including me.

I have no idea if the consulate has limits on the number of people who they can recommend or not, or if it is merely pass/fail for each person.

My test went alright, and my interview went great (at least in my opinion), so I think that if I had a chance at all, I gave it my best shot and did well...

I will admit, I really, really want this to work out, and waiting is taking its toll on me.

[eng.tariq]

please is there anyone help me in the research plan ???

[Reonagg]

I will admit, I really, really want this to work out, and waiting is taking its toll on me.
:( Welcome to the Icantstandthewait-club! :(

eng.tariq, I don't know if I filled the research plan and field of study properly, but I wrote an introduction to the topic in the field of study (something like explaining what it's already done, who has worked in that topic before, what remains to be done, why is it important to do it, etc), and in the research plan I wrote what exactly I'll try to do, how I'm gonna do it and based on what previous works. But as I've told before, this may be wrong. I think it's commonsense, but you know, burocracy is not always so logical: call you embassy/consulate and ask. The guidelines may also vary from one country to another, so give them a call.
Hope this can help you, but remember that the research project is very personal. If you have done some research before (at some university department or on your own), why don't you start from that point? Besides, if you have read enough papers about your topic, you should have a fuzzy idea of how to do it at least. I wish you good luck! :cheer:

...

...yeah, I still want to know :(

[eng.tariq]

thank you Reonagg so much ....where r u watching La liga tonight ?

[Reonagg]

where r u watching La liga tonight ?


HAHA !!, I don't really like football plus I have lots of homework so...

:note:

[eng.tariq]

please reoangg would u plz send me the questions of the exams if u have them ...?

[rider84]

Personally, I think that finding a Sensei to take you in would be the hardest part..the rest is just standard procedure for any kind of postgraduate application...good luck guys!!

P/S: rider84, did u get shortlisted for d interview?

YEA! I just received the big envelope today asking me to go for an interview on 11 July. Any advice for the interview?

[rider84]

please reoangg would u plz send me the questions of the exams if u have them ...?
Here is a link to a sample English/Japanese test questions, together with the answer. If i am not wrong that is 2006 questions.
www[dot]eg[dot]emb-japan[dot]go[dot]jp/e/study/research_students/things_to_do[dot]htm

P/S:Sorry for the weird address as i do not have enough post to include a url in my post. Hope it is understandable :-)

[eng.tariq]

Here is a link to a sample English/Japanese test questions, together with the answer. If i am not wrong that is 2006 questions.
www[dot]eg[dot]emb-japan[dot]go[dot]jp/e/study/research_students/things_to_do[dot]htm

P/S:Sorry for the weird address as i do not have enough post to include a url in my post. Hope it is understandable :-)
Thank you so much but i have the 2006 answers ..i was seeking older exams

[chairman]

Im applying Monbusho Scholarship 2008 for postgraduate this year. And I have received notification letter to sit for a written english test on 23.5.2007


I would like to know how the exam is going to be? Would it be any essay?Comprehension? Or Grammar? Do you have the test which took this year before 23 May 2007.

How can I get the test ? Is there any way to get the test before exam?

[Reonagg]

Do you have the test which took this year before 23 May 2007.


Have you no shame ?


How can I get the test ?

Really, Have you no shame ?


Is there any way to get the test before exam?

...


This is so sad, disgraceful and infuriating that I can't even think of any polite answer right now.
Maybe later.

[Alma]

take it easy, Reonagg... you see... he's suppose to sit on test in May :p
kind of missed it, I suppose. :blush:

note to all taking test sooner or later: English test is not so hard. anyway, you only have to show basic knowledge of English. you need it just for making your way around in Japan before you learn Japanese.

[Reonagg]

Posted by chairman on 19.6.2007:
And I have received notification letter to sit for a written english test on 23.5.2007

:eek:

Clever remark by Alma (thanks):
he's suppose to sit on test in May :p
kind of missed it, I suppose. :blush:
Oooh, boy... this doesn't even make sense... :mad:

[Alma]

Oooh, boy... this doesn't even make sense... :mad:

I guess it's typo, but just wanted to make a little fun. I'm sure he doesn't mind :p

anyway, reonagg, I don't know how far did you get with procedure? (and why you do not activate yourself at the rest of the forum, beside this thread?) :wave:

[Reonagg]

I'm still waiting for the results of the first screening

...I still want to know :(

why you do not activate yourself at the rest of the forum, beside this thread? :wave:

Mmm, I found this forum while looking for scholarship information so that's my main interest and the main reason for posting really. But when I have some free time (will that ever happen? :worried:) I'll take a look around and I'll post something if I feel like that.

[Nall-ohki]

So.... I just got a letter in the mail: I passed the embassy recommendation phase!

Words cannot describe how happy I am.

Well... maybe they can...

ばんざあぁ～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～い！
:spray:

So, now I've got to go out and get accepted by an adviser somewhere. Anyone have experience with this part of the scholarship?

[Reonagg]

So.... I just got a letter in the mail: I passed the embassy recommendation phase!

Many congrats Nall-ohki, I'm very happy for you !!
:beer:

[Alma]

I'm still waiting for the results of the first screening
...I still want to know :(
Mmm, I found this forum while looking for scholarship information so that's my main interest and the main reason for posting really. But when I have some free time (will that ever happen? :worried:) I'll take a look around and I'll post something if I feel like that.
oh, just take your time. and don't worry about results. good luck!

So.... I just got a letter in the mail: I passed the embassy recommendation phase!

Words cannot describe how happy I am.

Well... maybe they can...

ばんざあぁ〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜い！
:spray:

So, now I've got to go out and get accepted by an adviser somewhere. Anyone have experience with this part of the scholarship?

:bravo: congratulations!!!

and about your question, I think I wrote in details about my experience, search a little bit. good luck!

:wave:

[Reonagg]

oh, just take your time. and don't worry about results. good luck!

Thanks. That's easy to say but I find it reassuring nonetheless :relief:
:hanabi:
St John's Night

[flipox]

:relief: oh, Hello here, :relief:
Does anybody know about the examination , especially the contents of the english test?
I get a trainning with the past test (2007), but i think that is very hard for a non native English-speaker.
I called me to sit on test next 27.jun.2007

Originally Posted by Reonagg
This is so sad, disgraceful and infuriating that I can't even think of any polite answer right now.
Maybe later.
PLEASE, HELPME A BIT ! :(

[Nall-ohki]

:relief: oh, Hello here, :relief:
Does anybody know about the examination , especially the contents of the english test?
I get a trainning with the past test (2007), but i think that is very hard for a non native English-speaker.
I called me to sit on test next 27.jun.2007
PLEASE, HELPME A BIT ! :(

If you're looking for the questions or answers to this year's test, I'm afraid you're out of luck - no one here (myself included) is willing to give you an unfair advantage.

I myself worked my butt off to get the scholarship recommendation, and I would be hurt beyond words to see someone else get the recommendation in place of me through underhanded tactics.

If you've looked through the past tests, that's about the best you're going to get for information on the contents of this year. The test does not change all that much in format from year to year, only in the specific questions.

If you're looking for something ethical that will help you on the test, feel free to reply and I'm sure people would be willing to help you out.

[sehro]

hello everybody :D
i am from saudia arabia and my exam and interview for the undergraduate scholarship will be in 30 june :souka:
all the Applicants this year in saudia arabia are 11 including me
and my exams are math and english and japanese
the problem is that i dont know english math at all ... i have studied the math in arabic T-T
i am using a site that have translation for alot of english math to arabic. i knew about the cosine and sin only T-T.
so can anyone help me naming the lessons in the exam A from the last year exam? (because at least there is something i can study before the exam :okashii:)
i will really really really appreciate it if anyone gonna help me T-T
ps:sorry i know my english writing sux XD

[sehro]

ahhhh i am scared to death because of this math exam ...
i know that this year exam will be different in just the clueses and Numbers from last year's... but i cant answer any Question from it ....
i am gonna die T-T

[flipox]

smile!
, you are not the only one buried

:okashii:

[Tulia]

Hi everyone!!!!
I'm applying to the scholarship and on saturday will be my engliSh examen. I've been preparing for TOEFL examen SO an english examen seemed easy. However after doing the examen from the last year I got shock. It's really hard :(
Please can you send me past examens :bluush:
My email is tulia(dot)Veliz@gmail(dot)com
I don't have many days too study but al least I can review some important things.
Thank you very much
Tulia

[chanoil]

Dear forum friends,

After almost half a year not posting on this forum, I have some news back here - I have received the Monbukagakusho Scholarship as a Research Student on 30 June 2007. Expected departure date: Early October 2007.

I would need your friendly advise regarding the following:

1) Any comments on Yokohama National University? I am pursuing both Japanese classes and Research in Mobile Communications.

2) Is 170,000 Yen enough to survive in Yokohama area? What's the breakdown expenses, i.e. 1-bedroom studio, cost of meal per day, etc.?

3) This scholarship would definitely help in mastering Japanese language and understanding the culture. I am currently working in a Telecommunications MNC and have just recently promoted to APAC Solution Manager (~3 years working experiences).
If I pursue this scholarship for 1.5 years, it would mean losing my current job opportunity. The question is will this scholarship opportunity another advancement to my career path?
The opportunity that I could see is that it will advance myself to look for job as APAC Solution Manager or Technical Sales, covering Japan region as well.

Anyone with working experiences, could you please kindly advise me?

Appreciate it if you could provide me with some fruitful advice.

Thank you very much!

Best Regards,
Chanoil

[Reonagg]

First of all, congrats.

And now, maybe I should apologize in advance for what I'm gonna say, I don't want to be bitchy about this but I just can't keep quiet.

Is 170,000 Yen enough to survive in Yokohama area? What's the breakdown expenses, i.e. 1-bedroom studio, cost of meal per day, etc.?
If I pursue this scholarship for 1.5 years, it would mean losing my current job opportunity. The question is will this scholarship opportunity another advancement to my career path?
Shouldn't you have asked yourself (and answered) these questions BEFORE applying?
I mean, seriously man, I even know what 'omiyage' I would give my adviser and I'm still stuck in the pre-first screening stage.
On the other hand, what if the answer to both questions is negative? Let's suppose that such amount of money is not enough to live according to your standards and let's suppose as well that with regard to your career it's gonna be a waste of time.

So what?

Are you gonna turn it down?

The burocratic procedures take a long time and even if there are some substitutes it's very likely they won't be able to take your place if you refuse.
Please don't take it the wrong way. It's just that I can't believe that someone actually has gotten the scholarship without having these ideas crystal clear. Weren't these aspects supposed to be tested in the interview? 'to have a clear sense of purpose', 'to have gathered information about Japanese universities' and so on? Jeez...

I think most of your questions can be Googled. Those which not, only you can answer them. After all, in this sense this opportunity is like all the others: it's what you make of it.


You're so lucky...

[chanoil]

Dear Reonagg,

Thank you very much for your comments. I fully understand how you are feeling right now, right there.
You have been struggling hard and eager to "win" this scholarship/opportunity to Japan, studying your most desired course. And there is another person,who has actually received the scholarship after going through the whole application process, and now he is reconsidering the scholarship opportunity.

I could fully understand how you feel.

There are times in life that we would need to consider the opportunities lying in our hands, in which we would need to make tough decisions. Leaving your current life and going forward to a challenge that cannot be foresee now, could somehow be challenging, and in the same time, "frightening".

