MEXT Scholarship for Postgraduate 2011: General Discussions.

[arap]

To those who asked about present field of study...well..my answer will be exactly the same as akaitsume

My undergrad major..and yes..I didn't add anything else beside that

 

[akaitsume1]

I really am awed (and grateful) when I found this forum, everyone is so prompt and generous with their answers to ppl who they don't know!!! ﾅ?'ﾅｽﾃ凪?堋ｵ窶堙??堙懌?堋ｷﾂ！

I am hoping to do sth. to do with neuroscience/pharmacology and disease-related(?). Although I haven't actually got a "exact idea" on what things to research, so I've just have been clicking on each prof's publications and see whether their past work sound like the stuffs I'm doing/want to do.

Of course I am very flexible, because I know it's hard to first of all find a prof who's willing to supervise even if my Japanese is so mediocre. So I'm open to changes! Changes can be

Just another extra Q (I apologise for this bombardment, but everything seems so exciting!!!): how's the lab environment in Japan? or at least in Keio? (I heard that the Japanese research are slightly different from the west) is the support good for you to settle down? I presume you'll have to speak in Japanese all the times? And I was just thinking... of taking a masters back at home, and here we don't finish till next Sept. Would you recommend it's better to do a full 2 years? or 18-months is simply too short?

Sorry, I didn't see your questions. ^_^;; Um, the lab situation seems to vary a lot, but my lab is absolutely wonderful. My supervisor and labmates are all incredibly nice and helpful. In my particular lab, I have to speak in Japanese all the time, but I know Rica's lab at a different part of Keio is pretty much all in English (or at least, that's what she was expecting. If I'm wrong, Rica, just let me know!). Other people have really strict supervisors. It's kind of the luck of the draw. ^_^;; You can probably guess a little from their attitude when talking to you.

Hm. So you're thinking of doing the research student bit, and not the Master's? Typically, they only give us 18 months for research. If you do the language training, which is six months prior to research, it's extended to two years (as I understand it. I skipped the language training in favor of part-time classes). I don't know if you get to extend to two years without going into a graduate course of study. :?

 

[qwie]

I find out that examination question for English is the same as English question for undergraduate and the main page is also show that "UNDERGRADUATE.RESEARCH STUDENT". what it is mean actually? am i download the right question? :? anyone please clarify on this..TQ in advance..

 

[mitch2526]

Oh cool thanks for answering my questions. This place is really great.

Just a question about the research program. Is it the exact same ones we HAVE TO submit to the professors when we're "officially" looking for them? Because I know it's hard to find a sensei to supervise you in your research, and I could edit my proposal to study under them (I'm willing, I'm just doing research at first after all and I just want to basically gain enough knowledge to get into grad school). Could we do that?

And also, if I'm doing research on Japanese Languages, do I have to take that on my MA?

And are my goals for doing research on point if I do want to learn about other "related fields" which I am no expert at all at? Since I want to be able to gather enough info on theories, methods, applications, etc, which could help me in deciding what to do during MA's?

Or am I supposed to do an amazing research within my field and just specialize? No, right?

Lol I'm at the first one. Wanna do MA's on Japanese Studies but cannot at this stage discuss Japan academically.

Any advice?

 

[smileyeyes85]

Hay Guyz, i also was wondering an oppertunity for my MBA degree, and pooooof , i saw the Mext scolarship. however, still they didnt start the application procedure. i am so excited and looking forward toward applying for it. does anyone has a previouse experience with MEXt, how it is applied ? what they cover ? do they cover accomidation or not ? book? health insurance? i would be really helpful .
wish everyone a good luck

 

[mitch2526]

I find out that examination question for English is the same as English question for undergraduate and the main page is also show that "UNDERGRADUATE.RESEARCH STUDENT". what it is mean actually? am i download the right question? :? anyone please clarify on this..TQ in advance..

can you show us the link? so that we see it and can advise you better.

 

[smileyeyes85]

well the application is more from the Japanese embessey itself.
i went searching on google and wondering if i can find any links to it. so far cluless :?

 

[qwie]

can you show us the link? so that we see it and can advise you better.

so sorry, I guess you all already knows :sorry:
this is the url link
(add www dot) studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0308e.html#1

 

[volume09]

Hi volume09! you make the planning and it was so good to take early action. I think it would be okay to apply for October intake if you don't mind to further your study straight away after degree level
I don't mind of course, I like it the sooner the better However there is one thing that I need to clarify.
See I believe that I will need to spend 6 months learning the language.
So, hypothetically, if I get accepted by the MEXT, I would need to spend 6 month in language trainning (from October 2011) and only then could I start the masters studies (which would by then be April and 2012). So I hope you can see my trouble. Does the MEXT 2011 allow for this ?

