MEXT Scholarship for Postgraduate 2011: General Discussions.

[ming2399]

I'm sorry about that. But have you asked them about it? The lady at that day said they will inform us at around this Thursday. So maybe they haven't finished informing the others yet.

I have already asked the lady for reason~~

Anyway...

 

[flidar]

I have already asked the lady for reason~~
Anyway...

Sorry man... I don't know what to say, but are you still going there? If you choose to go to a public university, you can do some parttime jobs in Japan which would make sufficient money to support yourself, and also there's a lot of scholarship to apply after entering the university.
Keep fighting, man.

 

[SevenPinkerton]

Hi all!
I'm an American doctoral student in anthropology applying for the MEXT research student scholarship to conduct my dissertation fieldwork in Japan.

I had only two weeks to get all my application materials together before the June 2nd deadline, and I made it! Barely, but I made it.
I was informed that I passed the first screening just 24 hours later. I am shocked.

I have Japanese and English tests and an interview scheduled for this Friday, June 11th. I am scared to death. I have studied Japanese for over 4 years. However, I don't know what or how to study for the Japanese exam! I don't know if the exams up on Japan Study are accurate or if I should look elsewhere. The exam on Japan is so short, is that really how it is? The first few pages are simple multiple choice questions and then suddenly it is a giant block of text with full kanji! Is this how the test really is?

I have been preparing nonstop for the interview, but I get so very nervous that I am worried I'll just babble. What kind of questions do they ask?
What do they ask in Japanese?

I'm sooooo scared!!

 

[ming2399]

Sorry man... I don't know what to say, but are you still going there? If you choose to go to a public university, you can do some parttime jobs in Japan which would make sufficient money to support yourself, and also there's a lot of scholarship to apply after entering the university.
Keep fighting, man.

Thanks for your comfort!

Good luck for your interview!

 

[ykk]

Hi there!

Congratulations to all of you who have passed to the interview screening

Yesterday we had in Argentina a pre-pre-screening process on the projects. About 22 gathered @the embassy, each of us spoke briefly for 2 minutes explaining one of the judges our research proposal. I was super nervous, as usual, and mentioned it was my third try

By June 31st is the deadline for signing in and on July 22nd are the exams and interviews.

Still a long way to go but I'm already shaking of anexiety!

I'm so tired I want to go on vacation after all of this

 

[Alveric]

Argentina! I'm new to this forum, I'm from Panama. Buena suerte che!
By the way, I'm rooting for Argentina for the World Cup xD

Hi there!
Congratulations to all of you who have passed to the interview screening
Yesterday we had in Argentina a pre-pre-screening process on the projects. About 22 gathered @the embassy, each of us spoke briefly for 2 minutes explaining one of the judges our research proposal. I was super nervous, as usual, and mentioned it was my third try
By June 31st is the deadline for signing in and on July 22nd are the exams and interviews.
Still a long way to go but I'm already shaking of anexiety!
I'm so tired I want to go on vacation after all of this

I've been trying to see what other canditates from Latin America were around here.
Today I did the Japanese and English language tests.
In fact, I just came from the Embassy.
The preselection process was ruthless! Out of MANY people they selected only 9 for tests and now I'm waiting to see if I'm called for the interview session.
I see the pace is different for many countries, but I heard all the Embassy nomination processes will end by June/July.
Good luck everyone! Hope to see you in Japan!

 

[SevenPinkerton]

The Japanese tests for 2010 are Completely different from all the past ones (the ones I have been studying) Ack!

Anyone know what kind of test they are going with this year?

 

[lalagirlgb]

If one is aiming to apply for masters, do we have to apply at the same time to the uni individually as a prospective student as well? Because the MEXT scholarship really seems to tell you what to do as a "research student"?