As of that, gathering information would therefore be very useful. Be it before the application, during the application or even after the application.

Hope that you will understand that.

All the best in your Monbusho application. :-) As of interviews and application, just be yourself and be confident. You would breeze through it without knowing it.

Cheers!

Best Regards,
Chanoil

[sehro]

ahhh the interview was kinda shock ! it's like they can read ur mind and ask Questions u don't want to be asked :S..sometimes the interview Qs will all be about ur field of study and other people may be asked in all the interview about the culture of japan and other staff so be ready for this !

and the english exam i find it more easier than past year's exam... especially the first Question...

now i am waiting if they gonna recommend me or not..when maybe they will tell me? :souka:

[sehro]

yes! i have made it :D.... and now i am waiting for the final results from japan in January or February :S
good luck everyone

[Nall-ohki]

Update:

I have now applied and gotten accepted to the three universities I applied to under the scholarship:
1. Tokyo University
2. Waseda University
3. Hokkaido University

Tokyo was the last holdout and made me nervous.

So, now all I have to do is wait for the results at the beginning of March and find out where they place me.

Anyone here have any clue on how the lottery/decision stage works?

[Harvey]

Anyone here have any clue on how the lottery/decision stage works?


I have never heard of anyone applying from a US Consulate being rejected after receiving the Japan University recommendation. Basically Monbusho just stamps them and off you go. It takes like 6 months to get done, but they do it.

Regarding which college you get placed to, that's uncertain. Some people will submit the application listing 3 professors from the same university, to ensure that they get in to their first choice institution.

I'm referring to the research student scholarship, not the undergrad btw.

[Nall-ohki]

I have never heard of anyone applying from a US Consulate being rejected after receiving the Japan University recommendation. Basically Monbusho just stamps them and off you go. It takes like 6 months to get done, but they do it.
Regarding which college you get placed to, that's uncertain. Some people will submit the application listing 3 professors from the same university, to ensure that they get in to their first choice institution.
I'm referring to the research student scholarship, not the undergrad btw.

Wow, that's a strategy I didn't think about, but feel silly for not doing so.

I wasn't too worried about the government selection, but rather the school.

I guess I'll just have to wait and see!

[dopemills]

Just a quick question. Does your degree grades matter when applying for the scholarship?

[akita]

Hi,
This is my first post here.
I have pass the exams in my country and now I'm waiting for the final results of Japan which should come in January. Can somebody tell me if there is any possibility to be rejected after the embassy recommended you and you got an acceptance letter from your chosen university? I'm a little concerned because it take so much time to get a final result. I hope everything will be well.

[akita]

Just a quick question. Does your degree grades matter when applying for the scholarship?


Not necessary. I mean that is not necessary to have only A or maximum grades. At list for graduate.In my case they never ask me about grades or school to the interview only about my job, why i want to study in Japan etc. I guess what matter most are your result to the English test, Japanese (optional if you don't plan to study Japanese) - for undergraduate are some other tests, the interview and a good study project(if research student). In my opinion I think it's enough to be a good student and you have a chance with the condition to have very good result to the exams.

I hope it helps

[dopemills]

I understand. Thanks for your reply. Having say that, would it be somewhat correct to say that chances in getting accepted are higher for postgraduate as compared to undergrad?

[Nall-ohki]

I understand. Thanks for your reply. Having say that, would it be somewhat correct to say that chances in getting accepted are higher for postgraduate as compared to undergrad?

Do some research on the scholarship: MEXT releases all kinds of statistics and information about the scholarship. Questions like this will be easily answered by looking at the number of postgraduate vs. graduate recipients.

It should answer most of your questions.

[osging]

I understand. Thanks for your reply. Having say that, would it be somewhat correct to say that chances in getting accepted are higher for postgraduate as compared to undergrad?


Yea, it is much easier for postgraduate to obtain d scholarship compared to undergrad..good luck

[akita]

I understand. Thanks for your reply. Having say that, would it be somewhat correct to say that chances in getting accepted are higher for postgraduate as compared to undergrad?

Yes it true. I think because there are more scholarships for graduate that undergraduate. You can find statistics and information at jasso site
and on the MEXT site. I'm sorry I can't give you the exact adress because I don't have anough posts yet to put url.

[vloh8]

Hi everyone, my first post here.

I wish to enquire for the postgraduate scholarship requirements, is it a strict rule that
"Applicants wishing to enter Master’s or Doctoral program must have completed a regular course of study of Sixteen (16) year’s formal school education"?

What if I completed 12 years of Primary and Secondary school and my undergraduate engineering course is just 3 years in length, which makes up my formal education years as only 15 years?

Thank You.

[dblbstrd]

Hi everyone, my first post here.
I wish to enquire for the postgraduate scholarship requirements, is it a strict rule that
"Applicants wishing to enter Master’s or Doctoral program must have completed a regular course of study of Sixteen (16) year’s formal school education"?
What if I completed 12 years of Primary and Secondary school and my undergraduate engineering course is just 3 years in length, which makes up my formal education years as only 15 years?
Thank You.

If your course is the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree, then in principle it shouldn't matter how many years it took to complete.
If it is not equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, then I believe you will not be eligible, as you must be eligible for graduate level study (the schools probably will not accept you if you don't have the proper degree).In general I think these folks are pretty formal about things like that, they are picky about most of the details.

If you're not sure, the best thing for you to do would be to check with your embassy or consulate general when the next application period opens up, and tell them specifically what your study program is and they can tell you if you are eligible to apply or not.

Cheers,

db

[osging]

Hi everyone, my first post here.
I wish to enquire for the postgraduate scholarship requirements, is it a strict rule that
"Applicants wishing to enter Master’s or Doctoral program must have completed a regular course of study of Sixteen (16) year’s formal school education"?
What if I completed 12 years of Primary and Secondary school and my undergraduate engineering course is just 3 years in length, which makes up my formal education years as only 15 years?
Thank You.

Hi,

Don't worry about the years. 15 years will be just fine, no problem for me also..good luck with your application :)

[vloh8]

Thanks for the reply, db and osging!

[bachir]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rider84 View Post
So you are now in Japan studying for your postgraduate?

no, not yet. I postpone my leaving to Japan to October this year.


really ? i previously thought you went in april to japan ALMA, but it doesn't seem to be the case . i came by chance to see what you wrote when reviewing all what was said in this thread .
cool !
so you are rather new there.aren't you ?
are you doing well with the japanese lessons ? hope everything's alright now.
as for me.... still waiting and waiting...it seems like everything's frozen (no answer yet) .

[Alma]

no, I did came just in october, so, almost 3 months. overall, is not that bad, not great either. but I am not complaining (much). my japanese class is really really intensive, and I am not even close to be that confident to speak. but, so far, so good, at least I can partially understand if somebody speak really slow :blush:

anyway, good luck to you! :wave:

[wenling]

Hi!
My name is wenling and I'm from Malaysia.
It's nice meeting so many people from around the world discussing, sharing and applying Monbukagakusho Scholarship for studies in Japan.

Well, I am also one of the hopefuls and I hope I can get some advice from time to time from people who are currently applying / have succeeded in their application.

Last year was my 3rd time applying and I finally managed to pull through nearly all challenges and now waiting for reply from the Japanese Government.
My first time was applying for undergraduate studies (didn't make it through the examinations), my second time was applying for postgraduate studies (didn't make it through the screening round, I personally think that it was because my research proposal was not clear and I did not qualify for the year requirement for postgraduate studies in Japan: only 14 years +).

2007 was really a hectic and crazy time for me because I was rushing my Master Degree dissertation due in early September.
Furthermore, I was also working full-time to support the cost of my Master Degree. So, time was really a constraint for me.
I went for the English exam without even testing out the past year papers available on the Internet (I only realize its existence after I sat for the exam). I only revise through some old Malaysia University English Test (MUET) English papers and also test my self through some free online English test.
I think the most important thing is that you must really concentrate on the questions asked as a lot of them are tricky and may have a few possible answers. Look at it again and again before finalizing the answers.

Later, I was notified to go for the interview. I was really nervous and I went around asking my former lecturers for some pointers. I also got one of the Master Degree Professor to look through my revised research proposal for comments and improvements as required by the application form for a detailed research proposal.

On the interview day, I met some of the other hopefuls who have managed to passed the examination and converse with them (help to relieve tension and nervousness). Maybe some of you guys and ladies are here in the forum!

During the interview, it is important that you know what you intend to do in your research proposal as you will be required to explain certain aspect of it. Do provide solid explanations as you would need to convince them you know your stuff really well. There will also be some questions on Japanese culture, issues, and policies on strengthening friendship between countries.

The toughest part is to look for research supervisors. I sent out by email to 32 of them and only 8 replied. 4 professors declined as their attached university doesn't offer PhD, 2 other professor declined as it is not really in their specific field, 1 professor wanted me to take the university entrance exam, and finally 1 professor recommended me to another colleague in another university... the rest just didn't reply...

Somehow along the way, I managed to convince 1 professor to accept me, send my documents by courier to Japan and back to Malaysia and that was already mid-August... luckily I have written a letter requesting for extension of time to the embassy and the officer in charge accepted it but stated "as soon as possible" and "no guarantees". Once got the acceptance form back, I got to take one day unpaid leave from work and send it to the embassy personally... gosh, it was really a lot of work...

I hope by stating my experience here would somehow help applicants to better understand the process.

Here's my questions to those who have succeeded (It has been bugging me for some time):

1)Is it important / necessary that research student must complete their dissertation in Japanese language? I understand that Japanese conversation and writing is totally different dimension...

2)Can an individual (without any Japanese language knowledge) really buck up on the language by attending the 6 month intensive course in Japan? What happen after the 6 month? I have to learn on my own?

3)Can your research proposal be amended to a different specific research areas due to methodology or literature constraint or analysis scope too wide? Must we stick to what we have proposed during the application stage without any changes?

4)I applied for the April intake, so in Malaysia scenario, when will usually the letter of offer were to arrive? Feb? Will I be re-delegated to the October intake?

5)Will my application be rejected by the Japanese Government in the final stage? What's the percentage of failure? Could there be any possible reasons? Will a letter be sent also to inform unsuccessful applicant?

To all those who are planning to apply this year, I wish you all the best and just go ahead for it! You never know you could be the lucky one this year!

It is great knowing there are so many people out here helping one another and do keep guiding all the hopefuls!

Hope you guys could help me out too!
All the best in everyone's future undertakings!

[dblbstrd]

Hi Wenling, welcome to the gang, I wish you luck in this endeavor!

I'll answer your five questions to the best of my knowledge.

1)I believe your research can basically be conducted in English instead of Japanese, if your professor speaks English and that is what you are more comfortable with.

2)I've heard these language courses are pretty intensive, but I don't know firsthand. If you know some Japanese, you'll know a lot more after six months. Things like senmon yougo (technical terms specific to your field) you will probably need to study on your own anyway. I bet they just work on your standard Japanese.. grammar, reading/writing.

3)I'm not sure of this exactly, but I don't think it's strictly required that your research be exactly what you proposed, as long as it's related to the same field and can be overseen by the advising professor who has been assigned to you. Don't take this to be the final answer as I don't have any authority on such matters-- it's just my speculation.