 

[aimane]

Hello everyone , i have a question about the application for the MEXT scholarship 2011 , do we have the right to apply for different types of MEXT schoalrship "undergrad" , "college of technlogy" and "professional training students" in the same time , and do the exams of all this types will be in the same day so that we choose just one type exams to pass :?
thank u

 

[arap]

I find out that examination question for English is the same as English question for undergraduate and the main page is also show that "UNDERGRADUATE.RESEARCH STUDENT". what it is mean actually? am i download the right question? :? anyone please clarify on this..TQ in advance..

Sorry for my late response, don't worry about it, though those exam was from 2009 batch but I guess both undergrad and research student had the same English exam.

Oh cool thanks for answering my questions. This place is really great.
Just a question about the research program. Is it the exact same ones we HAVE TO submit to the professors when we're "officially" looking for them? Because I know it's hard to find a sensei to supervise you in your research, and I could edit my proposal to study under them (I'm willing, I'm just doing research at first after all and I just want to basically gain enough knowledge to get into grad school). Could we do that?
And also, if I'm doing research on Japanese Languages, do I have to take that on my MA?
And are my goals for doing research on point if I do want to learn about other "related fields" which I am no expert at all at? Since I want to be able to gather enough info on theories, methods, applications, etc, which could help me in deciding what to do during MA's?
Or am I supposed to do an amazing research within my field and just specialize? No, right?
Lol I'm at the first one. Wanna do MA's on Japanese Studies but cannot at this stage discuss Japan academically.
Any advice?

First of all I have to apologize because I'm not sure that I get your question right..but nevertheless I will try to answer it

Okay, basically your research is expected (well in my opinion, is greatly expected) in the same field of study that you are currently learn, working, or had learned before.

In my case, the research that I have done in the past 6 month before I'm entering my degree program will become my future topic for my thesis or publishing a paper/journal.

As in my case...my undergrad final project was about wireless networking, my research proposal was also about wireless networking, and my grad school now is graduate school of informatics so it's all related.

Maybe it's different between each person, but my Professor really want me as soon as possible to start working on my research rather than letting me learning Japanese language, he even say that my graduate course is not a big deal and I should focus more on my research.

 

[tiko]

hello arap,
I have read most of your posts and they all r very helpful and informative thanks for sharing your information.
I have a couple of personal questions...so i'll pm u if u dont mind...

 

[arap]

Hi Tiko,

You're welcome...I'm glad that I can be of any help.

And please, be my guest if you want to pm me...I just hope that I can provide you with satisfying answer.

 

[qwie]

Hi volume09! you make the planning and it was so good to take early action. I think it would be okay to apply for October intake if you don't mind to further your study straight away after degree level
I don't mind of course, I like it the sooner the better However there is one thing that I need to clarify.
See I believe that I will need to spend 6 months learning the language.
So, hypothetically, if I get accepted by the MEXT, I would need to spend 6 month in language trainning (from October 2011) and only then could I start the masters studies (which would by then be April and 2012). So I hope you can see my trouble. Does the MEXT 2011 allow for this ?

Sorry volume09, but i cant see any trouble there and why not MEXT 2011 allow for this? of course you are allowed since you have already completed your bachelor of degree level. If I'm not mistaken, the training will be conducted in Japan after leaving your country right? Or is there any trouble that I cant see?

Sorry for my late response, don't worry about it, though those exam was from 2009 batch but I guess both undergrad and research student had the same English exam.

Thanks arap! feel relief now

 

[boilingchill]

Greetings all!
I have been lurking around this forum reading the trials and tribulations of all you good people and i suppose its finally my turn to apply this year.
Singapore has just released info about this year's application process.
Although i spend a good 2-3 days reading almost every single forum regarding the MEXT scholarship, could i trouble the forum with a few questions (specific to Keio):
Anyone here in Keio School of Media Design? (looks :? at Rica )
Did you go about applying for Mext first or did you apply for Keio? I'm a bit confused because i am not sure if i should go about contacting any professors in Keio without applying via the university channel.
Sorry for the many queries and Thank you so much for all the advice and assitance!

 

[smileyeyes85]

hay boilingchill,

good for you that the papers have arrived to singapore, i am still waiting ON FIRE , for the papers to reach bahrain. still no sign for anything but i wish they would be here ASAP.

i am new to this MEXT thingi too, so dont worry and i wish u all the best.

 

[hexa]

Hi, guys

I have a question about research plan/proposal. At the first step of application, you can(not required) to contact professor to discuss about your research proposal. Anybody do like that...please raise your hand....

