Monbukagakusho Scholarship for Postgraduate!!

[clockworkorange]

I guess it really does depend on the professor. I've heard some ppl say that it's relaxing. I mean the research student period proper.

But at least u dun need to worry about the entrance exam. I keep wondering about mine. :?

Huuh.....a week.......compared to 2 months that's no time at all but at least there's a break.

59 hours ..........looks like i need to toughen up. i work 40 hrs per week and i complain incessantly.

 

[scjp19]

Is there anyone who can give us some clues on what to study for the Japanese exam of this year's monbusho scholarship. In what aspect do we need to focus? (this request goes to those who have already taken the exam). Thanks in advance!

 

[uranussama]

I just found out today that I'm an alternate. So my chances are slim to none.

Anyone know of any alternates ever getting it?:?

 

[menrui]

Yes, alternates can still receive the scholarship, but the chance are, as you said, slim.

I do know of one case for last years application. I won't mention names. So it goes like this, someone who already received the "embassy recommendation" was suddenly switched to an alternate. That same day, someone joined the forum to announce that he/she was just switched from alternate to embassy recommendation... They were from the same country.

 

[uranussama]

^ Oh wow, really? That sucks for that person, whoever it is. ☝

I also went back through the forum here and read that last year someone from the US were told they were an alternate a week after their interview (as I was just today) and they got a call in December saying they had received it after all. God, I hope that happens to me... but Im not excited about putting my life on stand-by for a year.

I wonder what the deciding factor is... what makes one person an alternate or not. I wonder if I'm an alternate for my consulate or if there's a big fat list of alternates or what... if there's tons of people ahead of me or how it works. I'll have to ask on Monday...

 

[MatsuyamaHime]

I sent my application Thursday. The postal workers were so diligent trying to find a way to fit all those papers into one envelope.

I'm confident about the proposal. I imagine they'll be salivating at the chance to give me money.

Anyway, NOW I have time to do OTHER things that are actually FUN....

 

[ykk]

I just found out today that I'm an alternate. So my chances are slim to none.
Anyone know of any alternates ever getting it?:?

you might still get it, don't worry! At least they didn't say "no thanks"...
do you still have to contact the professors, right?
Is there anything you can do to get "promoted"?

I've heard that last year in my country both of the alternates finally got selected.

I sent my application Thursday. The postal workers were so diligent trying to find a way to fit all those papers into one envelope.

I'm confident about the proposal. I imagine they'll be salivating at the chance to give me money.

Anyway, NOW I have time to do OTHER things that are actually FUN....

It feels like you've taken a big weight from your back, right? I feel that too but... still have to study. A lot. After the exam THAT will be a relief.

 

[menrui]

I imagine they'll be salivating at the chance to give me money

Hehe, you shouldn't really say that. It's not about the money you know. Though I admit, I do feel happier when I look at my bank account every month .

Anyways, be sure to show a good personality and charm them too.

 

[MatsuyamaHime]

ykk: Actually, studying and learning is fun. Writing essays and the like is, categorically, not.

menrui: Sweet Jesus, if it ain't about the money, I dunno why I just spent the last month and a half locked in my house. I can order piles of texts, fly myself to Japan (or stay in America) and try to do my own research with my own imaginary thousands, but I'm almost certain that ain't happenin.

Raise your hands if you actually COULD/CAN pay out of your pocket for your degrees and are doing this purely for sh!ts and giggles.

...

BTW, menrui, are you at all disappointed that you're not doing the research you so passionately sought this money to complete? The findings can't even be credited to you, could they?

 

[menrui]

Ok... I'm sorry.

 

[MatsuyamaHime]

Um, why are you apologizing?



....Unless you are one of those guys who never had to sweat about finances.

Anyway, and your research?

 

[menrui]

I apologized because it seems like my comment offended you, which was never my intention. Also, I'm sure arguing isn't going to help or change anything.

I do sweat about finance from time to time and no, I am not disappointed about not being able to conduct my proposed research.

Good luck.

 

[ykk]

I belive that is not all about the money but they are kind of investing money on you, so... I don't like the idea of being in debt with anyone, so it's one more reason to do your best during your stay in japan during the scholarship.

I've done all my studies in public schools, never had to pay a cent, not even for University. BUT did (and do) have to work since I was 19, just to pay for all the materials (and believe me, graphic design demands lot$ of material$...)

 

[MatsuyamaHime]

I apologized because it seems like my comment offended you

Pssh. Nah.... I'm just not romanticizing the fact that I don't want any more student loans.

Lookin at your comment, tho, maybe you were just referring to the stipend, which isn't something to sneeze at. However, I could make 170% of that tutoring English...and be able to continue paying off my loans.

Nope, I'm in it for the tuition.

 

[axo4067]

Interview

Hi all,

I received a letter and a packet to go for an interview. I am so happy to know that I past the English examination. There are so much to do especially getting the forms fill up. I think there are some part that I don't understand how to fill in.

Is there anyone of you from Malaysia whom has also already being notified for interview?

 

[PetiteM]

I'm in the process of emailing universities for information about the schools, and it is a pain finding professors' emails (I've found none wtsoever, just names, so I'm sending out emails requesting help contacting them to the international bureaus of each university) and I really don't know what to ask them?
"please be my sensei?" ._. It seems rather cut and dry. any ideas how to go about this? time is running out and I'm really at a loss concerning what to do... I'm thinking of including a basic outline of my research proposal to maybe spark their interest, but if nobody answers me how am I supposed to get an acceptance anywhere?
*panicks*

 

[ekoy]

Hi all,
I received a letter and a packet to go for an interview. I am so happy to know that I past the English examination. There are so much to do especially getting the forms fill up. I think there are some part that I don't understand how to fill in.
Is there anyone of you from Malaysia whom has also already being notified for interview?

