Can they take the scholarship from you?

[darkhriss]

Hello!

I've been studying in Japan for a few months. I came with the japanese studies scholarship ( nikkensei ).

Now here's my problem. I've been missing some courses at the university, mostly because of health problems. I'll be fine for most exams though, but I'm a bit worried. If I happen to fail an exam, can something happen? Can they take the scholarship from me? Even if they ask me why I missed those courses and tell them the reason, wouldn't that be bad too? Maybe they'll think something like "oh if you get sick easily you can't finish the year so bye bye, go back to your country".

I'm afraid to ask something like this at school, I don't want to give them ideas. If someone knows more about this, I'd be grateful to hear some opinions.

 

[Mike Cash]

Grow up and consult with the support staff at the school. They're there to help you, not to screw you over.

 

[darkhriss]

Don't know about that. I know an exchange student who was sent home because he was sick. His sickness wasn't so bad and could be treated in Japan. Don't know much details about his case though. That's why I want to hear opinions from other students rather then telling them.

 

[Mike Cash]

If you are sick enough to affect your ability to continue your studies, then it would be dishonest of you to continue receiving the scholarship. I feel no incentive to help you defraud the Japanese government of my tax money.

 

[darkhriss]

Wha...? I wish you would think more before answering like that...you know nothing about me and my situation.


Can someone please answer to my question?

 

[Mike Cash]

I did think. What I know about you and your situation is what you told us about you and your situation.

You are missing a lot of classes, for whatever reason, and think it is alright so long as you show up for exams. You're also worried that you may not be able to fulfill the purpose of your scholarship.....which is to attend class and learn something, even though you probably don't see it that way. If you are unable to attend classes, then you have no business taking our tax money to subsidize your vacation in Japan.

What did I miss?

 

[darkhriss]

Do I really have to tell my life story here to get a proper answer? I don't want that. The health problems I have are personal, but I can assure you they aren't interfering with my studies. I have missed the classes only for 2 courses out of 10. And I'm worried only for one of those 2 courses. That's because the course is over my level and I make a lot of mistakes no matter how much I learn. They made me go to the level 2 class by mistake. When I told them this, they said they can't move my class anymore.

I am afraid to tell the school about my worries because just like you, they can judge me without understanding the whole situation. And I don't want to go ask this at school and stir things up for nothing. Maybe the exam will be ok. But I want to know if someone else had this experience, just for my peace of mind.

I would have to give many other details for you to understand why I worry so much and don't want to ask at school. And I really don't want to talk about this on the internet.

I don't even know why am I explaining all of this. No matter my reasons, I just put a simple question. Can they take the scholarship from you if you fail an exam? I could fail that exam for all the reasons in the world. Please don't comment anymore if you can't help me with a proper answer.

 

[Mike Cash]

Well, either way you're going to find out if you fail the exam.

How could it possibly hurt to ask the school what will happen if you fail the exam? If they say they will cancel your scholarship for failing the exam, then you're fine up until then. They certainly won't cancel it immediately just because you're concerned now about it.

 

[darkhriss]

They'll surely ask why am I scared of failing the exam. I'll answer that I couldn't come to that course. They'll ask again why...and this is the part I'm scared of. I don't want them to link "not being able to come to a few courses" = "not being able to finish the year". That's really not the case.


Normally they should understand me, but I grew up in a country where staff that are supposed to help you always make your life harder. Maybe Japan is not like this, but I have my instincts activated...


What you said makes sense though...maybe I'm too paranoid. I just worked so hard to get this scholarship that I started panicking when I heard about that boy that was sent back to his country. He was a really good student too.

 

[Mike Cash]

Things go better if you consult with people before there is a problem instead of waiting until a problem happens and then hoping they will help you fix it.

In my company they have posted in several places signs which say:

ほうれんそう

報告 （ほうこく）
連絡 （れんらく）
相談 （そうだん）

相談 is very important in Japan and if ask them 相談に乗って下さい (そうだんにのってください） they will listen to your problem, take it seriously, and do their best to help you with it.