4)I'm not in Malaysia so I can't answer this for sure but I imagine you should get further info by February or so, yes. I was told at some point that they don't really want to deal with two sets of deadlines, so I think they might make the preliminary decisions for April and October at the same time anyway... basically if you're selected for the scholarship and you want to go in April, I think they would most likely send you in April.

5) I don't really think anyone knows any definitive answer to this, and we definitely don't have a big enough sample of accounts to make any statistical inference on how many at this stage get through. It was thought that most people seem to make it through, but it is apparently possible for them to reject some applicants, so you'll just have to wait and see.

Hope that helps! And good luck to you!

[jdxccasper]

Hello there, i have just found this forum and read through all the threads, very good idea start this! My situation is little different, Im going to graduate this year in June and want to apply for Monbusho scholarship for postgraduate. I have been in touch with Japanese Embassy in Czech Rep., usually we get 4 spots every year. The rest is pretty much the same as in other countries. What I could not find here yet is a answer to some of following questions.

1) Any idea how does the selection of university/adviser influence the final decision made by MEXT? What I mean in particular is, private vs national universities, TOP universities vs other ones. etc. Assuming that one already got the Letter of Acceptance.

2) Does anyone have an experience with applying for MEXT scholarship via University recommendation? Again, any idea if matters privat vs national university?

3) Does anyone know, if one can try University Recommendation and also Embassy Recommendation in case the U.R. doesnt work out? In the end, the goal remains the same, right?

4) Well, I know I am not the only who asks: "I got through embassy screening and obtained the letter of acceptance, what are my chances I will get the scholarship?" Is there any conclusion from recent experience of the forum members?

5) Assuming one got through embassy screening, what follows is finding university, adviser and obtaining letter of acceptance, right? Does it always have to be three different universities and 3 advisers - 3 LoAs?

Sorry for so many questions, i believe there might be someone to know the answers. Hope it is going to help others as well.

Congratulations to this year "winners" :cool: the rest: "Dont give up!"

Greetings from Tokyo!

jd

[babs857]

Can anyone give me the idea for the following matters
I am a student in the university of tokyo with monbusho scholarship, is there any option to apply for getting some funds (like for travelling, tours, conference or if someone has spouse) excluding the scholarship money.

[dblbstrd]

jdxccasper--

I'm afraid I can't really answer many of your questions, but here's what I know.
I only submitted one proposed university/advisor and one letter of acceptance, and so far so good for me.

I would imagine you can only apply once during an application cycle so I don't think you can apply for both university and embassy recommendation, but these could be separate things entirely so I'm not 100% sure on that.

Hope that helps!

babs857- I don't believe MEXT will offer funding for those things, but I don't think they will prohibit you from getting that sort of funding from other sources (you can't accept other scholarships though).

[Saulo de Oliveira]

Well, I'll try to answer as far as I know...
1) Any idea how does the selection of university/adviser influence the final decision made by MEXT? What I mean in particular is, private vs national universities, TOP universities vs other ones. etc. Assuming that one already got the Letter of Acceptance.
As long as MEXT is the one who pays your University, it seems that they prefer to send you to national universities for being cheaper. That's what the Consulate tell me and I've know about cases from people whose first option was a private univeristy, but MEXT send to second option because it was National. By the way, it's easier for MEXT, because both MEXT and national uiniversities are linked to the Japanese Government. About TOP universities or others, I think it won't interfere. But big universities are more likely to accept foreign students than small ones.
2) Does anyone have an experience with applying for MEXT scholarship via University recommendation? Again, any idea if matters privat vs national university?
I never heard about MEXT scholarship via University recommendation. Probably it would be another kind of Scholarship.
3) Does anyone know, if one can try University Recommendation and also Embassy Recommendation in case the U.R. doesnt work out? In the end, the goal remains the same, right?
The MEXT Scholarship, as far as I know, can only be obtained via Embassy Recommendation. But you can try OTHERS scholarships, like Kenpi Ryugaku, JICA and so on.
4) Well, I know I am not the only who asks: "I got through embassy screening and obtained the letter of acceptance, what are my chances I will get the scholarship?" Is there any conclusion from recent experience of the forum members?
Not yet. Here in Brazil, in the last 5 years, all students that obtained the letter of acceptance got the scholarship. But, of course, there is always the Murphy's Law (Things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance)
5) Assuming one got through embassy screening, what follows is finding university, adviser and obtaining letter of acceptance, right? Does it always have to be three different universities and 3 advisers - 3 LoAs?
Yup. But if you could find just one, there is no problem (but if, somehow, they fail to make contact with this one, you'll be in problem) :relief:

[jdxccasper]

Guys, Thanks a lot for you answer! Appreciate it!

About MEXT Scholarship, there definitely are three ways to obtain the scholarship (Embassy Rec. and University Rec. are the ones that matters most). My situation is following, my home University has a partnership with a Japanese private university. It is fresh thing, so no body really knows how things work. I might have a chance to apply for Uni.Rec. through this Japanese private university. Thing is, first they screen all candidates from all their partner universities and selected few to recommend to MEXT. So far so good, nothing unusual I would say. BUT what I have been told, they have a very poor history, MEXT always turns their recommendation down. ( dont know why, dont know the quality of candidates either, but i would say the snag is partly being private uni.) Their situation seems to be much more difficult i believe for the reason mentioned in above replay. Anyway, for what I wanted to do was to give it a try anyway, means try my luck in University Recommendation which has better time line for starting the research. With such low chances I would only do it, if i know i can try the Embassy Rec. as well. So it means I need to know whether I am allowed to do so. i have already been told that i should be ok. But cant count on that and Embassy doesnt really know about this possibility either. I would probably give my shot with Embassy rather if I gotta choose. I know it is messy. I think I need to ask about this to someone rather competent so know for sure, do you guys know some info contact directly to MEXT or so? That is the first thing to find out. Thanks a lot, i feel like i finally found someone who knows what the hack im always talking about :-)

PS: I was studying one year in Tokyo, want to come back badly for research/PhD. Got to know some Japanese but still mada mada... Now i happen to be back for few weeks. Oups, sumo just started! :-)

[akita]

I would probably give my shot with Embassy rather if I gotta choose. I know it is messy. I think I need to ask about this to someone rather competent so know for sure, do you guys know some info contact directly to MEXT or so? That is the first thing to find out. Thanks a lot, i feel like i finally found someone who knows what the hack im always talking about :-)
PS: I was studying one year in Tokyo, want to come back badly for research/PhD. Got to know some Japanese but still mada mada... Now i happen to be back for few weeks. Oups, sumo just started! :-)

I don't have a information directly from MEXT I just know from the experience of my friends and mine. So, as far as I know You can't apply for both. You eider have an embassy recommendation or an university recommendation. The only situation I've heard possible is to go in japan with a MEXT scholarship obtain by the Embassy recommendation and later if you want let say continue studying there, you can ask the university recommendation so that MEXT continue giving you scholarship for a master/PHD.

Undergraduate scholarship it's much harder to get so it might not be the fault of the university that the student were not accepted. There are about 400 for everybody so there is a strong possibility that others be better then them.
I think it's depend more from what country you are and how good you are, than who recommended you.

I know one thing for sure, that if at the moment of selection you have also an university letter of acceptance from Japan you chances are much bigger.

Nevertheless you should talk to your embassy they might help you better. Usually people there are very helpful.

[jdxccasper]

Hello!　I already asked if I could eventually apply for both, first University Recommendation followed by Embassy Recommendation. It was couple weeks ago when I just got that idea. Thing is, I am not gonna take two spots, right? and by the time the first screening is done at Embassy i might know some results from University Rec. procedure. I know one is not supposed to apply for different scholarship but I still see it like two ways leading to achieving one goal. Anyway, the unofficial answer (from Japanese cultural center under Japanese embassy in Czech Rep.) was that it might be possible. Now I really need to check it with MEXT directly otherwise I could get in trouble Im afraid. Things are never too easy, of course. Somehow I got in touch with Sensei from private university (partner university of my home Uni.) who is doing quite different research activities but I could still do it. Lets say I apply for Uni. Rec. with this sensei, so I do write my research plan according to this placement. If it works out, all good then, if it doesnt Im pretty much screwed cause I dont think it would be wise to apply again for Embassy Rec. with different research plan. Sounds messy again, right? Thing is, I know what I want to do. That is marketing. But I know I would have to write the research plan in a different way in case of applying for Univ. Rec. where the research is more about engineering. I study both to explain. In the beginning I thought it would be piece of cake to get the scholarship with University Recommendation, but I had no idea it might be more difficult in the end, just the time line remains much better.

[jdxccasper]

It is me again, hope I dont bother you with my thought and questions too much... I know I gotta check that previous problem with MEXT directly. But I have something else on my mind as well...

1) Japanese is not supposed to be essential for research student application and selection procedure in order to get Embassy Recommendation but how comes when I surf through Japanese Universities' websites I several times found the requirement of JLPT1, courses available in Japanese language only, etc. taling about MEXT scholarship students...

2) I will be looking for research, possibly PhD in the area of Business administration, mainly Marketing. Does anyone has some experience or advice about Tokyo's Universities to closely look at? Apart from what can be found on website. I wonder if there is any difference in quality National vs Private university...

Thanks a lot. Peace!

[Saulo de Oliveira]

1) Japanese is not supposed to be essential for research student application and selection procedure in order to get Embassy Recommendation but how comes when I surf through Japanese Universities' websites I several times found the requirement of JLPT1, courses available in Japanese language only, etc. taling about MEXT scholarship students...

Unfortunatelly, there is not much options. Some Universities' websites have an English version, but I REALLY know that is not the case in almost of them. Besides i understand a bit of japanese, I confess it's preety hard to find, for example, an orientator professor for my project. Anyway, you have some few options. First you could send an email to University and ask if someone can help. Write your idea and they'll probably help you. Second option is ask for help to your consulate. They will understand your difficulties and probably find someway to 'translate' sites or give you your information. At last, if you have any friend that understands japanese, it will be more easy.

By the way, it's true that japanese language is not essential for resarch students, but I can tell that it is really important. Some universities don't have class in English, so you will have to learn it quicly.

[jdxccasper]

I have been studying Japanese for about two years, so I know some but it is definitely mada mada...Anyway, I find universities, their graduate school Im interested in, but then there usually is written something like this:
"Please note that Keio University only has an English based course at the graduate schools of Science and Technology, Media and Governance, Media Design, and System Design and Management. The applicant who seeks to obtain a degree at the Graduate Schools other than these Graduate Schools is required to have a native level Japanese knowledge, since the entrance examination and all the courses are in Japanese. Although the MEXT provides a 6-month language training period, this will not be enough to prepare for the entrance examination if you are a Japanese beginner." OR "Proficiency in Japanese (equivalent to Level 1 of the Japanese Language　Proficiency Exam) is considered absolutely necessary for matriculation. Anything less, such as a 6-month period of study at a Japanese Language school, is considered insufficient.　 All lectures are to be conducted in Japanese. Hosei University does not provide preparatory Japanese Language classes. International students are, thus, expected to have the appropriate language ability prior to enrollment."

That is a better case, usually it just says that all the curses are offered in Japanese only. I aim for research, PhD and so I wonder if my Japanese that is not JLPT1 level will be major obstacle when applying for LoA. So I am more confused than in the beginning. How essential Japanese proficiency is while applying for LoA? That is a question...

