MEXT Scholarship for Postgraduate 2011: General Discussions.

[bojan]

Sorry to hear that Cyntcynt :sorry: i wish you more luck next time

i have question about research proposal, since that's the toughest part for me.. i have an interview in 2 days so i'm preparing myself for their questions about research proposal. can somebody tell me how detailed their questions are when it comes to this? do they ask about time schedule? because i really don't know what to answer on that one.. master course lasts for 2 years, and i don't know are they expecting from me to elaborate them my research proposal in details and with time schedule, or just to tell them what's the subject of my research, why is it important and why do i think it will be better conducted in Japan than in my country?? :?

 

[Stormbla]

do they ask about time schedule? because i really don't know what to answer on that one.. master course lasts for 2 years, and i don't know are they expecting from me to elaborate them my research proposal in details and with time schedule, or just to tell them what's the subject of my research, why is it important and why do i think it will be better conducted in Japan than in my country?? :?

Srecno preksjutra na testu

 

[destiny2]

Sorry to hear that Cyntcynt :sorry: i wish you more luck next time
i have question about research proposal, since that's the toughest part for me.. i have an interview in 2 days so i'm preparing myself for their questions about research proposal. can somebody tell me how detailed their questions are when it comes to this? do they ask about time schedule? because i really don't know what to answer on that one.. master course lasts for 2 years, and i don't know are they expecting from me to elaborate them my research proposal in details and with time schedule, or just to tell them what's the subject of my research, why is it important and why do i think it will be better conducted in Japan than in my country?? :?

When I was interviewed, they asked me to explain my research proposal in "brief", so I think you don't need to explain the research proposal in such details, they have already read about it anyway from your submitted documents.. As for me, I explained the background, the objective, the the method in brief.

 

[bojan]

destiny2, i also explained my research in documents, the background and the objective, but not the method.. nor i mentioned the time schedule. and because of that i am now concerned that they will ask me two much for details.. so i'm just checking did they ask you that or just basic questions related to research proposal..

Stormbla, mi smo jedini Crnogorci ovdje izgleda srecno i tebi preksjutra! za sta si se ti prijavio? ja za master iz ekonomije. dako test ne bude tezak

 

[destiny2]

destiny2, i also explained my research in documents, the background and the objective, but not the method.. nor i mentioned the time schedule. and because of that i am now concerned that they will ask me two much for details.. so i'm just checking did they ask you that or just basic questions related to research proposal..

They didn't ask me about the details of my method or my schedule, but they did ask about "why the research must be conducted in Japan" a few times, until they got satisfied with my answer

 

[Stormbla]

destiny2, i also explained my research in documents, the background and the objective, but not the method.. nor i mentioned the time schedule. and because of that i am now concerned that they will ask me two much for details.. so i'm just checking did they ask you that or just basic questions related to research proposal..
Stormbla, mi smo jedini Crnogorci ovdje izgleda srecno i tebi preksjutra! za sta si se ti prijavio? ja za master iz ekonomije. dako test ne bude tezak

izgleda da je tako let's use messages on this forum. it's easier

 

[bojan]

thanks destiny2! and good luck, i hope you'll get the scholarship!

 

[destiny2]

thanks destiny2! and good luck, i hope you'll get the scholarship!

doumo

I already got the embassy recommendation, and now I need to get LoA from my professors

good luck to you too!!

 

[ykk]

Hello everybody, I'm still waiting for the exam... this thursday!
I've been doing a lot of practice this weekend, working with last year's papers of english.
I still haven't touched the japanese one, I'll go over that language today. I'm confident about japanese because I've been practicing the last 3 months only reading passages with my sensei, and I've learnt many new kanji too

Anyway, wish me luck! (me and Kamui, we'll be meeting that very same day!)

Ganbareeeeeeeee

Congratulations to all of you who have passed the exams and interviews!!! Let's meet en Japan next year! (Crossing fingers of the hands and feet)

 

[ijulia]

MEXT application form

I got a question regarding the application forms.

Although I got recommended by the embassy already I only got the forms now because we did not need to submit that much information for the primary screening- so only the ones who passed it need to fill in the mext forms.

Did you fill the forms in by hand? (I haven't got a typwriter... it's not used here anymore)

On page 1 question 6 is: Field of specialisation studied in the past (be as detailed and specific as possible) I understand the question, but there is no line drawn to write on and there is no space at all to be detailed- how did you answer this question?

