Monbukagakusho Scholarship for Postgraduate!!
- Thread starter Wingmaker
- Start date
- 2 Jun 2008
- 38
- 0
I am not sure of this , but some people I know who got the scholarship and are already studying there, told me that they felt the entrance exams were "easy" , I know one of them who told me he felt the interview and the exams were like some sort of formality especially when they knew he was a MEXT scholar... Am not sure how accurate this is and of course it depends on the University itself and I don't think I should generalize this case or take it for granted... but let's all hope for the best ... personally Am happy to worry about getting the scholarship for now... shall worry about the entrance exams later .... best of luck to all of us ...
JapanDream
先輩
- 4 Jul 2008
- 37
- 0
Hi Everyone,
Before reading it in the forum, I wasn't aware of the nomikai or konpa culture in Japan. Yea, I first thought too get together drinking was mostly for the working class people in Japan, not so much for those still in university (with professors involved). Now, I learned something from Menrui's and Kimberley's posts about the whole drinking thing. The question I have is do they promote other alternative types of social bonding activities that take place in a setting which does not revolve around drinking, such as going to a game, hanami, barbecue, teambuilding, etc? If they do and if you refrain from drinking but still join your group for those other activities, will you be considered anti-social?
Before reading it in the forum, I wasn't aware of the nomikai or konpa culture in Japan. Yea, I first thought too get together drinking was mostly for the working class people in Japan, not so much for those still in university (with professors involved). Now, I learned something from Menrui's and Kimberley's posts about the whole drinking thing. The question I have is do they promote other alternative types of social bonding activities that take place in a setting which does not revolve around drinking, such as going to a game, hanami, barbecue, teambuilding, etc? If they do and if you refrain from drinking but still join your group for those other activities, will you be considered anti-social?
Hi skfer,
I think it's ok for Muslims to join groups as long as they themselves don't drink.
I'm sure well practised muslims who withholds their faiths strong enough won't be swayed by non islamic practices. It is pathetic that in Malaysia, the authorities has little or absolutely no faith in our muslim counterparts. And they strongly belief that malaysian muslims are weak and easily influenced or swayed.
I don't think it will affect the studies of the person if you don't drink.
It is basic respect for one's religion.
Personally i think you can just join in and drink juice. I seldom drink during meal times due to gastric problems. Think they won't penalise me on that as well.
Well, it is inevitable to join the group (or should I say, you would feel you would like to) when you are in the group. That is to say that, for your labs, these people are the people you are going to hang out all year round (some labs takes about 12-14 hours of your time, 6-7 days, it is like your second home). So, their bonding is quite strong. Secluding yourself from that group will seem to be anti-social (or even being boycotted), but refraining yourselves of alcoholic drink would not seem to be anti-social, as you are just weak-to-alcohol (in Japanese), as I have read from several books, talking about the difference of culture of Japanese from us here.
As for alcohol, please make it a point that you may be excused from having alcohol, but remember to refuse them well. I think you will be learning that in the 6-month Japanese preparatory course. There are ways to refuse or reject offers. But just remember you should explain your conditions, I am sure they will understand you well.
Another point, about the entrance examination. I think you will be able to get the answer for the entrance examination. If possible, get several years' paper. The entrance examinations are easy in the sense that, there are usually a standard format, and standard scope for each of the subjects. If you are well prepared, then you can answer it well. But there are two main problems:
1. Time constraint - Japanese examination questions are well-known of their time-effectiveness. You can spare any time staring at the question without doing anything. The time is just enough for you to answer the questions.
2. Marking style - The marking style of the Japanese is very strict. It is strict to the sense that, if your final answer is incorrect, then you will not get any marks.
That's what I have heard from my friends and lecturers. Hope that it will be useful to share with you all.
As for alcohol, please make it a point that you may be excused from having alcohol, but remember to refuse them well. I think you will be learning that in the 6-month Japanese preparatory course. There are ways to refuse or reject offers. But just remember you should explain your conditions, I am sure they will understand you well.
Another point, about the entrance examination. I think you will be able to get the answer for the entrance examination. If possible, get several years' paper. The entrance examinations are easy in the sense that, there are usually a standard format, and standard scope for each of the subjects. If you are well prepared, then you can answer it well. But there are two main problems:
1. Time constraint - Japanese examination questions are well-known of their time-effectiveness. You can spare any time staring at the question without doing anything. The time is just enough for you to answer the questions.