 

[akaitsume1]

Hi all!
I'm an American doctoral student in anthropology applying for the MEXT research student scholarship to conduct my dissertation fieldwork in Japan.
I had only two weeks to get all my application materials together before the June 2nd deadline, and I made it! Barely, but I made it.
I was informed that I passed the first screening just 24 hours later. I am shocked.
I have Japanese and English tests and an interview scheduled for this Friday, June 11th. I am scared to death. I have studied Japanese for over 4 years. However, I don't know what or how to study for the Japanese exam! I don't know if the exams up on Japan Study are accurate or if I should look elsewhere. The exam on Japan is so short, is that really how it is? The first few pages are simple multiple choice questions and then suddenly it is a giant block of text with full kanji! Is this how the test really is?
I have been preparing nonstop for the interview, but I get so very nervous that I am worried I'll just babble. What kind of questions do they ask?
What do they ask in Japanese?
I'm sooooo scared!!

Hey there, I applied last year in Michigan myself. ^_^ I know how you feel, I just barely squeaked in my application, too. The exams on Japan Study seem to be pretty accurate...from what people are saying, they went back to that format for the Japanese test this year instead of 20 long paragraphs with multiple choice answers like we were given last year.

The interview is pretty typical. They want to know what your research is and why you want to do it in Japan. I'm fairly sure the portion of the interview that's in Japanese differs according to the person. My interview had a rather short Japanese portion.

Ganbatte! And don't freak out! :box:

 

[tomayto]

Hey qwie,
I haven't been able to log in for the past few days due to tight work schedule. Yeah, it's nice knowing you too. But still, I had always believed that when there's a will, there's a way. I had my fair share of experiences being unlucky in so many ways so I know how it feels. I'm having fear now as I may pass the test but not the interview. And I guess that's what people have termed as luck...getting the right thing at the right time. Well I wish you all the best in your future undertakings

yeah zid, I sat for JLPT almost every year but it never works....I always need 5 or 6 more marks to pass...don't know why..but my luck is always not there
Anyway, thanks for your advice and support..really appreciate it
and now is the time....
Guys, good luck to all of you...maybe I need to say good bye now...till meet you all again..it's so nice knowing you all...see u..bye

I know the feeling. This is my 3rd time applying for this scholarship. Last 2 times I failed the interview. Getting into the last stage and fail (twice) really hit me hard. But I truly believe that god what to test me and see if I really really want this. Anyhow being here for a 3rd year really does makes me feel more prepared and confidence. I wish you all the best and hope you keep fighting, not just for this scholarship but everything you want in life. All the best!

 

[ykk]

I know the feeling. This is my 3rd time applying for this scholarship. Last 2 times I failed the interview. Getting into the last stage and fail (twice) really hit me hard. But I truly believe that god what to test me and see if I really really want this. Anyhow being here for a 3rd year really does makes me feel more prepared and confidence. I wish you all the best and hope you keep fighting, not just for this scholarship but everything you want in life. All the best!

Thank you!!! I know how you feel... it's my third time too! I am relaxed and more confident but don't want to be disappointed and depressed again.
I'm more realistic than optimistic about this scholarship but I really want to get it this time... I'm not sure if I'll apply next year (again) if thing go wrong once more

 

[phaeno]

Just got an email today that i'm invited for the English test & interview. first step done!

 

[SevenPinkerton]

Hey there, I applied last year in Michigan myself. ^_^ I know how you feel, I just barely squeaked in my application, too. The exams on Japan Study seem to be pretty accurate...from what people are saying, they went back to that format for the Japanese test this year instead of 20 long paragraphs with multiple choice answers like we were given last year.
The interview is pretty typical. They want to know what your research is and why you want to do it in Japan. I'm fairly sure the portion of the interview that's in Japanese differs according to the person. My interview had a rather short Japanese portion.
Ganbatte! And don't freak out! :box:

Hi! Did you get in from Mi last year? Do you know how many people they take? There's only 6 other people being interviewed.

I have created and practiced answering so many interview questions- from my theoretical backing to a simple reason as to why I want to go. I still have so little idea as to how deep of questions they will ask.