On page 3 question 8: they ask to write the title of the graduation thesis but no line to write on or designated space to write in provided...

It is unclear for me what to do because for all other questions there is a line drawn where to write on...

Sorry for these stupid questions. I want to get sure to fill in everything correctly because I'm afraid that they won't let me pass the second screening if I do it wrong...

Thanks a lot for your help in advance. And I really hope that everything goes well and we meet eachother in Japan next year.

 

[Wingu]

Hello ijulia! Although I applied for the Japanese Studies Scholarship (currently waiting for the official answer from MEXT, due august), I advice you to write everything by hand. Personally, I think it looks better since you put more effort into it. Also, I think the Japanese appriciate the fact that you do it "by yourself" so to speak, instead of using a computer or a typewriter.

Here's how:
1. Make a few copies of the documents. I suggest at least 2 copies, that way you can practice first.

2. You use a pencil first and fill out the entire form, then fill it out with a ballpen. After that, you let it dry for a while. Then use an eraser so the black lines from the pencil won't show. Remember to use the exact same ballpen for all pages. I managed to use two different ones on one of the application forms :S Also, make sure the pens aren't too thick either.
And one more thing, do not press too hard (especially on the form you're supposed to send in) with either the pencil nor the ballpen. Be gentle so it won't leave any marks on other pages.

3. As for the designated space, use a ruler to make your own lines... with a pencil of course, so you can erase it afterwards. Redo the space between the lines as you see fit, since you might want to write more (or less).

 

[Cyntcynt]

Sorry to hear that Cyntcynt :sorry: i wish you more luck next time

Thanks bojan, i hope next time it will be better, good luck!!!!!! hope you get it

 

[PeterSimon]

ijulia, just attach additional pages and write "Please see attachment 1" in the main application form. You can write as much as you want on the additional pages.


Ok, I have another question: I wrote to a Japanese professor and asked him if he would become my advisor. He answered that he is happy with my research field of interest, but only the university decide who will be accepted (comparing with other candidates) so he cannot say anything at this moment. How should I take this? Is it a polite way of turning me down? If not, what's the point of writing to professors when they can't decide anything and all is up to the university?
Please help with some explanation. Thanks!

 

[ijulia]

Thanks for the answers on my questions!

to PeterSimon: I think it depends on the University you are applying for. I read on some websites that you need to find a professor who would like to be your advisor first, and only if you found one you can apply. But I don't really know if Japanese might be that polite and turn you down with such an answer (That's the reason why want to go there- to find such things out myself). I think you should send your application to the University and inform him that you did so. But maybe someone has got another explanation.

The Japanese embassy just sent all the forms by email to me. I think I might fill them in on my pc, because my handwriting is horrible and I have to finish my MA thesis- which takes a lot of time at the moment. Hope it won't be a disadvantage.

In the Field of study form, when stating your research theme in japan and study program - did you write it like in a research proposal citing sources? Or did you write it like a informal statement?

Thanks a lot!

 

[Sthere]

Hi forum,
I have three questions:
What happens if I received a LoA from one school and I am not really interested in that school? I have contacted like more than 17 professors , only the one that I am least interested in replied :S...

Can the embassy secure an advisor if I failed to find one!?

and finally ; can MEXT student work in Japan after graduation at least for one or two years ?

 

[haven11]

Hi forum,
I have three questions:
What happens if I received a LoA from one school and I am not really interested in that school? I have contacted like more than 17 professors , only the one that I am least interested in replied :S...
Can the embassy secure an advisor if I failed to find one!?
and finally ; can MEXT student work in Japan after graduation at least for one or two years ?

sthere - to my knowledge, tokyo will do their best in securing the university for you according to your prefferemce stated in your form. If unable, they will try to find a university outside your list (this includes your advisor) for you. This is even if you are unable to secure any LOA from your unis.
on work/graduated, believe you're on your own to manage what happens during and after your education in Japan.

 

[bojan]

i have an interview on Friday so i'm preparing myself for questions. I am right know searching informations about universities and professors which I chose in my application form, but I am not sure will they ask me just couple questions 'Why did you choose that university, why that professor', or more detailed? Am i supposed to know everything about universities and professors? I know basic things about chosen universities, and i know fields of specialization of professors and their research interests. Is that enough? Or they expect that I have read their works , thesis, etc? :?