2. Marking style - The marking style of the Japanese is very strict. It is strict to the sense that, if your final answer is incorrect, then you will not get any marks.
That's what I have heard from my friends and lecturers. Hope that it will be useful to share with you all.
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For the number of times of entrance examination we can take:
If I am not mistaken, if you would like to sit for the second university's entrance examination, you will have to bear the cost on your own. However, I am not sure how many times of entrance examination we can take, being subsidized by MEXT. But I think it would be a good question to ask Miss Yin later on, wouldn't it?
If I am not mistaken, if you would like to sit for the second university's entrance examination, you will have to bear the cost on your own. However, I am not sure how many times of entrance examination we can take, being subsidized by MEXT. But I think it would be a good question to ask Miss Yin later on, wouldn't it?
menrui
先輩
- 24 May 2008
- 428
- 0
japandream,
those are not exactly "drinking things". they are "get togethers" that people often drink at. getting together is the most important part, so you dont have to drink. im sure they just want you to be social and enjoy the party. no, you wont be considered anti social. hehe i guess many people just think that you need alcohol to "open up". i sure dont need it (^.^)v . also, i think they do plenty of hanami, hanabi, barbeque, and small parties too.
skfer,
wow, i didnt know that about islam. i have to say, not being about to be around someone that is drinking could limit your social activity a bit. people often drink a light beer even at a hanami. anyways, do whats best for you. in any case, you can always sit with me because i dont drink haha.
you have a good reason not to drink, they will understand. my reason for not drinkng is simply personal preference, which is probably the worst excuse because no one understands it. i cant stand alcohol and i dont understand why people drink it. its a depressant damn it! sorry for ranting.
those are not exactly "drinking things". they are "get togethers" that people often drink at. getting together is the most important part, so you dont have to drink. im sure they just want you to be social and enjoy the party. no, you wont be considered anti social. hehe i guess many people just think that you need alcohol to "open up". i sure dont need it (^.^)v . also, i think they do plenty of hanami, hanabi, barbeque, and small parties too.
skfer,
wow, i didnt know that about islam. i have to say, not being about to be around someone that is drinking could limit your social activity a bit. people often drink a light beer even at a hanami. anyways, do whats best for you. in any case, you can always sit with me because i dont drink haha.
you have a good reason not to drink, they will understand. my reason for not drinkng is simply personal preference, which is probably the worst excuse because no one understands it. i cant stand alcohol and i dont understand why people drink it. its a depressant damn it! sorry for ranting.
thanks menrui, ok that's the plan 
.
I think it will be easier in hanami, because there is no tables , and it is forbidden to stay on the same table with someone who drinkes "while" he is drinking.
anyway..i'll try to handle that on it's approperiate time, let's care about more important matters.
if we passed the entrance exam. in general ..how's the master will be like .. I mean ..courses after that thesis or it differs from university to university ?
.I think it will be easier in hanami, because there is no tables , and it is forbidden to stay on the same table with someone who drinkes "while" he is drinking.
anyway..i'll try to handle that on it's approperiate time, let's care about more important matters.
if we passed the entrance exam. in general ..how's the master will be like .. I mean ..courses after that thesis or it differs from university to university ?
Masters in Japan
The master course in Japan will take 2 years. It is a research+study degree. You will have to complete 12-30 credits for the master course, depending on your university. At the same time, you will have to do your research.
Depending on labs, most labs will require their member to have group discussion at least once a week, which is known as 'zemi'. There will be a big presentation, which involves other students in the same faculty, possibly, once a semester. In your progress reports, professors and others will be attending to review your progress. (The progress report would be some sort of viva voce, where everyone of the floor have the right to ask questions, at least once or twice in you course? I think)
Some professors would require their students under supervision to arrange a meeting with him, once weekly, or fortnightly. So, in fact, it varies very much, depending on labs, even you are in the same university.
And there is a certain number of publication you will have to produce in order to complete your master course.
The master course in Japan will take 2 years. It is a research+study degree. You will have to complete 12-30 credits for the master course, depending on your university. At the same time, you will have to do your research.