 

[neonfish]

I don't think they will cancel your scholarship if you fail a class or two. 10 classes per semester is a lot. I don't know why you had to register that much, but if they are not required classes it is usually OK to quit in the middle of the semester or fail your final exam which is technically the same - you get an E or F or whatever. If you are required to pass this course why don't you ask your teacher if you are likely to pass it and if you are not what you can do to about it, like write an additional report, you know?

 

[uruwa]

Sigh, I don't know why only neonfish gave an actually helpful instead of patronizing answer.

Anyway, from my experience it's better to talk to the course teachers first before consulting with the other staff. Find out about your standing in class directly from them so you can deal with the situation without having to involve other school staff. Chances are, your course instructors will be able to work out a solution with you. Like you said, it's not a big issue, so let's not make it a big alter. It will be less complicated that way.

 

[Mike Cash]

Sigh, I don't know why only neonfish gave an actually helpful instead of patronizing answer.

What part of it was "actually helpful"? It struck me as opinion, conjecture, and well wishes.

None of us have reliable and authoritative answers to her question. Do you imagine the school will be under some sort of obligation to act in accordance with what we say here?

Anyway, from my experience it's better to talk to the course teachers first before consulting with the other staff. Find out about your standing in class directly from them so you can deal with the situation without having to involve other school staff. Chances are, your course instructors will be able to work out a solution with you. Like you said, it's not a big issue, so let's not make it a big alter. It will be less complicated that way.

And you have nothing more or better to say than precisely the same advice I offered. But you're warm-n-fuzzy touchy-feely, so you get to feel morally superior. Good for you.

Which Japanese university did you attend on scholarship?

 

[uruwa]

Well obviously, the original poster did NOT find your answers helpful; perhaps because you don't know how to communicate it properly.

Mine might be the same advice, but I'm personally confident the original poster will actually consider my advice instead of feeling insulted because I didn't write it in a condescending and dismissive manner.

Look, communication isn't an exam where so long as you gave the right answer, you're correct. It's in making sure the person you're communicating with is understanding what you're telling them. Obviously, from darkhriss's reaction, that was not happening.

So yes, I think I feel superior, if only because I am actually caring about communicating to this person and not just spouting facts while talking down to people.

 

[Mike Cash]

Well obviously, the original poster did NOT find your answers helpful; perhaps because you don't know how to communicate it properly.

Projection based on your nasty opinion of me and unsubstantiated by a review of the thread.

Or did you miss the "What you said makes sense, though" part?

How did what I say make sense if I failed to communicate?

Mine might be the same advice, but I'm personally confident the original poster will actually consider my advice instead of feeling insulted because I didn't write it in a condescending and dismissive manner.

What part of "What you said makes sense, though" indicated that my advice went unconsidered and that what was needed was your smug self saying the same thing?

You didn't chime in on this thread to add anything substantial; you chimed in to let us know what a nice person you are and how nasty you think I am. This must be the case, because it is the ONLY thing you contributed that hadn't already been brought up. Strike that. The OP already commented on my nastiness, so all you added was that you're a nice guy. So in the final analysis the sum total purpose and effect of your contribution was entirely of a self-serving nature.

Look, communication isn't an exam where so long as you gave the right answer, you're correct. It's in making sure the person you're communicating with is understanding what you're telling them. Obviously, from darkhriss's reaction, that was not happening.

What part of "What you said makes sense, though" did you not understand?

So yes, I think I feel superior, if only because I am actually caring about communicating to this person and not just spouting facts while talking down to people.

Not mouthing useless touchy-feely self-serving gosh-I'm-a-nice-guy platitudes doesn't constitute "talking down". That you dismissively refer to providing useful points rather than useless wishful thinking conjecture as "spouting facts" (when facts are THE thing needed by the OP and which neither you not I have) also demonstrates that the entire purpose of your posting was to say, "Look at me! Look at me! I have nothing new or useful to add but I'm not like that nasty mean old mean whose advice I parroted.

