Is this a sound plan? (student visa)

[moonandstar]

Hi everyone,

My question seems rather complex so I'm hoping someone with some experience can advise me. I have asked my question to the schools I am applying to directly, but for some reason, they tend to go dark after I ask them ...

It may be easier to answer my question if you know first what my goals are. My plan is to stay in Japan for at least a year (fall 2023 to summer 2024), but possibly / probably longer. I will be applying to the MEXT program in a few months (for schools that would start in April 2024), and if that worked out then I definitely would be staying longer, however I may still stay longer regardless.

Anyway, the first thing I'm doing is to apply to non-degree japanese language programs at a couple of universities. I will be starting in the fall 2023--that much is certain. However, my primary question is: do I apply for one semester or for a full year? Because the MEXT is anything but certain, I cannot plan around it and I would not want to simply stay for one semester and then be forced to leave. On the other hand, if I *do* get it then I can only study for one semester at this first school before moving on to the next one.

Also, I have heard that I can apply for a visa extension of 6 months to a year after getting a student visa, but if I am only staying for one semester, I just want to confirm that I can still do this? This would probably be the safest route, however I am just a little skeptical that they would still allow me to extend it for 6 months if my student visa is only for 1 semester in the first place!

Let me know what you all think. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Majestic]

Isn't MEXT program intended for at least a year of study (for Japanese language) and a multi-year course of study for other students?
I have no experience with MEXT, but that is what the web site indicates

"is intended to provide the student with a one-year program of intensive Japanese study and then complete an undergraduate degree (typically a four-year program), for five years on the scholarship."

The Japanese language MEXT bit indicates

"The MEXT Japanese Studies Scholarship is intended for U.S. undergraduate students to study Japanese language and culture at a university in Japan for one year."

So the default program would be at least a year, no? Would they even consider your application if your intention was to stay for only one semester?

 

[mdchachi]

So the default program would be at least a year, no? Would they even consider your application if your intention was to stay for only one semester?

I think the question is regarding coming to study before MEXT.

To the OP, what is the downside to applying for the two semester course? If you have to drop out and move to a MEXT scholarship, would you lose tuition or something?

 

[moonandstar]

I think the question is regarding coming to study before MEXT.

To the OP, what is the downside to applying for the two semester course? If you have to drop out and move to a MEXT scholarship, would you lose tuition or something?

Yes you are correct--and the MEXT that I plan to apply for would be for the graduate programs (and english taught at that) so I dont beleive I would do the japanese language program through them. & To clarify: the program I am applying for at the first university is not a degree program, in fact, they only offer 1 & 2 semester long programs.
So I suppose that is part of my question: I am not entirely sure what the potential problems of applying for a full year would be--tuition loss, maybe. Issues with visa or other immigration woes due to ending my program early? Because I am not entirely sure, I was hoping someone might know what potential pitfalls would await me if I chose the full year.