Me! Me! Yup, there are lots of forms to be filled. Do call Ms. Yin if you have any enquiries. Btw, may I know when is your interview?

 

[clockworkorange]

I'm in the process of emailing universities for information about the schools, and it is a pain finding professors' emails (I've found none wtsoever, just names, so I'm sending out emails requesting help contacting them to the international bureaus of each university) and I really don't know what to ask them?
"please be my sensei?" ._. It seems rather cut and dry. any ideas how to go about this? time is running out and I'm really at a loss concerning what to do... I'm thinking of including a basic outline of my research proposal to maybe spark their interest, but if nobody answers me how am I supposed to get an acceptance anywhere?
*panicks*

You mean you don't know how to ask the professors? Umm, what I did was ask straight out after introducing myself. something like: My name is so-and-so and I'm applying for the scholarship. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to be my supervisor.

Then i explain why i would very much be honoured if he said yes. it could be because of the research he/she has done....

I definitely attached my research proposal. I also attached my resume and a copy of my academic results.

I think you did the right thing by emailing the student office when you got no replies from the professors themselves. Hopefully replies will come. All the best.

To ekoy and axo4067,

Congrats on passing the test and best of luck for the interview.

 

[Coco68]

PetitM,
I am having similar problems right now. I usually can't find the professor's e-mail at all, so I just sent it to the Registar/International Office at universities and wait for the reply, but it is rather uncomfortable because I have no idea what's going on.
Btw anyone has went through this process for Waseda Uni last year? Their application process seems clear from their webpage, but I am just wondering how long did it take to get a reply?
Thanks everyone. Congrats to all who got the interview and good luck

 

[axo4067]

Me! Me! Yup, there are lots of forms to be filled. Do call Ms. Yin if you have any enquiries. Btw, may I know when is your interview?

My interview is on the 9th of July , which is a Thursday in two weeks time. I wonder if the interview is conducted in a group or individual basis. How about you? Do you know how many will be shortlisted after the interview?

Thanks for the info about Ms Yin. I really have a lot to ask. Can you give me contact number?

 

[ekoy]

My interview is on the 9th of July , which is a Thursday in two weeks time. I wonder if the interview is conducted in a group or individual basis. How about you? Do you know how many will be shortlisted after the interview?
Thanks for the info about Ms Yin. I really have a lot to ask. Can you give me contact number?

Oh? Mine is on the 9th of July as well at 1pm. The contact number should be in the official letter as well. But just in case its: 03-2177-2757. Hmm... I'm not sure abt the other details. Any sempai(s) out there who can enlighten us about the interview? I'm quite sure its a panel interview.

 

[ykk]

In my country, every candidate has an individual interview.
A jury of about 6 people ask you questions.

 

[kellylen]

Questions bout the form

Hai im also attending the MEXTinterview but mine is on 7th july..i have few enquiries that i hope someone could explain to me.. First of all im a degree and also a master holder in chemical engineering..my questions are as following

1. They asked to specify the field of specilization studied in the past..does tht mean i need to state my research area during my master's or just in general as in chemical engineering...

2.THis might sounds a simple question but im still somewhat confused overthis matter..For my case field of study, should i put it as Natural Science or be more specific Chemical Engineering? there is another part where i need to fill up the detailed field of study..so wht should i fill up for that

3.On the form for field of study and study program, in which they asked us to write the proposed study program..they have divided the parts into 2 section 1.present field of study and 2.your research theme after arrival in japan. What is the difference between both section..How do i fill up this part..

Really hope someone could help me..thanx alot

4.Additional question i was made to understood that its best that we enrol first as research student and take the entrance exam before enrolling as doctoral student as in my case..therefore the question number 14 term u wish to study in japan i should choose iii.from a research student through doctoral course completion..am i rite on this?

 

[clockworkorange]

Hi, kellylen!! A fellow chemical engineer. May I know what research you're in and which university you plan to apply to? Who knows..maybe we can meet next year in Japan!!

Answers to your questions:
1) I only have a bachelor's degree so I listed down some of the subjects I studied and my final year research project. If i had a masters, I would have included my master's research topic as well.
In summary, I briefly explained what I did. I did not just put a general statement such as "chemical engineering".

2) Natural sciences: Chemical Engineering

3) I posted a reply to this in the thread "Field of Study and Study Program Guidelines" posted by ismori in this same jref forum. Do take a look and hopefully that will be helpful.

4) You are correct.

Best of luck.

I'm just curious. Are you currently working? I ask because I'm eager to know the many fields in which Chemical Engineering Master holders are welcome, especially in Malaysia.

 

[kellylen]

Hi there orange, thanx for ur immediate reply!! i was on the panic mode since i got the letter yesterday..anyway i did called miss.yin just now and she was so helpful in helping me to clear up the confusions arises..so to anyone in my position yeah do give miss yin a call..shes certainly the best person to help us

Btw orange, my field of research is on supercritical fluid extraction.in fact i already obtained an invitation from a prof in Hiroshima university for me to go over there and join their research team so i guess the only thing tht i really need is the scholarships..really hope could get this scholar for me to achieve my next goal, a doctoral degree

im now working as a lecturer in one of the private universities locally rite now...my opinion as for current situations in malaysia, if u r really interested in research the best ways would be either joining any private research cener or in my case an insitution of learning..here we are provide with opportunities such as research grants to pursue the work tht ur interested..so im hoping with the experience i have in japan adding to the doctoral degree i could someday come back and pursue my interest in the field im doing rite now...haha hope for the best..