Depending on labs, most labs will require their member to have group discussion at least once a week, which is known as 'zemi'. There will be a big presentation, which involves other students in the same faculty, possibly, once a semester. In your progress reports, professors and others will be attending to review your progress. (The progress report would be some sort of viva voce, where everyone of the floor have the right to ask questions, at least once or twice in you course? I think)
Some professors would require their students under supervision to arrange a meeting with him, once weekly, or fortnightly. So, in fact, it varies very much, depending on labs, even you are in the same university.
And there is a certain number of publication you will have to produce in order to complete your master course.
Nall-ohki
先輩
- 1 Nov 2006
- 345
- 10
from Osaka Uni's website, it is stated in the timeline that results of MEXT is expected Feb-July. Which means the earliest could be Feb for April intake....
Yeah, there's a lot of stuff said about this already in this thread.
Some people have already found out, but you're likely to find out the results sometime between Jan 1st and March for April enrollment.
kimberleylhj
先輩
- 16 Jul 2008
- 91
- 0
Nall-ohki, that's really sad to hear!!! Did they give you a reason this time?
Nall-ohki
先輩
- 1 Nov 2006
- 345
- 10
My consulate doesn't have any say in it, so they couldn't have told me anything anyway - the decision is made by MEXT.
I got Tokyo U, Hokkaido U, and Waseda's LoA both last year and this year. LoAs probably don't matter that much.
I frankly have no idea how they select except that they seem to favor less-developed nations.
Your statement is somehow true as I've read a summary of scholars around the world. Asia has the largest number, with China at no.1 and Malaysia at no.5.
JapanDream
先輩
- 4 Jul 2008
- 37
- 0
Hey Nall,
Really sorry to hear that. Did you find out from your consulate how many people made it? I don't know how the rules are in U.S. but in Malaysia only the Embassy in our captial takes care of the scholarship, which means all the applications go to 1 place, even though we have consulates in some other states.
- 30 Mar 2008
- 166
- 3
Nall-ohki,
I have to echo everyone else's sentiments. I'm sorry. But it really is not right they don't tell you why you're not chosen for the scholarship proper. How then do you know you're not making the same mistakes each time you apply?
But being selected as an alternate does mean you're still under consideration right?
Its small comfort but its still something.
I'm really worried now. I haven't contacted my professor since the LoA. I don't know if MEXT has got in touch with him and if they have, what did he say? He's never mentioned anything about my research or what i'm going to do if i get there. Nor has he mentioned anything about the entrance exams. All he said was "i'd like for you to be in my lab". Crap. I'm having a minor panic attack.
I have to echo everyone else's sentiments. I'm sorry. But it really is not right they don't tell you why you're not chosen for the scholarship proper. How then do you know you're not making the same mistakes each time you apply?
But being selected as an alternate does mean you're still under consideration right?
Its small comfort but its still something.
I'm really worried now. I haven't contacted my professor since the LoA. I don't know if MEXT has got in touch with him and if they have, what did he say? He's never mentioned anything about my research or what i'm going to do if i get there. Nor has he mentioned anything about the entrance exams. All he said was "i'd like for you to be in my lab". Crap. I'm having a minor panic attack.
midorineko
先輩
- 14 Jun 2008
- 28
- 0
For those who were put on the alternate list I bear words of hope.
I did my interview in June and was informed within the week that I was accepted with alternate status. Today I received contact from my consulate that I have been accepted by Monbukagakusho for the scholarship and that they are contacting my chosen university for acceptance.
It definitely is possible for an alternate to be bumped to scholarship status. I am unclear on whether I am being offered the scholarship because the original recommendee is unable to accept it, or because of other reasons. I am now waiting anxiously for the results, but since I did arrange contact with a professor willing to guide me before I submitted the scholarship application I am hopeful that everything will go smoothly from here on out.
I did my interview in June and was informed within the week that I was accepted with alternate status. Today I received contact from my consulate that I have been accepted by Monbukagakusho for the scholarship and that they are contacting my chosen university for acceptance.
It definitely is possible for an alternate to be bumped to scholarship status. I am unclear on whether I am being offered the scholarship because the original recommendee is unable to accept it, or because of other reasons. I am now waiting anxiously for the results, but since I did arrange contact with a professor willing to guide me before I submitted the scholarship application I am hopeful that everything will go smoothly from here on out.