I also just took a Jpns practice test from 2009 and got a 65/100. Those last parts are killer with kanji.

 

[phaeno]

sevenpinkerton, you really seem to be very well prepared. I just started to think about two, three very basic questions (why japan, why your project, why that university).

would you give me some of the questions you created?

I also would like to know how many will finally be taken. I think the number varies a lot depending on the country. i don't even know how many of us Austrians are invited to the test & interview....

 

[SevenPinkerton]

Phaeno, I'd love to. I actually have a very long list, but many are relevant directly to my research. The general ones are:

Why do you want to study in Japan?

Why are you passionate about Japan?

How does this relate to your current and past field of study?

Why Japan and not other places?

Why did you start studying Japan/Japanese?

Have you been to Japan before? What did you learn, etc?

What sort of challenges might exist for you in Japan and how might you tackle them?

What are your long-term goals?

How/why did you come up with your research project?

What will your project contribute to Japan, to you, to your country, to the world, etc?

How did you go about preparing for this scholarship?

Why did you choose the professors you chose? How do they relate to your research?

______

I've no clue if they're ask any of these, or the ones that are directly related to my research, but I'm trying to be as prepared as possible. I'm coming up with several answers to how the language barrier will affect my research as my biggest fear is being rejected because my research relies on talking to people and I'm not fluent by any sense of the word.

Good luck!

 

[akaitsume1]

Phaeno, I'd love to. I actually have a very long list, but many are relevant directly to my research. The general ones are:
Why do you want to study in Japan?
Why are you passionate about Japan?
How does this relate to your current and past field of study?
Why Japan and not other places?
Why did you start studying Japan/Japanese?
Have you been to Japan before? What did you learn, etc?
What sort of challenges might exist for you in Japan and how might you tackle them?
What are your long-term goals?
How/why did you come up with your research project?
What will your project contribute to Japan, to you, to your country, to the world, etc?
How did you go about preparing for this scholarship?
Why did you choose the professors you chose? How do they relate to your research?
______
I've no clue if they're ask any of these, or the ones that are directly related to my research, but I'm trying to be as prepared as possible. I'm coming up with several answers to how the language barrier will affect my research as my biggest fear is being rejected because my research relies on talking to people and I'm not fluent by any sense of the word.
Good luck!

Wow, you really are incredibly well-prepared. I was asked a lot of those exact questions. I'm impressed. XDD

Yeah, I got the scholarship from Michigan. Apparently the quota changes each year, but they were only allowed to select one person for postgrad from Detroit last year, so I got really lucky. I have no idea how many it'd be this year.

 

[SevenPinkerton]

Wow, you really are incredibly well-prepared. I was asked a lot of those exact questions. I'm impressed. XDD
Yeah, I got the scholarship from Michigan. Apparently the quota changes each year, but they were only allowed to select one person for postgrad from Detroit last year, so I got really lucky. I have no idea how many it'd be this year.

Congrats on being accepted last year! I hope I have the same luck. Do you have any tips?

I just got an e-mail back from my top choice of professors to act as my adviser if I get the scholarship. He said he'd be happy to jump through all hoops necessary for accepting me and supporting my project. Eeee! This makes me so happy. And it makes me feel so much more confident. (At the same time, I am totally dreading the possibility of having to tell him I didn't get it.)

I will spend all day practicing the interview, getting my hair cut, trying on my suit, picking out my shoes, and studying kanji like a mad woman.

I have my fingers crossed. Tomorrow is the big day.

 

[bojan]

good luck SevenPinkerton!

i am from Montenegro (i bet 90% of you haven't heard for it) , i am student at the Faculty of Economics and have applied for Master course. I have asked lady from the embassy what is the quota of scholarship this year for Montenegro, but they still don't know that. She also told me that all of us who have applied for MEXT scholarship will be called for an interview and test. Deadline for applications was 4th June, i am still waiting e-maill or call to inform me about interview and test and i am very anxious. Can you explain me what is the first step, english test or interview? And do you have sample of english test from last year? I have found one test, and it is written 'Undergraduate * Research students' on the first page, so i wonder are there special test for those students who have applied for Master course, or test is the same for everyone??

thank you very much for your help!

