Advantages of Studying in Japan

The advantages of studying in Japan are numerous. First off, I would say that the Japanese are very warm, kind, and receptive people. Japan offers excellent academic and research opportunities, a rich cultural experience which provides you with deep cultural immersion and preserved customs. Also, Japan offers generous scholarships and university-specific grants to aid students in travel and attending international conferences and symposiums. Japan is also a very safe and efficient environment, making it a comfortable place for students. Also, the scholarships are flexible in that they allow international students to work up to 28 hours per week, allowing them to support themselves financially while gaining experience.

The downsides of studying in Japan are just a few from my perspective. Firstly I would say the language barrier. When I arrived in Japan in 2021, it was a bit difficult for me to go grocery shopping or navigate the day's activities outside the classroom because I couldn't speak Japanese. I had to learn basic Japanese in order to enjoy my time here in Japan. So limited proficiency in Japanese can be a significant challenge. The high cost of living in Japan is also a serious issue for students in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, etc., as these cities are expensive, especially for accommodation and daily expenses which can be challenging without scholarships. Also, from a few students' perspectives, limited job opportunities are a concern. Post-graduation employment may require Japanese fluency, which limits job prospects for those not proficient in the language.

My Research

My major is Global Dryland Plant Science and my field of expertise is Plant Cytogenetics. In the future, I would still pursue a career in plant genetics as it is my area of utmost interest. I enjoy researching and finding new things, so I would like to work in a research field or academia.

I find both researching and presenting my findings to fellow researchers regardless of their fields equally exciting. My university offers student support grants for attending international conferences and meetings. In July of this year, I had the opportunity to participate in a conference in the United States, which allowed me to interact with experts and researchers from various disciplines. This exchange of ideas and perspectives greatly enhanced my knowledge and helped me tackle challenges in my research work while improving my presentation skills.

I have attended several conferences and meetings in Japan, where I established collaborations and networked with other researchers and fellow students. One of the most relaxing moments at the end of each conference is the dinner party held to celebrate its success. It’s a great opportunity to unwind, engage in deep conversations with researchers, and discuss future directions in our fields. All of these experiences have been exciting and memorable for me.

Support System

My supervisor is always available for us students both academically and mentally. He is a good mentor. Also, my laboratory members are very good people who are willing to help me and other international students here whenever we run into any problems. Additionally, my university has an International Affairs Division (IAD) body that is very supportive of international students. Although, I try as much as possible to handle my own problems in order not to bother people around me.

Financial Aid

I am currently sponsored by the prestigious Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship. I secured this scholarship through the university recommendation pathway, applying via my undergraduate institution's recommendation portal. Although the application process involved a significant amount of paperwork, it was quite straightforward overall. MEXT scholarships are available through two main channels: university recommendation and embassy recommendation. In the case of the latter, applicants apply directly to the Japanese embassy in their respective home countries. Both channels involve screening steps such as examinations and interviews. For students who are not on scholarships, Japan offers various financial support options for both local and international students. At my university, there is dedicated assistance on tuition fees for self-sponsored students, which is particularly beneficial. Additionally, the university provides opportunities for students to work as teaching assistants (TA) or research assistants (RA), allowing them to earn extra income to help cover living expenses. These support systems are crucial in ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial strain.

What I Do for Fun

To enjoy and explore the Japanese culture, cuisine, and other exciting activities, I had to learn how to ride a bicycle. In my home country, I have always been scared of learning and riding a bicycle because it is not a very common means of commuting and the road structures do not favour bicycles. Here in Japan, almost everyone owns a bicycle and it is a very common means of navigating the town or city. Also, the roads are very good and well structured making paths for bicycle riders and other bikers. Now, riding a bicycle has become a very interesting and exciting hobby for me. I also tried learning how to snow ski and it has not been easy so far. Hiking is another hobby I would love to take up very soon as time goes.