So.....what Japanese university did you attend on scholarship? You very neatly (deliberately?) ignored that question the first time I asked it. The question is important, as it tells us how much weight to give your "in my experience" remark, which I suspect was intentionally deceptive and intended to give your remarks weight they did not deserve.

So.....what Japanese university did you attend on scholarship?

 

[uruwa]

Chill out, man. Sorry I got you mad

Didn't mean you to hurt your feelings... Let's not fight okay? I'm not fighting over who has better advice. I don't even think my advice is all that special, you know? I just thought maybe someone should put it more simply in a single post.

Just cool your head. No one is out to get you.

 

[Mike Cash]

So....what Japanese university did you attend on scholarship? You presented your advice as being based on your experience, so surely that's an innocent enough question to have answered. Tell me how many times it has to be asked before you'll answer it.

You don't have the ability to upset me; I'm as placid as a clam.

 

[Petaris]

darkhriss,

So your health problems make you miss the same couple of classes over and over yet not your other classes? I would think that if I was sick enough to be missing those classes I wouldn't be going to any classes. We don't have the details of course, but it just struck me as odd. Maybe I am misunderstanding? Anyway, my advice is that you speak to your teachers and to whoever your contact at the school is for your exchange program. And maybe try to find a study group or something to help you catch up in the classes your missing.

Good luck!

 

[leaguilar]

So....what Japanese university did you attend on scholarship? You presented your advice as being based on your experience, so surely that's an innocent enough question to have answered. Tell me how many times it has to be asked before you'll answer it.

You don't have the ability to upset me; I'm as placid as a clam.

^ Mike Cash let the person have its privacy he/she do not want to answer your question, I think that should be clear by now.

BTW, you have to admit your answers are/were rude... you clearly stated that the person is trying to scam the Japanese government based only in the fact that he/she is missing classes. Ofc if you are right, I would be on your side, because that's not the way to go. So please calm down , at least you sound like you were angry or upset (even if you state that you aren't).

I live in a country as the person above stated, that the people that are meant to help you often end up screwing you up, so for me it is a valid question.

I guess everyone would end up saying the same. Talk to your professors, try to catch up with the material, study harder, and escalate the problem depending on how big it is becoming.

 

[Mike Cash]

If your reading skills are so poor you think I "clearly stated" she is trying to scam the government then I fear it would be a waste of my time to address anything you have to say.

 

[leaguilar]

If your reading skills are so poor you think I "clearly stated" she is trying to scam the government then I fear it would be a waste of my time to address anything you have to say.

If you are sick enough to affect your ability to continue your studies, then it would be dishonest of you to continue receiving the scholarship. I feel no incentive to help you defraud the Japanese government of my tax money.

Ok.. will stop feeding the troll... sorry for "wasting your time.." you should really see that there is no point arguing with people in the internet.. (at least people like you)

BTW, the person who created this post kindly asked you to stop posting... and you continued.. ofc you can do whatever you want.. and feel however you like.. just realize that 3 persons on this thread already remarked your attitude.. but meh..

PD: If you wish to discuss my "reading abilities".. or whatever you want, not related to this post.. feel free to PM me.. no need to clutter this post with unrelated stuff..

 

[mozda]

I respect the fact this person wants to keep the reasons of not attending the classes for herself.
And I agree with the advice everyone gave you, consult with your teacher...what I only assume is that you got scared about those courses because you think you don't know enough, but don't panic, ask a teacher for help and study, that's the best you can do now...ganbatte!!

 

[neuro11]

hi, i think you are taking the problem too seriously and paying too much attention on "they will kick me out". honestly you must perform as they have provided you the scholarship. but again its no mercy they have chosen you because you demonstrated your merit already being superior among others. so don think they are just waiting to hunt you. for whatever problem they will look into it. and if you feel it solvable, don understand why would they think different.

 

[Mike Cash]

BTW, the person who created this post kindly asked you to stop posting... and you continued.. ofc you can do whatever you want.. and feel however you like.. just realize that 3 persons on this thread already remarked your attitude.. but meh..