[Saulo de Oliveira]

For research student? Almost none. Although i understand a lot of japanese (an advanced level, but not fluent yet), around half of the 15 research students sento to Japan by Sao Paulo Consulate doesn't even know how to count to 10 in Japanese. So, for your LoA, japanese language is not so important. They expect you will learn a lot in the first six months of japanese class and then you will become fluent until the end of the 2-3 years period.

It does not mean that it will be easy. As I say, it seems that japanese language is not necessary for your LoA, but it will probably be when you will change of RESEARCH student to PHD student. Normally, Universities have tests and interviews in japanese. And after the first 6 months of japanese study, you will have classes in japanese.

[wenling]

Hi Wenling, welcome to the gang, I wish you luck in this endeavor!
I'll answer your five questions to the best of my knowledge.
1)I believe your research can basically be conducted in English instead of Japanese, if your professor speaks English and that is what you are more comfortable with.
2)I've heard these language courses are pretty intensive, but I don't know firsthand. If you know some Japanese, you'll know a lot more after six months. Things like senmon yougo (technical terms specific to your field) you will probably need to study on your own anyway. I bet they just work on your standard Japanese.. grammar, reading/writing.
3)I'm not sure of this exactly, but I don't think it's strictly required that your research be exactly what you proposed, as long as it's related to the same field and can be overseen by the advising professor who has been assigned to you. Don't take this to be the final answer as I don't have any authority on such matters-- it's just my speculation.
4)I'm not in Malaysia so I can't answer this for sure but I imagine you should get further info by February or so, yes. I was told at some point that they don't really want to deal with two sets of deadlines, so I think they might make the preliminary decisions for April and October at the same time anyway... basically if you're selected for the scholarship and you want to go in April, I think they would most likely send you in April.
5) I don't really think anyone knows any definitive answer to this, and we definitely don't have a big enough sample of accounts to make any statistical inference on how many at this stage get through. It was thought that most people seem to make it through, but it is apparently possible for them to reject some applicants, so you'll just have to wait and see.
Hope that helps! And good luck to you!

Sorry for the late reply.
Thanks a lot for your help, dblbstrd!

There's one more questions that I would like to ask after reading some of the newer posts here.
I've got my Letter of Acceptance from a Private University. Is it possible that MEXT could possibly reassign me to another National University? What would happened to my current supervisor then? Will MEXT actually let us choose between Private and National University or once MEXT recommended, it is consider as final?

I am also worried of coping with the new language. It seems that everyone here has some form of basic knowledge in Japanese language but I have none. I wonder will I be able to cope with those advance students. Any advice on how to fully utilize the 6 month language programme and after that, where should I go to further polish up my Japanese language?

dblbstrd, are you currently studying in Japan?

P.S: I just call up the Japanese embassy in my country and they said that the result will be announce anytime now. I am keeping my fingers cross. Wishing everyone who are waiting for the results all the best!

[Saulo de Oliveira]

I've got my Letter of Acceptance from a Private University. Is it possible that MEXT could possibly reassign me to another National University? What would happened to my current supervisor then? Will MEXT actually let us choose between Private and National University or once MEXT recommended, it is consider as final?
The Consulate normally asks you to get 3 Letters of Acceptance, so they can find the most suitable university for you and for them. If you gave a Private University as first option and a National as second, don't be surprised if you get the National one. But if you just have one LoA, it's a blind shot. Or you will get this one or nothing (even if it is a private one). But don't worry. And yes, MEXT recommendation is consider the final result (I'm talking about graduate course. I'm not pretty sure that undergraduate works that way. As far as I know, it's quite different)

I am also worried of coping with the new language. It seems that everyone here has some form of basic knowledge in Japanese language but I have none. I wonder will I be able to cope with those advance students. Any advice on how to fully utilize the 6 month language programme and after that, where should I go to further polish up my Japanese language?
I've been studing japanese for around 6-7 years (with some pauses), and, yet, I'm not good at it (well, not good enough anyway). But I really think that a 6 month *hard* program, living in Japan, will be better than 3-4 years of normal studying. Just try not to use (or less as possible) other languages while in Japan (like English), even trying to speak in Japanese with people of other countries that you meet. And keep studying after those 6 months

P.S: I just call up the Japanese embassy in my country and they said that the result will be announce anytime now. I am keeping my fingers cross. Wishing everyone who are waiting for the results all the best!
Horray!!! :lol:

[wenling]

Thanks for your explanation, Saulo de Oliveira.
You have been a great help!

Wow, I didn't know you have been studying Japanese language for so long...
I hope that learning foreign language in an intensive way would not *kill* a person. It took me 11 years to master English and I am still learning new stuff right now...

Saulo de Oliveira, are you currently waiting for the results too?

[Saulo de Oliveira]

Yeah, still waiting.

Yesterday, I received an email form my consulate, telling people to get some more patience. They say the final result may come anytime, but that could happen just 1 month before the travel (final February).

About the Japanese language, Brazil has the biggest japanese population outside Japan (1.5 million), so it's not hard to find people, even non-descendant like me, that speaks the language. :-)

[wenling]

Oh I see.

I remember I read it somewhere that Brazil still holds the largest Japanese population outside Japan due to the influx of Japanese emigrates back in the early 19th century. They are also the largest Portuguese speaking group of people. I think there are two major cities in Brazil that are teeming with Japanese people... one is Sao Paolo and the other I can't recall... hope I got the facts right...

I am still waiting anxiously... I wonder whether can I receive it before I celebrate Chinese New Year on 7 & 8 February 2008...

Saulo de Oliveira, which university that you apply to and what course are you majoring in?

[Saulo de Oliveira]

Wenling, the facts are pretty much this. Brazil had two great influx of japanese immigrants: one during the beggining of XX century (1908) and the other after WWII.

I'm applying for Nagoya University, at Information Science course. But, actually, I have a bachelor's degree in Communications (with some enphazis in Advertising)

[wenling]

Hey, I am also a graduate in Bachelors of Communication (Hons) major in Advertising too. This is indeed a small world.

I tried applying to Nagoya University too but instead of Information Science, I was applying for the Media and Communication studies... But the Chief Professor told me that I need to sit for an entrance examination before they could accept me. How did you manage to get your Letter of Acceptance from them? Did you sit for the entrance examination?

If I am not mistaken Information Science is also known as Library Science right? You are doing your Masters?

Finally, I got my Letter of Acceptance for Media and Communication studies from Doshisha University in Kyoto.

[Saulo de Oliveira]

Yeah, I'm trying the master degree. Via MEXT, during my first year I'll be as a research student and then, around September (i think), enter as a Master degree student (i hope).

Information Science have some link with Library Science, but it is close to Engineer, Design and Communication. For example, my study will involve Content Design in Communication Technologies: how new technologies could create new contents for cellphones, TV, media, internet, games and so on.

About the LoA, actually it was quite simple. I searched for a professor who studied the same area as mine and asked if he could orient my graduation. After few emails, I was accepted.

[wenling]

Oh I see. It's quite the same process as mine. If only MEXT allow me to go in April.

Yup. I did use Email to contact with potential Professor but the Nagoya University Chief Professor kept insisting that an entrance examination in Japanese language must be taken before applicant can be considered as a PhD candidate. So, I was bounce here and there till I finally found a Professor who was willing to take me in from a private university. At least Nagoya University is a national university and your chances are much more higher.

Hopefully I would not be reassign to some other universities. I heard MEXT could possibly do that too.

If both of us are accepted, lets hope we could meet up in Japan. Nice to have a friend like you.

[jdxccasper]

Hello, would anyone know the answer for some of following questions, please?
( I want to apply for Embassy nomination this year...)

1) As far as I know, my embassy wants to send the list of selected Universities with LoA to MEXT sometimes in August, BUT one of the universities I would like get in specify the date of their selection who gets the LoA in second half of September. And they say, this should be explained to embassy?? I cant really imagine I will try to make embassy wait extra two months for my LoA. 困るなー How come it can be so different... I can only hope either of two sides will be more flexible...

2) I am going to graduate from Masters in June, applying for postgraduate MEXT scholarship. Is it possible to apply for research student status with continuation to Master (entrance examination) and possibly PhD after that, or I am simply not allowed to enter another Master program once I have graduate from one already?

3) Ever heard of case of someone being accepted directly as a regular student ( Masters or PhD), either with or without the entrance examination? So far it looks one needs to start as research student and pass the entrance examination first...

4) Assuming that one starts as research student, continues to Masters and PhD, is the longest possible scholarship period 5 years?

Thanks a lot!

Wish you all patience and luck waiting for the final confirmation!!!

[dblbstrd]

JDXC, as far as turning in a letter of acceptance in September, only your embassy can answer that question. If that university is then out of the question because of that, and you don't have any others you would like to list for placement request, it's OK. You don't have to list three choices if you only have one or two universities you're interested in.

2-- I imagine they will accept you as a research student and allow you to go through the master's stage if you like if the degree is not exactly the same (but related to) the one you already have.

3-- They will allow you to bypass the research student stage and go directly to the master's or PhD level IF you pass the school's entrance exam and the school accepts you as a student (this means you'd have to travel to Japan on your own dime to take the exam). It's probably better to go as a research student and take the entrance exam while you're there. I'm sure that it's possible for the work you do as a research student to be productive toward research for your degree anyway.

4-- I believe the longest possible period would then be seven years. You get up to two years as a research student, and the standard is two years for a master's degree, and three for a PhD.

[dblbstrd]

Sorry for the late reply.
Thanks a lot for your help, dblbstrd!
There's one more questions that I would like to ask after reading some of the newer posts here.
I've got my Letter of Acceptance from a Private University. Is it possible that MEXT could possibly reassign me to another National University? What would happened to my current supervisor then? Will MEXT actually let us choose between Private and National University or once MEXT recommended, it is consider as final?
I am also worried of coping with the new language. It seems that everyone here has some form of basic knowledge in Japanese language but I have none. I wonder will I be able to cope with those advance students. Any advice on how to fully utilize the 6 month language programme and after that, where should I go to further polish up my Japanese language?
dblbstrd, are you currently studying in Japan?
P.S: I just call up the Japanese embassy in my country and they said that the result will be announce anytime now. I am keeping my fingers cross. Wishing everyone who are waiting for the results all the best!


Wenling I meant to answer you before and even typed up a reply but I guess I never clicked "submit" and got distracted or something.

I wouldn't worry *too much* about the public/private university thing. I believe they would generally first make an effort to arrange whatever your top choice is, and then go down the list if for some reason (budgetary, arranging with the school, or whatever else) they can't accommodate your first choice. Though according to the application guideline, you can't make any objection to what MEXT decides for your placement once it is announced, so at that point I guess you have to take it or leave it.

As for the Japanese language program, I've heard these language programs for MEXT grantees are VERY good at training students with little or no Japanese experience to at least a functional proficiency.
I was at intermediate Japanese level and really progressing, a couple years ago when I did a 2-semester university exchange to Tokyo, but I've lost a bit of it since I came back to the US. I can still carry on a conversation and read quite a bit I think, so hopefully these guys will really whip me into shape. I believe the school I'm going to also has some senmon-yougo (field-specific language) classes, so I really look forward to it if I can take those!

I'm not currently studying in Japan, but as mentioned earlier in this thread I was notified that I've been accepted for this year's scholarship term and I'm just waiting for further information and arrangements... hopefully they'll get back to me soon!
Maybe I'll see ya there some time!

db

[wenling]

Hi guys,
I have good news.
It seems that the results for MEXT scholarship is out.

