MEXT Scholarship for Postgraduate 2010: General Discussions.

[Rica]

I had my test today, I feel like it went pretty well. If I can give anyone any advice, it's stay to the end and check your answers. There were 5 of us there for the test today, but there are more to come in the other capital cities here in Aus. I was the only one who didn't stay for the Japanese test! I felt bad, but I wasn't going to stay and stare at a blank piece of paper for an hour :?. I'm applying for media studies anyway, and the course is in English, so I'm sure it won't be a big problem.
I was surprised that only one other applicant was dressed formally, the others were very casual. All the embassy staff (who were lovely by the way, very friendly) were also dressed professionally. I guess I figured you've only got one chance to make a first impression!
So I wonder, in everyone else's opinion, do you think having Japanese language ability or having studied in Japan previously is something the embassy weights heavily in their selection process? I haven't had the opportunity to study overseas before, but some of the other applicants mentioned that they had already been to Japan on exchange.
I guess I know what's going for me, and that's that the area I want to research in is very popular in Japan right now, and is attracting a lot of government funding.
Ah well, I guess it's time to start waiting!
Good luck everyone, I hope you all do well in the interviews!

 

[menrui]

I know for sure there are many people, who have received the scholarship, that did not know Japanese or had even been to Japan prior coming to Japan.

I think the research proposal and interview are the biggest factors. But I guess knowing Japanese and having experience is a plus. Also, I'm sure some kind of interest in Japan is required too, but Japanese language itself isn't.

 

[kouun9]

Dear All

Can anyone confirm what should be written in "Your research theme after arrival in Japan" and "Study program in Japan (Describe this in detail and concretely - Particularly about the ultimate goal of your research in Japan).

What is the difference between the two? Is the first one just the outline of my research proposal and the second one a detailed description?

Can someone please clarify my doubt.

 

[linkolin]

hi dear friends, I am about to take a biology and english test on 28th of june. I need some clues about the tests, specially on biology.
Tnx for every reply.

 

[ykk]

Dear All
Can anyone confirm what should be written in "Your research theme after arrival in Japan" and "Study program in Japan (Describe this in detail and concretely - Particularly about the ultimate goal of your research in Japan).
What is the difference between the two? Is the first one just the outline of my research proposal and the second one a detailed description?
Can someone please clarify my doubt.

Your research theme after arrival in Japan: A few words about the theme, what is about, why it is important to study that, etc.

Study program in Japan: I prepared this in a month by month basis and how to achive certain goals prior to the final goal

 

[bimbim]

Hello from Vietnam. Fist post here.
We are now preparing for the English test in 16 July. Because of great number of applicants this year, just successful ones (at this stage) come to interview. Kind of worry. I apply for Evelopment Economics. Nice to meet all of you and good luck for the coming test and interview.

 

[conanf]

Just came from the interview and exam.

One word of warning: The japanese exam IS TOUGH! The format is completely different, each question is a paragraph by itself with one question related to it at the end. And the vocabulary and kanji they used in there is bloody difficult. I think I would have done better if they had furigana over kanji, but furigana is sparsely used. I suggest you AT LEAST have a 2 kyuu Japanese level if you want to pass that exam.

The english exam wasn't bad. Some trick questions here and there, but you can solve it within 30-45 mins.

 

[linkolin]

Is there anyone passed biology exam??? What was it mainly about???

 

[baby]

Hi every body.

I am from Viet Nam. And I will take the exam in July.
I registered for Narural C. So I have to take Biology, Chemistry, Math, English.

Can everyone tell me anything about Biology? How is it difficult ? ( I am very worried about it, I know little about it ).
, What about chemistry?
Thank!

 

[Tom_Prete]

Just came from the interview and exam.

One word of warning: The japanese exam IS TOUGH!

How tough was it? Like the "C" exams of previous years? (the ones on w w w. studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0308e.html#1 ) or more difficult?

What kind of questions do they ask at the interview? My imagination is too bad...

Thanks for any answers!

 

[conanf]

How tough was it? Like the "C" exams of previous years? (the ones on w w w. studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0308e.html#1 ) or more difficult?
What kind of questions do they ask at the interview? My imagination is too bad...
Thanks for any answers!

I just took a look at some of the C exams of previous years. The questions aren't the same, but the difficulty of the passages involved are similar. If you can read and understand the long passages on the C exam, then you'd probably be fine. Hope that answered your question.

 

[Tom_Prete]

I just took a look at some of the C exams of previous years. The questions aren't the same, but the difficulty of the passages involved are similar. If you can read and understand the long passages on the C exam, then you'd probably be fine. Hope that answered your question.

Yeah, thanks a lot for your answer!!
So just to make sure I got it: this time there was only ONE exam for all levels but it contained only the rather hard questions? No conversation/grammar/kanji-questions?
Interesting...

 

[baby]

Thank you for replying to me ! .
I heard that there were many questions about genetic laws, is that true?
Was the long passage related to botanay or zoology?

What do I need to be able to answer questions as much as possible?
( science knowledge or English knowledge mainly? )

 

[kouun9]

Had my written exam and interview today.
The English exam was not that hard. But the Japanese exam was like :bikkuri: 20 big paragraphs of comprehension. Which is my weakest point. God knows what will happen.
The Professor at the interview didn't asked much about my topic. But seemed interested. The embassy person was also not much interested and didn't ask many questions. Cant say what will be the selection criteria.
Have to wait and watch.