 

[ykk]

sthere - to my knowledge, tokyo will do their best in securing the university for you according to your prefferemce stated in your form. If unable, they will try to find a university outside your list (this includes your advisor) for you. This is even if you are unable to secure any LOA from your unis.
on work/graduated, believe you're on your own to manage what happens during and after your education in Japan.

I've known someone who changed her university while she was in Japan doing the Japanese course. She even moved to the other side of the country.
My advice is: Stick to the secure, go with the only letter of acceptance you have. Then You'll have time to change your plans in Japan.

i have an interview on Friday so i'm preparing myself for questions. I am right know searching informations about universities and professors which I chose in my application form, but I am not sure will they ask me just couple questions 'Why did you choose that university, why that professor', or more detailed? Am i supposed to know everything about universities and professors? I know basic things about chosen universities, and i know fields of specialization of professors and their research interests. Is that enough? Or they expect that I have read their works , thesis, etc? :?

don't go crazy with that, just learn the highlights of each professor.

can MEXT student work in Japan after graduation at least for one or two years ?

I don't think so, you are bound to return to your country right away after finishing the scholarship. Anyway, It is not like it's banned or something, but your visa status will no longer be "student"... you should get a job that sponsor your visa, just like everybody else.
(I'm not secure about this, it is just what I've heared)

Ok, I have another question: I wrote to a Japanese professor and asked him if he would become my advisor. He answered that he is happy with my research field of interest, but only the university decide who will be accepted (comparing with other candidates) so he cannot say anything at this moment. How should I take this? Is it a polite way of turning me down? If not, what's the point of writing to professors when they can't decide anything and all is up to the university?
Please help with some explanation. Thanks!

I got one of those replies too. I think he tried to say that he has not the final YES. Some Universities have different procedures, If your local embassy has accepted you, ask the professor if you should mail your documents.

 

[bojan]

don't go crazy with that, just learn the highlights of each professor.

hahaha ok ykk but if they ask me in details about professors, i'll come to Argentina and will find you!
i'm having my English test tomorrow.. good luck to us all!

 

[ykk]

hahaha ok ykk but if they ask me in details about professors, i'll come to Argentina and will find you!
i'm having my English test tomorrow.. good luck to us all!

hahaha --I'll be waiting! Bring a scrarf, it's so cold here lately.

Now, seriously. What's the point in learning the entire curriculum vitae of each professor? If you're comfortable by learning everything by heart... go for it.
Maybe if you print some pages and go to the interview carrying a folder you would make a good impression, you can show them that you have really been "studying" your choices

My exams are tomorrow too... I'm at work right now, can't do anything, my concentration level is about -1 At the moment

 

[bojan]

i agree with you about that, but since i have never applied for any scholarship before, and this is my first time to be interviewed, i don't know what to expect..
well i wish you good luck tomorrow and hope we'll see in Japan next year

 

[clipvain]

i have an interview on Friday so i'm preparing myself for questions. I am right know searching informations about universities and professors which I chose in my application form, but I am not sure will they ask me just couple questions 'Why did you choose that university, why that professor', or more detailed? Am i supposed to know everything about universities and professors? I know basic things about chosen universities, and i know fields of specialization of professors and their research interests. Is that enough? Or they expect that I have read their works , thesis, etc? :?

From my experience, they probably wont expect everyone to go through the works of the professor you have chosen to work with.. but it wont hurt to have some idea and you might be able to let the interviewers know how serious you are about the whole thing...?
Just my 2 cts worth =)

I had my interview today, and I felt that everything went pretty well... it's all in their hands now, since I've heard over here, they dont really have a preference for MBA applicants ☝

 

[Sthere]

Work after Graduation

Hello again
Thanks ykk and haven11,
I know I have to return back to my country as moral contract , but I prefer if there is some experience before leaving Japan, in the some countries they give the graduate student whats called Optional Practical training for some time.
so does any one know or know any one who did this after being a MEXT student?
BR

 

[haven11]

clip - where to for mba?

 

[clipvain]

clip - where to for mba?

haven11: Hitotsubashi & Waseda... i was told our embassy here dont usually give the scholarship to mba applicants though... but they did shortlist us for the interview... so.....