Well, my question is, in writing the proposal, either to the professor(for those who did it) or to the application form, did u guys follow some format?? i'm just wondering if i could contact the professor, presenting my idea but without a complete document(abstract, literature review, methodologies,etc2).

I want to contact a professor, but i haven't started writing the proposal yet. Is it okay to mail them just telling what is my goal in that research, in short, without an academic approach. Maybe it's a no no way to contact a professor?

Thanks guys.

 

[arap]

Hay Guyz, i also was wondering an oppertunity for my MBA degree, and pooooof , i saw the Mext scolarship. however, still they didnt start the application procedure. i am so excited and looking forward toward applying for it. does anyone has a previouse experience with MEXt, how it is applied ? what they cover ? do they cover accomidation or not ? book? health insurance? i would be really helpful .
wish everyone a good luck

You don't need to worry about tuition fee for your school, the Japanese government pay it all..and as for the rest they give you stipends to be used on your daily need such as housing, food, health insurance etc..and most of the time it's more than enough..well except you are incredibly addicted to party and shopping that is..

Hi, guys

I have a question about research plan/proposal. At the first step of application, you can(not required) to contact professor to discuss about your research proposal. Anybody do like that...please raise your hand....

Well, my question is, in writing the proposal, either to the professor(for those who did it) or to the application form, did u guys follow some format?? i'm just wondering if i could contact the professor, presenting my idea but without a complete document(abstract, literature review, methodologies,etc2).

I want to contact a professor, but i haven't started writing the proposal yet. Is it okay to mail them just telling what is my goal in that research, in short, without an academic approach. Maybe it's a no no way to contact a professor?

Thanks guys.

Hi hexa...well I guess it's obviously recommended if you have any research proposal with some academic approach before you start contacting your Professor...but rather than not contacting at all, you can contact them just by mentioning your research goal and asking whether they willing to take you as their prospective student in their lab/grad. school

If by any chance they are asking for the research proposal then by that time, believe me, miraculously your hand move by it's own and voila you get your research proposal done by no time

 

[mitch2526]

Sorry for my late response, don't worry about it, though those exam was from 2009 batch but I guess both undergrad and research student had the same English exam.

First of all I have to apologize because I'm not sure that I get your question right..but nevertheless I will try to answer it

Okay, basically your research is expected (well in my opinion, is greatly expected) in the same field of study that you are currently learn, working, or had learned before.

In my case, the research that I have done in the past 6 month before I'm entering my degree program will become my future topic for my thesis or publishing a paper/journal.

As in my case...my undergrad final project was about wireless networking, my research proposal was also about wireless networking, and my grad school now is graduate school of informatics so it's all related.

Maybe it's different between each person, but my Professor really want me as soon as possible to start working on my research rather than letting me learning Japanese language, he even say that my graduate course is not a big deal and I should focus more on my research.

Oh, thanks! Anyway, about the research proposal thing, I meant that, after submitting to the embassy the documents, what if I suddenly had a tiny marvelous idea that would make my research better? Are we allowed to submit to profs EDITED VERSION of the one we submitted to the embassy? LOL, not that i think I would have a marvelous idea. Just in case Are they strict that when we contact the professors, we should send them the exact same proposal? Or not really....?

 

[hexa]

Oh, thanks! Anyway, about the research proposal thing, I meant that, after submitting to the embassy the documents, what if I suddenly had a tiny marvelous idea that would make my research better? Are we allowed to submit to profs EDITED VERSION of the one we submitted to the embassy? LOL, not that i think I would have a marvelous idea. Just in case Are they strict that when we contact the professors, we should send them the exact same proposal? Or not really....?

i used to have the same question like you. Last october i applied AYF(asian Youth foundation) which is actually similar like monbusho scholarship(since mext committe is the one determine the status of your application). And, the ayf guy stated that research proposal is the way you "sell" you're idea to the committe. if you got accepted, and your research supervisor might add or remove several point from your research proposal. So, i think, the professor might be not a problem with these as long as the committe doesn't know.

Hope this helps.

 

[ykk]

ykk,
I'm follower of MEXT Scholarship for Postgraduate 2010: General Discussions. since few months ago and if I'm not mistaken you are the one who didn't sign the application form right?

YES, I was the one, in those critical moments even the most important things are left behind, right? But it was OK I contacted the embassy and hey told me that case I was selected I would have time to sign all the papers. Anyway, I wasn't selected but please double-check your forms (ask a friend or a relative to proof read everything...)

I'm sorry I've taken so long to give an answer. I'm super busy with all the medical exams and letters of recommendation.

