I don't know.
Anyway I got "the call" today (actually it was an email), I'm out.
I can't explain my feelings right now, I want to jump under a train. I can't stop crying even though I'm @work and can't go to my house now.
I'm calling tomorrow the embassy to ask why I wasn't selected. Today I'm just too depressed.
Reflections on the application process in Malaysia:
0. The English test is not the hard part. Deciphering the panel's psyche at the interview, much more difficult.
1. Make sure that your proposed research in directly related to your undergraduate degree.
2. Do not overdress for the interview. The panel dresses in business casual, so don't go in a suit.
3. Sleep well the night before.
4. Contact professors early, contact them often. You'll be at a much greater advantage if you have one (or more) verbal acceptances from professors by the time you go for the interview. Print the email stating the informal agreement and include it in your application.
5. The panel isn't looking for creativity or innovation per se, and surprisingly, ability for original research isn't the highest criteria. rather, you should be able to tell some intimate anecdote about your knowledge of Japan and to come up with a reasonably realistic scenario as to how you are going to improve the diplomatic/cultural/scientific relationship between Japan and Malaysia even if it may be a vacuous conjecture. Also, it helps if you are well localized i.e. fit the profile of a typical Malaysian (however that may be measured). Hence, if you went to international school, don't speak with a strong Malaysian accent, sound too world-wise etc. it does not help. Ironically, it is imperative that the Embassy present candidates typical of their country of domicile in the interest of cultural diversification.
6. The rejection letter was decidedly curt, unforthcoming and I thought rather impersonal. This was, I thought, a rather poor reflection of the Embassy, and could potentially cause misunderstandings of the image of Japan for the uninitiated. Given the effort that most people put in to their applications, the letter could've been phrased better and perhaps with less hubris.
My experience was a little different -1. Make sure that your proposed research in directly related to your undergraduate degree.
2. Do not overdress for the interview. The panel dresses in business casual, so don't go in a suit.
5. The panel isn't looking for creativity or innovation per se, and surprisingly, ability for original research isn't the highest criteria. rather, you should be able to tell some intimate anecdote about your knowledge of Japan
Hello Everybody,
Quick question. In your first email to potential research sponsors (the professors?) how do you address them. I mean, do you go straight to the point or do you first send a friendly email introducing yourself and saying Hi.
Thanks,
Greetings Prof. Kimura,
I hope you are having a pleasant summer.
My name is Rodney Dangerfield. I currently hold a Bachelor's of Arts in Economics from Eckerd College, a small liberal arts college in St Petersburg, Fl. I graduated as an
international student from Dominican Republic. This is because, in the increasingly
diversified world we live in, an international education in the field of Economics has
become a great asset for those who are looking to help with development of small nations.
Having completed my undergraduate studies, I am currently in the process of applying for
the MEXT: Monbukagakusho Scholarship for Research Students. Recently, I have been doing
some personal reseach on who would be willing to supervise my research work.
After long months of doing some preliminary research, I strongly believe that, with you,
I have found a great potential supervisor. Having read your Curriculum Vitae and your
substantial research in the areas of International Economics and Economic Development, I
compelled to ask for the opportunity to carry out research under your supervision. More
especifically, your co-authored paper, titled:
?The Economic Analysis of International Production/Distribution Networks in East Asia and
Latin America: The Implication of Regional Trade Arrangements?
Throughly covers my current research interests. Furthermore, as I was also an Interionatl
Student, I believe your experience as an international student at the University of
Wisconsin-Madison would aid me substantially throughout my research.
I realize this email comes at a sudden at perhaps inconvenient time. I apologize for
this. However, finding a professor that shares my passion for International Economics and
Economic Devopment has been a daunting task.
Furthermore, I acknowledge that, in order to keep things brief, I have not said much
about myself, or the nature of my current research. Therefore, I have attrached a copy of
my resume and a short summary on my present field of study. Furthermore, I have attached a Letter of Recommendation from a recent surpervisor. If you desire any more information from me, please do not hesitate and ask for it.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Reiterating the utmost respect and consideration,
Rodney Dangerfield