I didn't receive official letter yet from the embassy in my country but instead I got an Email and letter from the university that I applied to stating that I have been accepted as a scholar recipient. No news of when I am departing etc but instead I have been requested as to whether I would like to reserve a room in the university hostel for a term of April 2008 to March 2009.

What should I do? There is no embassy official letter yet and I thought I was supposed to be assigned to some language preparatory course first for the 1st six months? Should I reserve the room now?

I am so excited that I think my brain went numb...

Please advice me. Thanks.

[Saulo de Oliveira]

Hi Wenling

Good to know. Not all universities enter directly in contact with students (that's my case :( ). The best thing, I think, is that you should contact your embassy (even not receiving any official letter) and explain the situation.


Good luck

PS: I'm still waiting. And guess what?, it's Carnival in Brazil, so the Embassy will not be open until Wednesday. Full of anxiety.

[dblbstrd]

Hi guys,
I have good news.
It seems that the results for MEXT scholarship is out.
I didn't receive official letter yet from the embassy in my country but instead I got an Email and letter from the university that I applied to stating that I have been accepted as a scholar recipient. No news of when I am departing etc but instead I have been requested as to whether I would like to reserve a room in the university hostel for a term of April 2008 to March 2009.
What should I do? There is no embassy official letter yet and I thought I was supposed to be assigned to some language preparatory course first for the 1st six months? Should I reserve the room now?
I am so excited that I think my brain went numb...
Please advice me. Thanks.

I'm glad to hear that, that's very exciting for you! Congratulations!
I would say you should just be patient and wait to hear something from the embassy (must be pretty soon) before you indicate any decision to your school (it actually seems strange that the school should ask you to make such a decision before you've been contacted by the embassy). Or, if the school wants a reply from you pretty soon, perhaps it would be good for you to contact your embassy and confirm with them first.

Congrats again!

[wenling]

Contacted the Japanese embassy in Malaysia.
They have not obtained the results yet from MEXT.
Got to wait for a few more days as the Japan embassy will be closed for Chinese New Year celebration in my country from 7 to 8 February 2008.

According to the officials, I can make the necessary arrangements with my university first while waiting for further instructions from the embassy.

Its a bit funny to contact the university first without knowing beforehand where MEXT is going to assign me to study for the Japanese language preparatory course.

I will see what I can do first.

Thanks for the congratulatory post, dblbstrd!
You guys have been very helpful especially dblbstrd, Saulo de Oliveira and osging!
To the rest of the applicants, good luck and I believe you will be getting your results soon!

[lcfreitas]

Hi there. I am also waiting some final decision from the MEXT. What I got was an email from the embassy explaning that I was selected by MEXT and now they are waiting the answer form the Univerisity. I called the embassy and they gave the subject as almost concluded. We are all in the same... Where are you guys probable going to study?

[Saulo de Oliveira]

hi Icfreitas,

I am (and the most of us) in the same situation of you. Some people already received a letter from the University, but so far, not any official letter. Anyway, I have only one option: Nagoya University. And you?

By the way, you're from Brazil too, but don't look like you are from Sao Paulo. Where did you get your MEXT scholarship? :wave:

[ilus]

Hi there,

Although our situation seems different, I think we may probably be at the same stage of the final process. I have not received the official announcement for the scholarship from any source, but had already received an email welcoming me as new student to the university. Although not conclusive, I perceive this as a very good sign (for which I am very grateful).

Goodluck to every one of us!

[lcfreitas]

Hi Saulo. I am from Brasília and I did all the process trough the Japanese embassy in Brasília. I have only one acceptance letter from the University of Hiroshima. We are in the Carnival around here and nothing is working adequately. Have to wait.....

[dajackal]

Dear All,

I have some new "practical" information. I received today an e-mail from my (future) university telling me that this year, JASSO will not pick up the embassy-recommended students from the airport. We will have to go to the dorm by ourselves.
It seems the budgetary restrictions are affecting many things...I hope the scholarship amount will not be reduced again this year.

Best,

- da Jackal

[dblbstrd]

Dear All,
I have some new "practical" information. I received today an e-mail from my (future) university telling me that this year, JASSO will not pick up the embassy-recommended students from the airport. We will have to go to the dorm by ourselves.
It seems the budgetary restrictions are affecting many things...I hope the scholarship amount will not be reduced again this year.
Best,
- da Jackal

Thanks for that tidbit, that's pretty interesting... bummer for those who might not know how to get where they need to go.
Do you know how this affects the arrival allowance?
I thought I had read somewhere that this is usually dispersed by JASSO when they go to pick people up at the airport. I guess they'd either disperse it along with the first month's scholarship (this is what happened when I did 10 months in Japan with a JASSO scholarship) or just not at all?

[dajackal]

So far that was the only information the lady in charge gave us in her e-mail.
Someone from the student's mailing-list asked her about the allowance. I will keep you updated if there is an answer.

Best,

- da Jackal

[Sahz]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum.

I was surfing the net to see if other prospective/successful MEXT applicants have a forum running and then came across this. I hope to study cardiovascular medicine for my PhD in TMDU at Tokyo (basically, I have a MD, and now going to Japan for a PhD).

I was a contender from Pakistan. I don't have the official letter yet but spoke informally to the Embassy staff and was informed of a successful outcome.

It would be nice to build an in-depth base with those who are in Japan and happy to assist where ever I can

S---

[jdxccasper]

DB, thanks a lot for your previous replay to my questions. I will see what i can do, I have three more weeks in Japan so I can try to get in touch with chosen Uni. I am almost sure, it is alright to apply for MEXT scholarship when I was granted JASSO scholarship last year. (just for one year I was studying in Japan). Can anyone confirm that? Plus, is it advantage or disadvantage to have this experience already? I mean it looks they kinda want you to be first time comer to Japan but on the other side they want you to have good Japanese already (even though they dont say that). THX!

[dajackal]

Hi,

The secretary just replied that there would not be any arrival allowance anymore...this does not sound good for the future.

Thanks for that tidbit, that's pretty interesting... bummer for those who might not know how to get where they need to go.
Do you know how this affects the arrival allowance?
I thought I had read somewhere that this is usually dispersed by JASSO when they go to pick people up at the airport. I guess they'd either disperse it along with the first month's scholarship (this is what happened when I did 10 months in Japan with a JASSO scholarship) or just not at all?

[dblbstrd]

Hi,
The secretary just replied that there would not be any arrival allowance anymore...this does not sound good for the future.

Bummer. Not the end of the world, but bummer. Thanks for the heads up.
That could have more to do with JASSO and not so much to do with the rest of the MEXT program, since they are sort of separate things.

DB, thanks a lot for your previous replay to my questions. I will see what i can do, I have three more weeks in Japan so I can try to get in touch with chosen Uni. I am almost sure, it is alright to apply for MEXT scholarship when I was granted JASSO scholarship last year. (just for one year I was studying in Japan). Can anyone confirm that? Plus, is it advantage or disadvantage to have this experience already? I mean it looks they kinda want you to be first time comer to Japan but on the other side they want you to have good Japanese already (even though they dont say that). THX!

The JASSO scholarship is something completely different from Monbukagakusho, so there won't be any issue there. The only restriction is if you had received a MEXT scholarship in the past (you are eligible for another if you've returned to your home country and worked or studied for at least three years, according to the application guidelines).

[ochasuru]

Contacted the Japanese embassy in Malaysia.
They have not obtained the results yet from MEXT.
Got to wait for a few more days as the Japan embassy will be closed for Chinese New Year celebration in my country from 7 to 8 February 2008.

According to the officials, I can make the necessary arrangements with my university first while waiting for further instructions from the embassy.

Its a bit funny to contact the university first without knowing beforehand where MEXT is going to assign me to study for the Japanese language preparatory course.

I will see what I can do first.

Thanks for the congratulatory post, dblbstrd!
You guys have been very helpful especially dblbstrd, Saulo de Oliveira and osging!
To the rest of the applicants, good luck and I believe you will be getting your results soon!

Hi Wen Ling and to all the people in 'tis fabulous forum 'ere,
I'm new and 'tis will be my first post. I'm all the way from Malaysia.

Like Wen Ling, I was selected to sit for the exam and then for the interview session which I would say the 'crucial' part of the whole scholarship thingy. And I do have to agree with Wen Ling 'cos the whole procedure is very very time consuming and you have to do everything accordingly within the given time frame which was rather short.

I get through both stages and started to look for universities. Well, tried with the so-called well-known uni but guess wasn't good and convincing enough, so didn't manage to get any acceptance letters from those few uni. At this stage, it can be so frustrating and you might get all stressed up. But then again, just try your best people.

So, I then sent an email to 'Kumamoto Daigaku' and got a real quick feedback from them. Even managed to get the acceptance letter from one of the prof there. Thank god! However, right before the due date, I received another acceptance letter from a women's uni in Tokyo namely 'Ochanomizu Jyoshi Daigaku' which was my first choice. but then again, like what some of you were saying, the embassy have all the right to place me wherever they want right? so, i'll just wait and see.

Last but not least, to all who made it congrates!! To those who are trying your luck 'tis year, all the best and erm, just be sure and clear of what you gonna study there folks. may we succeed and UMAKU IKU YOUNI!!

[wenling]

Hi ochasuru!

Welcome and do stay on in this wonderful forum!
First of, Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Valentine to all forumers here in this thread!

Wow, you managed to get 2 Letter of Acceptance!
Are you going to pursue your postgraduate studies?
If you don't mind me asking, what field of studies are you into?

Still no reply from the local embassy yet... gosh, its like ages!
I hope I could get a reply by this month cause there's lots of things to take care of... handover duty of my work etc...

ochasuru, did we went for interview at the same day last year?

Let's keep in touch!

[ochasuru]

Hey Wen Ling,

Thanks for the feedback.
Glad to know there's another Malaysian desperately waiting for the GOOD news eh
so to speak. Not much we can do apart from waiting and keep on waiting.
So, am trying to be patient 'ere.

Yep, managed to get 2 letter of acceptance to do postgrad studies.
I get to do Japanese Language and Culture as what I've proposed earlier.
Did degree in Mass Communication (majoring in Journalism) locally.
What 'bout you?

That's right, understand what you're trying to say as I tend to think a lot
about it while I'm at work these days... Not knowing when to tender your resignation letter and so on, and there're jobs at hand where you can't simply pass to other colleague and blah blah blah!! Try not to think too much about it and there you go, it will just pop in your head now and then, am I right?

Well, did we? I heard they conducted the interview for 2 days and I was not there on the first day but the last day. Furthermore, there were 2 sessions, morning and afternoon. Mine was in the morning.

Do keep in touch eh! adios~

[wenling]

Gosh, this is indeed a small world!
I have also completed my Bachelor Degree in Communication (Hons) majoring in Journalism locally in UTAR.
Which local Uni are you from?

Wow, a study in Japanese Language and Culture!
I heard that it is not easy for foreign applicants to apply for this specialised field.
I assume that you already have mastered the Japanese language to a certain proficiency level...
For me, I am pursuing similar field as my undergraduate studies. If successful, I will be doing Media Studies majoring in Journalism.

Yeah, I agree with you. Thinking too much would just make you anxious and unsettled all day long... just got to be patient for a little while more...