 

[qwie]

YES, I was the one, in those critical moments even the most important things are left behind, right? But it was OK I contacted the embassy and hey told me that case I was selected I would have time to sign all the papers. Anyway, I wasn't selected but please double-check your forms (ask a friend or a relative to proof read everything...)
I'm sorry I've taken so long to give an answer. I'm super busy with all the medical exams and letters of recommendation.

hehehe...It's okay..but your experience makes me more aware Thanks for sharing..
I'll take my exam on 9th May, meaning another 2 weeks..I'm just worried if i cant do that..I really need the the scholarship..since I only have a very basic of japanese, I'll not sit for japanese exam, but it still worried me because only who are sit for japanese will have advantage to be chosen for interview right?
ohh...really scary

 

[boilingchill]

hay boilingchill,
good for you that the papers have arrived to singapore, i am still waiting ON FIRE , for the papers to reach bahrain. still no sign for anything but i wish they would be here ASAP.
i am new to this MEXT thingi too, so dont worry and i wish u all the best.

Best of luck to you too!

I'm trying to prepare my research paper proposal and my head is hurting from all the research material

Alas, my query is still unanswered but will plough through my paper nonetheless.

Anyone trying for Keio?

 

[mrsmile]

I have a question about the rule below. I graduated with a degree in dentistry and I have spent 17 years and 4 months in school from elementary till I got my college degree. I am applying for reasearch scholarship this year.
However, I have some questions regarding the rules below:
(3) Academic Background: Applicant must be a graduate from a Japanese university or have academic ability equal or superior to that of a Japanese university graduate. A person will be deemed to have academic ability equal or superior to that of a university graduate, if he/she
1. has completed or will complete a 16-year school curriculum in a foreign country (or an 18-year school curriculum if he/she desires to enroll in a doctoral course in the field of medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or pharmacy which is founded on a 6-year department or faculty); or
2. is or will be aged 22 or older and has taken an individual entrance qualification examination and has been judged by a graduate school as being equal or superior in academic ability to a university graduate (or 24 or older if he/she desires to enroll in a doctoral course in the field of medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or pharmacy which is founded on a 6-year department or faculty).
Here are my questions:
1. Based on number one does it mean that the 18 -year curriculum applies only to those who wants to pursue doctorate and not those who just wants to do research?
2. At the end of number 1 there is the word "or." And I think that I qualify for number 2 since I am over 24 years old. Does it mean that now that I am over 24 years old, I am already safe even if I just finished school for 17 years and 4 months and not 18 years? Is the entrance qualification examination refererred to in number 2 equivalent to the entrance examination in the Japanese University where I want to take the doctorate course? Thanks very much.
3. Are they that strict that the 17 years and 4 months of my studies cannot be just considered for an 18 year-curriculum?
Thanks very much and I will highly appreciate those who will answer my concerns.

 

[akaitsume1]

I have a question about the rule below. I graduated with a degree in dentistry and I have spent 17 years and 4 months in school from elementary till I got my college degree. I am applying for reasearch scholarship this year.
However, I have some questions regarding the rules below:
(3) Academic Background: Applicant must be a graduate from a Japanese university or have academic ability equal or superior to that of a Japanese university graduate. A person will be deemed to have academic ability equal or superior to that of a university graduate, if he/she
1. has completed or will complete a 16-year school curriculum in a foreign country (or an 18-year school curriculum if he/she desires to enroll in a doctoral course in the field of medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or pharmacy which is founded on a 6-year department or faculty); or
2. is or will be aged 22 or older and has taken an individual entrance qualification examination and has been judged by a graduate school as being equal or superior in academic ability to a university graduate (or 24 or older if he/she desires to enroll in a doctoral course in the field of medicine, dentistry or veterinary science, or pharmacy which is founded on a 6-year department or faculty).
Here are my questions:
1. Based on number one does it mean that the 18 -year curriculum applies only to those who wants to pursue doctorate and not those who just wants to do research?
2. At the end of number 1 there is the word "or." And I think that I qualify for number 2 since I am over 24 years old. Does it mean that now that I am over 24 years old, I am already safe even if I just finished school for 17 years and 4 months and not 18 years? Is the entrance qualification examination refererred to in number 2 equivalent to the entrance examination in the Japanese University where I want to take the doctorate course? Thanks very much.
3. Are they that strict that the 17 years and 4 months of my studies cannot be just considered for an 18 year-curriculum?
Thanks very much and I will highly appreciate those who will answer my concerns.

Truthfully, since you're only a few months off and have your degree, I don't think the last 8 months of schooling are going to be counted against you. I think you'll be okay. And yes, number 2 refers to the Japanese entrance exam at the school you want to go to, but it seems to be assuming that you didn't graduate, which you have. I think you should be fine, but if you're still unsure, your embassy might be able to clear that up for you.