This a public forum and the threads are open to public participation. Posters have no control over who may participate.

Over six thousand posts here over about a decade.....my "attitude" doesn't come as a surprise to anybody except fresh arrivals such as yourself. I say what I think and do so in a plain-spoken manner with no sugar coating and I put my name on it. If you think your not liking what I say or how I say it is somehow going to shame me into changing, you're wasting your time. Don't hold your breath waiting for me to apologize.

PD: If you wish to discuss my "reading abilities".. or whatever you want, not related to this post.. feel free to PM me.. no need to clutter this post with unrelated stuff..

You made a publicly viewable misrepresentation of what I said based on your inadequate skills; I will respond to it in public.

If the problem isn't reading skills, then it must be a problem of intelligence or perception. You misrepresented a conditional statement as a "clearly stated" categorical statement of fact. Do you not know what "if" means?

As for the "troll" and "people like you" remarks.....you are the one freshly arrived on the scene and attempting to dictate to and provoke a long-established member in a matter which is none of your damned business whatsoever. 8,748 reputation points to date, so apparently a good deal of what I have to say on this forum has been favorably received. My track record here is clear. Nobody knows you from Adam's ox. So who is the "troll" here?

 

[leaguilar]

Well this will be my last post on this matter.

This a public forum and the threads are open to public participation. Posters have no control over who may participate.

Over six thousand posts here over about a decade.....my "attitude" doesn't come as a surprise to anybody except fresh arrivals such as yourself. I say what I think and do so in a plain-spoken manner with no sugar coating and I put my name on it. If you think your not liking what I say or how I say it is somehow going to shame me into changing, you're wasting your time. Don't hold your breath waiting for me to apologize.

As you can see from my post count, yes I'm a newcomer, and I just felt the way you treated people around wasn't right and I tried to let you know, ofc that isn't my duty nor I was able to. I still think being a long term member of this community doesn't give you the right to talk down to people.

You made a publicly viewable misrepresentation of what I said based on your inadequate skills; I will respond to it in public.

If the problem isn't reading skills, then it must be a problem of intelligence or perception. You misrepresented a conditional statement as a "clearly stated" categorical statement of fact. Do you not know what "if" means?

Then you are still insulting my skills and now my intelligence, yes English isn't my first language, I could have misinterpreted your post, but by the looks of it I wasn't the only one. You are not giving your apologizes and I'm not expecting them.. but If it was a misconception of my part receive mine.

The sentence I misinterpreted as you said wasn't part of the conditional you are referring, it came right after it..

For me..

I feel no incentive to help you defraud the Japanese government of my tax money.
isn't the same as..
I would feel no incentive to help you defraud the Japanese government of my tax money.

Let's just not argue on semantics ok? I know you would not see it the way I did even If I were right. And at the end you were the one who wrote it and you knew what you meant with that even if the message didn't come across.

As for the "troll" and "people like you" remarks.....you are the one freshly arrived on the scene and attempting to dictate to and provoke a long-established member in a matter which is none of your damned business whatsoever. 8,748 reputation points to date, so apparently a good deal of what I have to say on this forum has been favorably received. My track record here is clear. Nobody knows you from Adam's ox. So who is the "troll" here?

I really equated your attitude to the one of the childish "trolls" I have dealt in other forums so just thought it would fit you right. I really like when people are straight forward and speak their mind as you did. But for real I think the limit is when you start talking down persons and insulting.

8,748 reputation points to date <- I might have cached you on a bad day, as a new member on this forum I hope to see useful post from you and do not waste our time arguing stupid stuff. That clearly means that you aren't always that rude and offensive.

I'm not fighting back, I'm not insulting you back as you did.. So please, lets leave this stupid discussion that isn't bringing anything to this thread, and If I offended you in anyway and it was a misconception I'm offering you my apologizes. Cool down, I hope we see each other around on this or any other thread without arguing.