Oh I see. I didn't know that the interviews was conducted in 2 days.
If I remember correctly, I attended the interview on 10 July last year. Don't know whether it is the 1st day or the 2nd day. But my interview session was in the afternoon at 2.30 pm. There was like 6 of us interviewee...

Do post here if you got the scholarship!
All the best!

[bachir]

mid february already :eek: !
hi wenling, hello ochasuru !
we're all in the same situation .but anyway, patience pay :cool:
our situation was much worse since we had both the written exam (during the morning) and the interview (at 2.45) the same day. :mad: SO HECTIC !!!
all in all we were 9 chosen students to go through the first, then five for the interview.

let's all hold on

ganbatteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

PS: let us all know about any answer :wave:

[ochasuru]

yeah,
sure thing!!
will inform the whole world when i finally get the answer from the embassy... haha!
so, keep me updates eh 'bout the results announcement, erm, final announcement i guess... nway, otagaini ganbarou!

[Saulo de Oliveira]

Horray!

At last, here in Brazil we received the final results. At the end of March (of begining of April) I'll be studying at Nagoya University :wave:

I wish good luck for everyone else.

[arshana]

Congratulations! :cool:

[ochasuru]

Hey Saulo,

COngrates~~
omedetou ^^
as for us in Malaysia, we're still waiting...
anyway, really happy for you. you can start packing your stuff man.

[bachir]

hello everyone, i was really happy yesterday when i knew for your relief saulo !
However, my fear suddenly rised; in a second .
and i was right to worry because, today, sunday i got an answer from the embassy informing me that the two others are privileged since they had the final "relief" on 15th february. Whereas i, have to wait more. the reason ? well, the ministry has not found any university for me . i can assure you it was like :shock:
i'm in such a piteous state...digging for my tomb...falling down in the dumps :mad:
pfffffff....Well sorry for such an unpleasant piece of news and for worrying some of you.
ohhh my ! :worried:

[akita]

Congratulation @Saulo. It seams that the answers start to come for everybody. I'm also still waiting. :-)
@Bachir I think they will find you a university for sure they are still looking. You just need to wait a little more.

[bachir]

Thanks Akita for your kind words. i'll do my best to stay calm for now and until then .:shiver:

[ochasuru]

yeah bachir, understand your feeling.
just hoping that everything will turn out well for all of us,
and that's of course including you.
just stay calm eh!

[wenling]

Congratulations Saulo de Oliveira!

It's good to hear that someone among us actually got in!
Good luck in all your preparation and safe journey to Japan.
If there's an opportunity, lets do meet up together!

Don't worry too much bachir.
You have already been selected.
Now, it is just to wait a bit more patiently till they find one suitable university for you. I have full confident that you will make it through. Stay strong!

For the rest of us (including myself), lets keep our fingers crossed and pray hard!

[ochasuru]

hi all,
just received a call from the embassy and hooray~~
am heading to Tokyo... April intake.
they placed me to the university of my first choice.

phew... what a relief! and to the rest of the strugglers...
all the best. wishing you peace and best of luck.

[wenling]

Congratulations ochasuru!

Wish you all the best to Tokyo, Japan!

Your good news made me so excited and anxious that I am waiting impatiently for the call of a lifetime...
Hope it would be soon...

[arshana]

Congrats. I'm dying here...

[wenling]

Hi, arshana!

Its good to see another countrymen here.
Are you also waiting for the results?
Where will you be heading to?

No calls yet... I wonder whether I can call them up and ask?
The waiting is painful and my heartbeat just cant slow down...
Doing some deep breathing now...

[kishimen]

Congrats ochasuru!
I'm waiting for that phone call as well...
Want to call them up but pretty darn scared of what they'll say
My heart's pumping!!!

[arshana]

Hiya wenling. Yeah, I'm waiting as well. Everyday has been torturous. The suspense is killing me. Gyah!

I applied for Hokkaido University. I'm tempted to call the embassy too. But I'm scared also. :(

[wenling]

Hi, kishimen!

Today must have been a really good day to meet so many countrymen here.
Where will you be heading to?


Hi, arshana!

Nice to meet you. Hokkaido University was one of my top choice as well but I couldn't get in touch with any of the Professors (no replies to all the Email I sent), thus I have to go for other universities. What will you be studying there?

Yeah, I'm scared of what they might reply as well. Since all of us have come this far, I think it should be OK for us to call them up.

Do post here once you guys receive calls as well!

[kishimen]

Well, I guess I'm in one of the worst situations in the sense that I did not manage to get an acceptance letter at all. Maybe because my major (translation) is an unconventional one for studies in japan. So I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.....

[wenling]

Don't worry too much kishimen.

I have gone through quite similar situation like you. My field of study in Mass Communication major in Journalism is not popular in Japan. Only three university are offering the course in graduate level. In terms of ranking, I only got accepted by the third university which happens to be my third choice... i think it was pure luck and coincidence...

Have confidence in yourself! I believe you will pull through it!
We have all come so far, don't put up your white flag till the final moment!
All the best!

[arshana]

I applied for genetic engineering. I understand how you guys feel. I emailed to nearly 40 professors. I only got like 7 replies, with some of them turning me down. I was lucky with the Hokkaido one. I didn't want to go there initially because I heard the place was freezing cold but then they had this fantastic course, I just couldn't resist.

[wenling]

Wow, genetic engineering!

That must be one tough field. I remember on my interview day, there was also a candidate majoring in genetic engineering. He was from UM. I hope he fare well too.

I think all of us when through the similar situation while looking for Professors! It was one crazy experience but its a great learning process.

Let's all hope for the best!

[ochasuru]

thanks wenling, arshana and kishimen...
i can only wish y'all get to go to the place you're aiming to go.
the lady told me that she will distribute the letters to all the candidates
who are going there somewhere in March (for those who chose April intake).
meaning to say, we'll get the notification letter by 'tis week.
looking forward to meet all of you and depart from 'ere together.

[dblbstrd]

Arshana, I would LOVE to go to Hokkaido! Where I have lived here in the US is not cold enough for me. On the valley floors it rains all winter, and we hardly ever get any snow.
I didn't even look at Hokkaido Daigaku though, because there was one very specific research group I found that interested me, so that was the only place I asked for an acceptance letter.
Maybe I can go to Sapporo next winter during the break or something!


By the way, I have received confirmation, information and instructions for getting ready to go in April! I don't know if all embassies/consulates handle this in the same way, but I hope this information is of any use to anyone who hasn't received info yet:
I have been asked to contact some company in Tokyo to reserve my own plane ticket, and to get a hold of my school regarding living arrangements and other arrival considerations (I haven't heard anything from them about this, but if it is as my professor described when I spoke with him last summer, there should be no problem).
I was also not given any info on Japanese language classes, but my university has Japanese language courses for MEXT students so there would be no need to go to Tokyo or Osaka gaidai first anyway.

[wenling]

Congratulations dblbstrd!

Thanks for sharing the information with us.
I didn't know we need to reserve our flight ticket by ourselves.
Looks like there would be lots of D.I.Y arrangement that we will be facing on our own...

Safe journey to Japan, dblbstrd!

[kishimen]

Many thx to wenling and ochasuru for the encouragement!

And congrats to dblbstrd!

I have a friend who went to Hokkaido during the Winter Festival and the pics she took there were fantastic, so arshana, I think the freezing cold would be worth it!:-)

[arshana]

Thanks guys for the encouragement. I did Google up Hokkaido and it did look pretty. Hope I don't freeze there.

But do we have enough time for the preparation? It's already mid-Feb and if we're supposed to be there by Apr... It's a bit too rushed for me. I don't even have a single winter apparel. Oh wait, I don't even know if I got the scholarship yet. Right. :okashii:

[dblbstrd]

Thanks wenling!

Like I said, I don't know if this is how it will work for everybody...


Everyone else keep hanging in there and it'll all get sorted out soon!
Yeah it's not much time to get ready, but it'll hopefully work out.

[bachir]

Well, I guess I'm in one of the worst situations in the sense that I did not manage to get an acceptance letter at all. Maybe because my major (translation) is an unconventional one for studies in japan. So I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.....
I must aknowledge that this is what scared me to death. Because that is exactly my case. That makes two of us, then.
Phewww...thanks god i'm not the only one :relief:

[kishimen]

Wenling and arshana:

I have only 1 advice....

CALL the the embassy
I just pulled up all my courage and called and I got it!!!!
So did my friend, she's going to TUFS and I'm going to Osaka U!
But mine's in Oct, yep I applied for the later one...

[bachir]

So that means...i AM the only one in this tortuous situation :worried::worried::worried:

[kishimen]

Don't worry bachir, remember I made it even though I didn't get the acceptance letter. Hang on there and good luck!

[bachir]

yeah thanks a lot but....it's just that i didn't get any acceptance letter too .that's why !

[arshana]

Wenling and arshana:
I have only 1 advice....
CALL the the embassy
I just pulled up all my courage and called and I got it!!!!
So did my friend, she's going to TUFS and I'm going to Osaka U!
But mine's in Oct, yep I applied for the later one...

But I'm scared. :worried: I'll just wait for the letter. Congrats to you though!

[kishimen]

thx and best of luck to you! d(^_^)b

[wenling]

Congratulations kishimen! and thanks for your advice!

I muster up my courage and I finally call up the embassy... I GOT IT!
I will be spending the first 6 month in Kyoto University and the rest of the years in Doshisha University!

I will be going for the April intake!

[ochasuru]

kishimen and wenling,
congrates~~
at last huh?
feel happy for both of you.
yay!!!

[kishimen]

Thanks ochasuru, wenling! And congrats, wenling! Kyoto is a great place:cool:
Who knows? Maybe I can meet you guys in Japan seeing that I am only leaving in Oct:-)

[wenling]

Thanks a lot ochasuru and kishimen!

It was one long wait but it was really worthwhile.
We really should meet up in Japan... sort of like a gathering!
The embassy lady did mention that there would be like an orientation held in the embassy somewhere in March before we depart. Make sure all of you guys and girls turn up for the orientation!

By the way, arshana, the Notice of Acceptance would be mail out these few days so you might be receiving it soon. Don't worry too much! You will definitely make it through too!

[ochasuru]

yeah sansei sansei (agree agree)...
we should really meet up.
so keep in touch lah!

[arshana]

Thanks a lot ochasuru and kishimen!
It was one long wait but it was really worthwhile.
We really should meet up in Japan... sort of like a gathering!
The embassy lady did mention that there would be like an orientation held in the embassy somewhere in March before we depart. Make sure all of you guys and girls turn up for the orientation!
By the way, arshana, the Notice of Acceptance would be mail out these few days so you might be receiving it soon. Don't worry too much! You will definitely make it through too!

Congrats and thanks. I heard about the orientation though. I'm praying hard that I will be able to make it and meet you guys there.

The Oct intake will have the same orientation as well as with Apr intake?

[Dutch Baka]

Wow, a lot of happy people here... compaired to the whaling section haha.

I wish all of you guys and girl the best and that it will be a great life experience! KANPAI!!!!

[arshana]

Uh-oh. Panic attack! Is hostel/ accommodation covered by the scholarship? Is there a separate thread for this?

[Nall-ohki]

Congratulations to all!

I got selected as an alternate, and it doesn't look good for me, but I'm going to try next year, and hopefully join your ranks!

[ochasuru]

hey thanks Nall-ohki,
wishing you all the best.
just try your best and remember, when there's a will there's a way.