 

[SevenPinkerton]

Thanks Bojan, good luck to you as well!
I used this site for looking at all the past English and Japanese tests. I think everyone takes the same tests, whether undergraduates or masters:

(it wont let me add the link as it says I don't have enough posts? So I left out the http and www part)

studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0308e.html

I took the English test from last year just for fun and to see what I'll be doing (I'm a native English speaker) and I have to say, I'm surprised by how difficult some of it is compared to the Japanese tests. You guys that have learned English are amazing!

 

[hjordis]

akaitsume- How many people applied, and do you know the numbers for undergrad? I don't know if my consulate will be similar, though. In Denver they only serve about half the number of people as in Michigan.

Seven- Good luck.

 

[hhe]

hi everyone, i am new here..like the others malaysian in this forum, i've also been selected for the interview..thanks for sharing..

i have 1 question abt the study theme and the details we've included in the very first stage of application...i got an CPE..which meansi did not provide the detail of research interest in the 1st application..
my question are,
Are we allowed to change the research theme and details in the interview?or we'll have to stick with it.. will the panel be given the previous set of application doc or we are supposed to bring A NEW, CORRECTED application for the panel, and forget abt the previous one?

 

[bojan]

SevenPinkerton, thanks for the web site, that's the english test I have already done. When i checked results, it turned that I have made 4 mistakes in whole test. I don't know is it good enough to pass the test? I hope it is.

hhe, sorry, i don't know nothing about it, it's my first time to apply for MEXT scholarship and, as I can see, in Montenegro deadline for application and time schedule for interviews and test are much more later then in other countries. (i'm not sure did i say it correct, my English is not perfect as you can see but i hope you understand).

 

[akaitsume1]

Congrats on being accepted last year! I hope I have the same luck. Do you have any tips?
I just got an e-mail back from my top choice of professors to act as my adviser if I get the scholarship. He said he'd be happy to jump through all hoops necessary for accepting me and supporting my project. Eeee! This makes me so happy. And it makes me feel so much more confident. (At the same time, I am totally dreading the possibility of having to tell him I didn't get it.)
I will spend all day practicing the interview, getting my hair cut, trying on my suit, picking out my shoes, and studying kanji like a mad woman.
I have my fingers crossed. Tomorrow is the big day.

Good luck!!! You actually seem ridiculously well prepared, enough so that I don't think I can offer any tips that you haven't considered. ^_^;; You already have someone ready to take you on in Japan, which is definitely points in your favor. Oh, just make sure you stick to layman's terms when discussing your research. They had to bring in a scientist (from my school, coincidentally) just to try and understand my proposal. >_>

@hjordis: It was 1 out of 3 postgrad applicants last year in Detroit. Unfortunately, I do know that the undergrad is a lot stricter, just because they're worried about how well students will manage while in Japan. The lady I was talking to told me that they only selected a handful for the whole country because of that. :/ Still, they may have changed the rules this year, so ganbatte!!!!

 

[damas17]

Hello everyone! It's been a tough time passing some exams!!
Finally, I was informed to assist the written tests on June 17th (isshukan ga arimasu) :?
I'm an applicant to the "College of Technology Students" scholarship and want to get further information about the tests! (other than the website mentioned) Did anybody here pass the exams already? how was it? Were some tests the same as the previous years? What parts did You find to be hard?

Oshiete kudasai! ☝ ! I'm dying waiting! and I want this scholarship so badly! :?

 

[aimane]

Hello everyone! It's been a tough time passing some exams!!
Finally, I was informed to assist the written tests on June 17th (isshukan ga arimasu) :?

Hello damas17 , when did they inform you ? i haven't received anything yet :?:?:?