Science in Japan

[DarkSharingan]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to know about the advancement of science in Japan. This includes job requirements, education and salary ranges. I know technology is booming there as it's basically the center of the world for tech. I live in BC, Canada and am almost done my final year of high-school with really good grades. I am planning on going to UBC for a science degree and then on a foreign exchange program to a Japanese university. Any recommendations/info?

Thanks beforehand.

[Glenski]

Seems to me you are asking about 2 separate things: scientific advancement/technology in Japan, and work requirements.

Most non-teaching jobs in Japan will require a fairly high level of Japanese language ability. If you don't have a PhD, you are usually ineligible for any fellowships. Look at the JSPS site for details.

Look also at the STAG site (Gaijin Scientist book may still be online).

Look also at what companies from Canada have branch offices in Japan. You may be able to get an intracompany transfer visa with one, but you'll have to work in your home country for that company for a year first. Makes sense, as few companies are willing to risk sending over newbies for overseas assignments, especially at the lower levels.

Look into RIKEN and Tsukuba Science City for some general info on scientific advancements. Might also help to know your field for anyone here to help further.

Last advice. Start learning Japanese now, even before you try for an exchange program.

[DarkSharingan]

When You say PhD, do mean I'll have to complete my education in Canada? because a PhD is the highest I can go. I was looking more to the side in which I can complete most of of my education in Japan.

Plus, this stuff probably depends on the university that I apply to, so is there a site that has all of the university's requirements for international science students(in English) If there is, can someone post me a link?
Thanks

[Glenski]

Please read that web site from JSPS. It has more details than I can explain here. There are fellowships (and perhaps other stipends) for people who have completed their PhD and for those who are in the process of studying for it. I don't think it matters where you got your degree, but make sure by reading the site and making further official inquiries.
http://www.jsps.go.jp/english/index.html

this stuff probably depends on the university that I apply to, so is there a site that has all of the university's requirements for international science students(in English) If there is, can someone post me a link? Your first 7 words are dead on. It's case by case for each university. My own science university here in Hokkaido has quite a few foreign students (Canadian, Chinese, Mongolian, Korean, Turk, Sri Lankan, Indonesian, etc.) studying for their masters or PhD, and the requirements vary.

[dblbstrd]

You might also consider applying for the Monbukagakusho research student scholarship once you finish your bachelor's degree-- under it you could be supported to work for up to two years as a postgraduate research student with the option of continuing into higher degree programs if you are able to pass the university entrance exams (which may even be optionally administered in English, depending on the school; however you'd likely need Japanese skills for actual coursework). As you have likely seen, there are a few threads in the "Studying in Japan" section on this.
If you'd prefer to get your higher degrees (Master's and PhD) in your home country, the JSPS also offers fellowships for postdoc researchers, so there are certainly plenty of options!

I'm not sure if Japan is necessarily the technological "mecca" that many have regarded it as (for example I don't think the Japanese consumer market is technologically so far ahead of N. America as it was 10 or more years ago), but on the other hand, I get the impression Japanese graduate education and research programs are no slouch when it comes to science/technology/engineering/mathematics.

Edit-- I'd just like to add, I'd basically recommend that you do your undergrad education in Canada and try for the postgrad stuff in Japan. Do your science major, and minor in Japanese if you can, that'd help a lot if this is what you really want to do! And if you can, get a job working as a lab assistant for a professor, or some other kind of hands-on research experience as an undergrad. I can tell you first hand, that kind of experience will pay off in many ways!

[Glenski]

link to that scholarship
http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0302e.html

Just realize that being a college graduate is not enough.

Those wishing to apply for a scholarship should meet one of the criteria listed below:
1. Recommended by a Japanese embassy or consulate general (Embassy Recommendation).

2. Recommended by the Japanese university which will accept you (University Recommendation).

3. Selected by the Japanese university in which you are currently enrolled if you are a privately-financed student already studying in Japan (Domestic Selection).

[saulotmalo]

I've been reading about the Monbukagakusho. It is like working in japan? How much money will be given? Is hard to enter?