[wenling]

Yeah, don't worry too much Nall-ohki!

There's always a silver lining among the clouds and you never know that you might be selected as well.
Ganbatte!

arshana, I am not sure whether they will be conducting the orientation together for both April and October intake but there is a high possible chance that they would. Keep us posted here if you receive the date and time.

In regards to accommodation, I think the monthly allowances given to all grantees should be enough to cover it. Further information may be contained in the coming letter that the embassy is issuing us later this week.

[arshana]

I called and I made it through. October intake though.

[ilus]

Information as promised earlier (in other thread):

The results for Indonesia is out, and I’m finally in. 

Congratulations to those who succeed! Goodluck to those who are still waiting! Hopefully it will turn out well for all of you!
And to those who did not get through this year, please do not be discourage..

Goodluck!

[nazo]

Hi everyone..
I saw this thread since a couple of years now. It's really great the way it has grown! Now that I'm applying this year, I decided to join.
I'm currently filling out my application for university recommendation. I need to send the papers like this friday or monday, I have almost all of the requirements but haven't written the research proposal/field of study form. As they say, "getting through all the red tape", can be very tiring. Today I wrote myself a letter of recommendation and had a two hour session with the official translator only to come out cashless. It has been like this for almost every day since a month now :S.
Well, it was good seeing people work so hard, I feel like following your example.
See you next time.

[ochasuru]

hey arshana,
glad to hear that from u,
congrates!! omedetou~

ilus, to u too... congrates~~

nazo, best of luck to u.
the whole thing is kinda time consuming and all,
but it's worth trying. try your very best eh!

[wenling]

Congratulations arshana and ilus!
That's good news.
Hope you guys have a wonderful time there and safe journey to Japan!

Nazo, Ganbatte!
Put all your best effort in and I know you will manage to pull through it as well.

[kishimen]

Congrats arshana and ilus!

And the best of luck to you, nazo!

[ilus]

Thanks a lot Wenling, Ochasuru, and Kishimen!
Congratulations also to the three of you!

Yup, that’s right Nazo, getting the recommendation letter can sometimes be very tiring. I encountered similar problem, although in my case, it is not that bad. Goodluck to you!

[Rizaric]

This is my first post on this forum, but I've just been notified that I have been accepted too- I'll be going to Tokyo in October. Hopefully I'll be able to meet some of you.

Wanted to say congrats to all the people who've made it, and good luck to those who are waiting!

By the way, I didn't receive a call or e-mail from the embassy, rather just a letter in the mail.

[wenling]

Congratulations Rizaric!

Hopefully all of us in this forum could actually meet up.
Have a safe journey to Japan!

I am still waiting for the official letter though... has anyone got it yet?

How is everyone's preparation? What are the necessity items to bring over?

[ochasuru]

congrates to you Rizaric.

good for you as you've received the letter, as for us here,
we are still waiting for the letter.

which university in tokyo are you heading to?

[akita]

Finally. The embassy called me and they said I was accepted to my fist choice university. I should be in Japan in April. It's so soon but I'm very happy. :wave:

Congrats to all that got the answer and I hope the others will also receive their soon. I'm sure it will come just a little more patience.

[ochasuru]

hey akita, congrates to you.
i get to go to my first choice university as well... heehee.
which part of japan are you heading to?
nway, safe journey and all the best to you!

[wenling]

Congratulations Akita!

I am really happy for you too.
All the best in your preparation and have a safe journey to Japan!

[Rizaric]

Congrats Akita--

I'm going to be going to Todai.

I'm just wondering for those who got two or more acceptance letters... are you sending any messages to those professors who you won't be working with? I'm thinking of sending a thank you note or something.

[arshana]

How is everyone's preparation? What are the necessity items to bring over?

Now, that is a big question...

[akita]

Thanks to all. @ochasuru I'm heading to Tsukuba University witch is quite close to Tokyo. I hope that somebody will be there to wait for us or i'll need to learn how to find my university.:-)

I have no idea what should I brig with me for such a long stay. It's not like I can go back home to take what I forgot. I need 20 hours to reach Japan.

[Rizaric]

What to bring...

Well I can start the list--

Bring at least one 'formal' outfit like a suit/jacket cause I'm sure you'll have to attend some meetings that you want to make a good impression in!

Don't worry too much about daily life things-- the 100 yen store has most things you'll need.

You'll need to bring/think about some omiyage from your home country for you supervisors and random other people that you meet.

If there are any special cosmetics/daily care products that you use, bring a supply of that too-

Another thing I'd recommend is to plan for the winter-- pack some clothes in a box and get a friend or your parents to send the box when it is fall. I guess for those of you living in Malaysia, you'll have to wait till you get to Japan to find winter clothes!

Remember too that Japanese sizes are generally small....

That's all I can think of for the moment.... keep adding ideas to the list everyone!

[akita]

@Rizaric thank you very much. I was thinking that I might need some formal cloth. this 100 yen stores are everywhere? I mean I can find them in a small city like Tsukuba?

I'm not a person that gets sick but just in case should I bring some medicine with me or they will stop me on the airport? I'll try to find out more about the laws in Japan for foreigners. Especially about omiyage /souvenirs. We have a lot of things nice hand- made and staff like that but sometimes there is a problem going in another country with them.
I'll ask the embassy to see exactly what i can bring with me in this case. Last time when I took a painting with me in Belgium the policeman on the border was like I was transporting a D' Vinci painting. He needed an hour to realize that it had no real value. Then again we were not yet an EU country.

I was thinking to ask my parents to send me clothes for winter but maybe I can find some in Japan also. I'm not a very big person well at list among my people. :-)

[arshana]

I read somewhere that it is advisable to bring 5- 6 copies of ID photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm or 4cm x 3 cm) of yourself for application i.e. alien registration card, bank account, etc.

I'm worried about the winter clothing. I mean, how cold is Hokkaido? What do you usually get for winter?

I read somewhere that it is advisable to bring 5- 6 copies of ID photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm or 4cm x 3 cm) of yourself for application i.e. alien registration card, bank account, etc.

I'm worried about the winter clothing. I mean, how cold is Hokkaido? What do you usually get for winter?


I'm not a person that gets sick but just in case should I bring some medicine with me or they will stop me on the airport? I'll try to find out more about the laws in Japan for foreigners.

According to this website (Google up 'Study in Japan'), it is recommended to bring your own medicines in case it's difficult for you to find that suits you once you're in Japan.

[kishimen]

Yeah, I think it's kind of hard to pack for all 4 seasons. But when I was in Nagoya, they had this second hand clothes shop where they sell clothes for much cheaper prices like 1yen for 1 gram, 2yen for 1 gram. I remembered getting a knee length coat for about 1800 yen whereas something new would have cost about 5000yen at least. Plus the clothes are not the torn and dirty kind, sometimes you even get new ones (the price/brand tags still intact). If you don't mind second hand clothes then you can always look out for these shops.

[akita]

In the end I think I'll pack for 2 season and then buy something in Japan or ask my family to send me a package. I can only take with me 20 Kg then you need to pay for extra luggage. Then again I only have 55kg so I don't think taking all my clothes closet will be an option. :-)

I wander how much money I should bring in the beginning . They write somewhere on those application papers that we should have a minimum of a 1000 dollars. Do you think is to much or to less? I'm thinking that when they write this they took is consideration all basic needs.

[akita]

[QUOTE=arshana;559235]I read somewhere that it is advisable to bring 5- 6 copies of ID photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm or 4cm x 3 cm) of yourself for application i.e. alien registration card, bank account, etc.

I'm worried about the winter clothing. I mean, how cold is Hokkaido? What do you usually get for winter?

I read somewhere that it is advisable to bring 5- 6 copies of ID photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm or 4cm x 3 cm) of yourself for application i.e. alien registration card, bank account, etc.

I'm worried about the winter clothing. I mean, how cold is Hokkaido? What do you usually get for winter?
.................................................. ..

Well I reed the same think about pictures somewhere on JASSO I think.

I found this site it's Japan meteorological Agency. You can find weather for Hokaido also. jma.go.jp/en/amedas/202.html?elementCode=2

[Rizaric]

If you're living in a dorm, I don't think things will be that expensive for the first little while. I wouldn't recommend bringing any less than $1000- if anything, I'd bring more.. maybe around $1500 as you need to think about expenses such as phone, food, internet and recreation. I would probably bring more and just deposit it in the bank if I didn't use it. I don't remember who posted, but if there's no 'arrival allowance' as they said, then having a little extra cash wouldn't hurt.

Things in Japan _can_ be really expensive, but they can also be reasonable. You can go for a sushi meal that costs you $100+, or you can go to many restaurants that will fill you up for less than $10. I think the myths of Japan being really expensive come from tourists who don't really know where to go, or are tricked by tour guides in to going to expensive places! Although that being said... what I've seen is that rent is not cheap in Tokyo, but that won't be too much of a problem if you're living in a dorm for a while.

[xiuxiu]

Hello people!
I've been accepted too! I'll be attending Hitotsubashi Uni starting April. I'm extremely happy, but it's still such a short notice!!

I hear spring is one of the best seasons to be in Japan, but I'm a bit worried about summer. I was told it can get REALLY hot and humid in Tokyo. Is it really that bad? How about the bugs? There are almost no bugs where I live, so I don't think I could handle anything larger than a bee! :(

I really hope the Japanese guys who told me all these things were just exaggerating!!

And by the way!! Congratulations to those who got accepted!! Hope we can meet in Japan and share our experiences. To those who didn't make it, keep trying! Persistence is highly valued in these things.

[dblbstrd]

Hello people!
I've been accepted too! I'll be attending Hitotsubashi Uni starting April. I'm extremely happy, but it's still such a short notice!!
I hear spring is one of the best seasons to be in Japan, but I'm a bit worried about summer. I was told it can get REALLY hot and humid in Tokyo. Is it really that bad? How about the bugs? There are almost no bugs where I live, so I don't think I could handle anything larger than a bee! :(
I really hope the Japanese guys who told me all these things were just exaggerating!!
And by the way!! Congratulations to those who got accepted!! Hope we can meet in Japan and share our experiences. To those who didn't make it, keep trying! Persistence is highly valued in these things.

Congrats on getting in, xiuxiu, and everyone else who has posted lately!

It does get pretty hot and humid in Tokyo over the summer, but it's livable. I personally think that using the AC too much is wasteful, so do your best to stick it out, but yeah, sometimes you just gotta turn it on...

As for bugs.. well, you might run into cockroaches every now and again depending where you live. They can be pretty big, but as far as I'm concerned they're really quite harmless. The whole year I live around Tokyo/Yokohama I ran into cockroaches in my apartment twice. Never had any run ins with any spiders but I'm sure they're there. Out in the countryside there are some really big spiders, but once again, mostly harmless. In many places in Japan there are also these weird bugs that hang out in the trees and make an obnoxious buzzing noise during the summer, but I don't remember if they're anywhere in Tokyo... you kind of learn to ignore it one way or another, and I don't recall ever seeing them so they're not really a problem.

Sometimes you'll see rats in the subway and even out in the city, but not really that often.

arshana, I've heard Hokkaido gets VERY cold. I would love it there, personally... Just get yourself some long underwear, gloves, a cap, and a nice warm jacket!