 

[digimanpk]

What were the question in the Interview

@kouun9

Can you please provide more details of your interview. Like what question were asked.



Was it from your CV/Professional Career.??.

Thanks

 

[BlueCheese]

No offence, I've had my interview as well but you shouldn't ask questions like that. Don't try and get an unfair advantage.

 

[baby]

Is there anyone having taken Math B?
Was it both difficult and long?

 

[clipvain]

Is there anyone having taken Math B?
Was it both difficult and long?

Are you asking about the Maths B exam for undergrad? Just thought you might get better response at the undergrad threads if that's the case since most of the people here are applying for the postgrad scholarship.

 

[Ajay]

In India, the process is a bit different, there are actually two organizations which conduct this whole thing. First is the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) which puts the advertisement, invites applications, does document screening. Those who qualify in document screening are then sent the actual MEXT scholarship form and are asked to appear in *two* interview, first is conducted again by MHRD, this one is subject specific and professors from various universities (Indian universities) are in interviewer panel, they ask you questions related to your field and also your research proposal. Next
you are interviewed by people from Japanese Embassy, in my case there was one person from Japan and another from India. This one is general interview and they dont ask anything related to your subject but they do observe a lot about your knowledge about Japan and reasons for choosing Japan for your studies.

@kouun9
Can you please provide more details of your interview. Like what question were asked.
Was it from your CV/Professional Career.??.
Thanks

I had my english test and interview... here is a run down
Reached the place at 8:35, there was an orientation session in which they basically rehashed all the things which are mentioned in the information paper which they send with the application form. They then help you in filling any blank field of the form, the ones which you were not able to fill. Next is the written test for English language for 1 hour followed by 1 hour of Japanese test. However you may skip the Japanese test if you do no have required skills. Next you are taken to MHRD for the subject interview and again sent back to the original place for embassy interview. In this interview they follow the usual stuff like why do you want to study in Japan? there will be a six month of Japanese training, you have any problem? did you contact any professors in Japan? any info about Japan? any info about Japanese culture? have you ever been to Japan? thats it!
I am now waiting for the result from the MHRD, if they have nominated me for the scholarship, this shall be followed by another waiting period for the intimation by the Japanese embassy if I have made it to the provisionally selected list, then I can contact the professors in Japan.
Cya guys for the time being...

 

[Tom_Prete]

I think asking for interview questions is ok...it's not an exam and the question asked highly depend on the interviewers and your own profile anyway. You can get an idea using the search function of the forum or google for other sites. Most of the questions are predictable even if you don't search for them...why Japan, what about your research, have you had contact with professors, etc,etc.

Getting an advantage by asking for interview questions is as unfair as reading a "job interview guide" when applying for a job, IMHO.

Asking for the exam questions/answers is a different issue, of course.

I also had my interview this week and the questions where mostly about my interest for japan and my experiences (i've been in japan as an exchange student for one year) and a little bit about the planed research. They also asked whether I already had contact with potential advisors & unis.


So, what do you guys think are our chances if we get the embassy recommendation? I remember somebody writing "98%" before...but is it really that high? Maybe there are large differences between countries?

 

[menrui]

I agree with tom prete. I think it's okay to discuss basic interview questions. You should already know the answers to the interview question since most of the questions are topics from your applications. So perhaps discussing it will only help people prepare a better way to say it.

When they ask you what about Japan are you interested in, don't say anime(I know you want to). They will laugh at you. All three of them...

I was the person who said "98%". The reason I said that, is because:
1. during the 5~6 month wait period, we all get worried and call the embassy about our results. they get fustrated and say something like, 'everyone we recommend end up getting the scholarship, so stop worrying about it.'
2. I only heard of 1 person who was declined after receiving it, and we think it was because he has already receive a gov. scholarship before.
3. there is an approx. amount of slots available for those to receive the scholarship, and the embassy knows it. they are only going to recommend as many as the amount of slots available.

 

[Tom_Prete]

Menrui,
that are 3 convincing arguments which make it much easier to believe in the 98% without worrying. Thanks a lot! Especially for getting the embassy people frustrated until they told you that.

Now I'm really looking forward to next week when the results will be announced.

 

[danny77]

hi clockworkorange,

i am invited for an interview with japanese embassy next week but i have some problem filling up the form. there are some errors (1,4,6,7(ii),9,CPE) in the first application form that i filled in. Can you help me on this. I am not sure about these errors.

Thank you.

 

[Gekka]

Hi all

Hi! :jama:
I just finished reading all the messages in this thread - it's really interesting to see how things change from one country to the other...

I got an e-mail on Friday inviting me for the exams and interview next week (exams on July 14th, interview on July 16th). I think I'm equally exited and nervous (maybe a little more on the nervous part.... )

Well, in any case - ganbarimasu minna-san!

 

[kouki]

>danny

Have you called Ms Yin? It is the best way to get the errors corrected. The number represents the error you are committing, i.e. the number on the application form, try check that first. You can leave them until you are there in the embassy before going for your interview (but it not encouraged).