[Glenski]

I've lived in Hokkaido for the past 9 years. Cold is a relative word. Sapporo gets down to minus 15C at the worst. There are other areas like Asahikawa that get down to minus 20 or 30C. To me those are all very tolerable, but that's because of my background.

[backwheelbates]

Hi. I've been following this thread for quite some time now. Thanks everyone for sharing your progress, and stories! I just wanted to see if there was anyone else out there that was still waiting for a reply from their local consulate or embassy. I am still waiting nervously for a decision from MEXT.

Thanks for your support everyone!!

[bachir]

HELLO backwheelbates :wave:

It seems that this situation makes two of us. I mean, we're both in the same case.
One week ago, the embassy received an e-mail from the ministry(monbusho) telling that two of the tree chosen students who applied for the scholarship were finally accepted at their preffered university...but the third one (me) hasn't been placed yet because of not finding a university that accepted me.
Yes yes...i must say it is a bit difficult for me because i couldn't manage to get any letter of acceptance last august :(
But anyway, they just reassured me and said it was only a matter of time.

Yet, something weird occured to me lately.
in fact, a person of nagoya university phoned the Embassy of Algeria in tokyo to inform them that i was finally selected. and he wanted to talk to me just to give me the prices of the dormitory there .He failed to get me thus he called our embassy. However, what worries me the most is the fact that no official information from the monbusho was sent to the japanese embassy in algeria.
Quite odd don't you think ?

PS, i applied for april that's why i'm sooooo worried. What about you ???

By the way, do you speak french ?

[backwheelbates]

Hi bachir. I agree, its getting quite stressful now that the April start date is so close. I've received an acceptance letter from a university(last august) and they too have just contacted me with more detailed information about housing. So they must be expecting me to come, although I haven't received confirmation from my consulate.

It looks like Im in the same position as you bachir, the consulate had received acceptance information for 2 other applicants, but not for everyone. I'm not quite sure if it means anything though. Could be good, could be bad news, who knows?

Good luck bachir!! I hope we can get an answer this week!!

(ps. no, I dont speak french.)

[bachir]

Hello backwheelbates :wave:

I've just received some information from the japanese embassy this morning.
in fact, the person in charge of cultural purposes told me she gave a call to the nagoya university and everything's alright.i'm accepted. however, concerning the reply from the ministry she was asked to wait a bit more because they (the ministry) are gathering all the telegrams in order to send them all together.
So backwheelbates, we probably might receive it at the same moment .don't you think ?
We seem to be the last two students waiting. ah ! there is nall-ohki the american who has been chosen as an alternate. That makes three .

PS: which university are you heading to ?

[dblbstrd]

I read somewhere that it is advisable to bring 5- 6 copies of ID photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm or 4cm x 3 cm) of yourself for application i.e. alien registration card, bank account, etc.

In the US, we use 2 inches x 2 inches as the standard for passport photos, so I'm not totally sure that these will work for the gaijin card registration. The size difference is pretty big.

If places in your country offer 4.5cm x 3.5cm photos or something close enough, it's not a bad idea to bring them with you, but this isn't strictly necessary. Basically wherever you go there should be some photo booths specifically for ID photos, so you can get what you need for just a few hundred yen.

[arshana]

So, did anyone get the letter yet? It's taking an awfully long time to deliver 'em.

[wenling]

Congrats Bachir!
I believe you should be receiving the telegram soon.
I heard Nagoya is a nice place.

Hi, arshana!
Still waiting for the letter... maybe the first week of March?
Can't wait to see what kind of arrangements or guidelines they have prepared for us...

[backwheelbates]

Hey guys.

Just got an acceptance email from my consulate.

I'm on my way to Kyoto!!

Thanks for all the support:)

(anyone else out there waiting?)

[wenling]

Congrats backwheelbates!
You are the first one so far that got an official reply by the consulate.
The rest of us are still waiting...

Which Uni in Kyoto are you heading too?

[yauchildchew]

hello......me too a waiting candidate.......called and told selected but still waiting for the letter to reach my hand.......wenling, u going to 27th (thursday) gathering?

believe most of u here are working, me too and its killing me.....wish April to reach sooner!

Me, Tokyo Uni, Sustainable Buildings, but not sure of everything and anything yet.....still waiting for the letter........might have to ask for info from all of u here but now busy occupied with work......dont even know what to ask properly.......mid March to stop working....

Last nt least, Minna ni Omedetou Gozaimasu!

[yauchildchew]

wanted to share my experience during the application but find no time to do it here... anyway, can visit my blog at viwichew.blogspot.com, few posts have been made for this :)

other than studying in Jap, my major objective is to enjoy the life there!! Among a few things to do before I complete my study there, I have planned to visit Fujisan, Tokyo Tower, Snowboarding or Skiing in Hokkaido, Attend comic n cosplay exhibition...........the list still see no end :)

glad if any of u are interested in any of them and it will be great to go together!

[wenling]

Congrats yauchildchew!

You got into Tokyo Uni... that's just amazing man!
Wish you have a wonderful time there!

I didn't know they finalized the date already... when I asked 2 weeks ago, the lady informed that it was still being sorted out... is it confirmed to be 27 March?
Anyone other Malaysians got the news?

I think most are working... same with me... will stop work by 17 / 18 March... now so much things to do... transferring work to the juniors etc...

Of course we got to enjoy life... do contact us if you are going for any of the activities... the more people the merrier it goes!

[arshana]

other than studying in Jap, my major objective is to enjoy the life there!! Among a few things to do before I complete my study there, I have planned to visit Fujisan, Tokyo Tower, Snowboarding or Skiing in Hokkaido, Attend comic n cosplay exhibition...........the list still see no end :)

glad if any of u are interested in any of them and it will be great to go together!

Did I hear Hokkaido? Haha.

All you guys are working? I just graduated. So I'm bumming at home right now. It's on the 27th? Confirmed?

[ochasuru]

hi people, whew....
quite a number of malaysians here in the forum eh?! great!!!

first of all, congratulation backwheelbates. off you go to kyoto, one of the beautiful places in japan.

bachir, yours on your way, no worries eh! best of luck to you.

arshana, a colleague of mine just got back from Hokkaido and we get to see all the pics she took there... it makes all of us in the office wanna go and visit there someday but it's not a cheap trip indeed. she said it's cold but you'll love the scenery there. so, take your time to enjoy while you're there eh!

yauchildchew, congrates and i believe we're in the same district 'cos toudai (tokyo uni) is not far from the university that am heading to which is the お茶の水女子大学(Ochanomizu University).

dropped by and collected the official letter from japan embassy of malaysia yesterday. so basically we need to submit 4 things, one copy of passport, letter of acceptance (to be prepared by us), there's a PLEDGE letter that need to be signed and return back to them and an invitation for the pre-departure orientation and send-off party on 27th March (Thurs). we need to submit everything before 12th March (Wed). and there's a 'Life and Study in Japan 2008' handbook as well. i haven't even have the time to read it yet, hehehee...

yeah... everything is kinda messy 'cos we're working slaves eh?! nah, am just kidding, but it's kinda hard to focus on work at this crucial time. so people, still... good luck with the preparation and see you guys during the party eh! sorejya, mata!

[yauchildchew]

お茶の水女子大学(Ochanomizu University).


No offence but the uni name sounds quite funny :P so what course u do there?
So, so surprised that u went to collect the offer letter by urself...

Me still wondering many many things for example, the air ticket, i believe they will prepare for us but what flight line? I wish to know more so that I can go to make appeal to the airline company to allow me to bring extra weight of luggage f.o.c. I was told appeal can be made by showing our student visa or student card.

Other than that, still many queries......such as, we gonna have the intensive Jap course at the uni we are assigned to?

Sorry for simply asking whatever comes into my mind for the moment :P

[arshana]

dropped by and collected the official letter from japan embassy of malaysia yesterday.

We need to pick up the letter ourselves from the embassy? I thought they were supposed to mail it to us. How did you know that you're supposed to pick it up instead? And the due date is 12 March? That doesn't leave us with much time seeing how we haven't even got the letters yet.

[ochasuru]

yauchildchew,
it's okay, no offence in asking and am certainly not offended.
will be studying comparative studies of societies and cultures.
it's under the graduate school of humanities and sciences.
regarding the air ticket and departure date, it just stated here....
"You are scheduled to leave for Japan by early April 2008. Your actual date of departure and other details will be mailed to you in a follow-up letter."
...... blah blah blah and...
"Your early reply is needed urgently for air ticket reservation".
about the intensive japanese class, it's depend on the university that you're heading to.
you'll probably assigned to other uni for the intensive japanese class instead of the uni that you're heading to. have no definite answer to that as i'm not sure about it either.


arshana,
you can either go and collect it by yourself or you can wait for the letter to arrive.
nway, i believe they already posted all the letters and it's definitely on its way.
you'll get it by next week, if you don't, probably you can check with the embassy.
as am working somewhere near the embassy, i told the lady am gonna drop by
and pick them up by hand when the lady incharge called me about the final result.
so, you actually have 2 options.

[yauchildchew]

thx for clearing my queries... :) and more to come in near future!

[arshana]

so basically we need to submit 4 things, one copy of passport, letter of acceptance (to be prepared by us), there's a PLEDGE letter that need to be signed and return back to them and an invitation for the pre-departure orientation and send-off party on 27th March (Thurs). we need to submit everything before 12th March (Wed).

Is there any other documents we need to send in apart from the copy of the passport? I'll be heading to my university next week in Kuantan and I intend to get the copies verified.

[ochasuru]

arshana,

they didn't mention anything else apart from the 4 things that we need to submit.
they need the copy of our passport for the ticket booking.
as the 'letter of acceptance', we need to prepare a letter saying that we accept their offer. just a short and brief one will do.
as for the 'PLEDGE' letter, we have to sign it.
and the invitation whether we're attending the party or not.
that's all stated in the letter. no other doc need to be submitted.

[yauchildchew]

ocha,
i wonder any statements in the Pledge that requires much attention and consideration such as bond? thx!

[backwheelbates]

It sounds like everyone is going to really exciting places! Congrats!!

Thanks Wenling, I'm going to the Kyoto University of Art and Design to study Animation as a research student and then hopefully switch to the masters program. Are there any other artists out there?

[arshana]

I got the letter yesterday. yauchildchew, there is no bond but just the usual stuff about abiding their rules and such.

A quick question, for the pre-orientation and send-off party you can bring someone to accompany you. I'm a little confused. The mentioned something about 2 ppl. Does that mean 2 ppl including myself and the other person OR 2 ppl excluding myself, which would mean 3 in total?

Btw, you need to send in the reply through fax for the pre-orientation and send-off party by 6 March.

[wenling]

hi arshana!

Got my letter yesterday too.
Now I got to take time off from work to get my passport done.
Lots of other things to prepare as well... its going to be a busy month...

I am confused as well in regards to bringing people together to the pre-orientation and send-off party... thought of bringing both my parents along... its not always that we get to be invited to the ambassador residence...

I still remember that back in 2004, the recipients was only allowed to attend on their own and the party was held in the embassy not the residence... I was a news reporter back then covering the event for The Star...

Any Malaysians bringing their parents or relatives along? Is it 2 or 3 people (including ourselves to attend the event)?


hi backwheelbates! Nice to hear back from you!

It's great to know that you will be heading to Kyoto as well!
Hope that I will be able to meet up with you cause I will be having my Japanese language training in the same Uni as you.
Which International Student Hostel will you be staying?