Hot Tips on Finding a Supervisor for a MEXT Scholarship

Is finding an academic supervisor for the MEXT scholarship a walk in the park? The answer is NO! Did you play the hide-and-seek game at elementary school? Welcome to real-life hide-and-seek simulation.

Now onto...Hot Tips on Finding a Supervisor for a MEXT Scholarship .

I want to begin with a disclaimer. MEXT applicants can only search for a supervisor if they have passed the final screening stage and have authorization from the respective Embassy of Japan. Besides, you will receive supporting documents that you must attach to your email whenever you write an email to a prospective professor. Refrain from sending emails at earlier stages without permission.

Searching for an academic supervisor for a scholarship can be daunting, but identifying a successful scholarship experience is essential. The process for searching for a supervisor under the MEXT scholarship varies depending on the university and program. 

Generally, the following steps can help you find a potential supervisor:

1. Research likely universities and programs: Look for universities and programs that align with your research interests and goals.
2. Check the list of faculty members: Look at the websites of the universities and programs you are interested in, and check the list of faculty members.
3. Look for the research interests and publications of the faculty members. See if their research interests align with yours, and review publications to understand the quality of their work.
4. Contact potential supervisors: Email potential supervisors and briefly introduce yourself, your research interests, and your goals for the MEXT scholarship.
5. Interview with potential supervisors: Once you have narrowed down your list of potential supervisors, schedule a consultation with them to discuss your research project. You may also ask about their lab working conditions and research group.

HOW TO BEST APPROACH A SUPERVISOR

Based on the steps highlighted above, I will discuss each in a lengthy, giving evidence based on my experience. Let's tackle the elephant in the room.

Research potential universities and programs

Japan has over 700 universities; therefore, you have as many chances to get a supervisor as possible. You need to narrow down the number of universities you would love to join. For some applicants who have never been to Japan, it's high time you browse the map of Japan. Research a lot about the different regions of Japan; as you know, location matters a lot.

 

Check the list of faculty members.

After identifying the universities of interest, spend time researching the faculty members on the respective university website. Create an excel sheet and note down all the universities and faculty members you are interested in while highlighting the supervisors that closely match your field of study.

Look for the research interests and publications of the faculty members

After you have all the interested faculty members, take time to go through their profile, the course taught, past studies, and methodologies they major in. You can handpick the supervisors you perfectly match and note down their email addresses at this juncture. 

Contact potential supervisors

Good job; you are a few steps away from successful supervisor hunting. Before you drop long emails and numerous attachments, consider the time difference between your country and Japan. 

From experience, consider sending an email during the day, as many professors will likely see your email. However, you are free to send the email any time you want. Be careful with weekends, Japanese Festivals, and holidays (Omatsuri), as many universities may be closed. One more trick! Since professors are extremely busy (I mean it), kindly note down the respective graduate school email address. 

I recommend writing to the graduate school first and requesting them to connect you with your preferred supervisor(write down their name in the email). Once you send an email, please exercise patience and wait for a positive or negative response. Be open-minded and be ready to accept any feedback.

Interview with potential supervisors

Hurray! You managed to get a positive response. It's time to talk to your potential supervisor and request more time with them. Create a good rapport with the supervisor and request an interview or discussion. 

The more you interact with the supervisor, the better you understand them. Find if your field of study perfectly aligns with yours and assess if their attitudes are something to go by. 

At this juncture, human beings are different, and so is their worldview. Learn to appreciate and accommodate other people's opinions.

What next after finding a potential supervisor?

Depending on the Embassy, you may have to select three universities based on the highest priority. You will likely join the first university of your choice. I recommend that you prioritize a public university. However, I still have friends who got admitted to a private university, so don't stop your dreams of studying at Waseda or Sophia University. e.tc.  

" A short story based on the author's experience."

It's important to note that finding a supervisor may take time and effort, but finding a supervisor who aligns with your research interests and can provide the guidance and support you need during your studies is worth it. Avoid making a quick decision based on assumptions rather than facts. Stay aware of the trap: a big and well-performing university far from the capital is better than a small or unpopular university in the capital city.

Japan is generally homogenous in terms of infrastructure. Don't be afraid of choosing an excellent university in the semi-urban region. 

NB: In Japan, bringing a present (Omiyage) for your Sensei (academic supervisors) from abroad is culturally acceptable.

That said, here are some key factors to reflect on :

Factor to consider when migrating to Japan for study

1. Language: Japanese is the primary language spoken in Japan, so it's essential to have a basic understanding of the language or plan to take classes while studying there.
2. Cost of living: Japan is known for being an expensive country, so it's important to budget accordingly and research the cost of housing, food, and transportation.
3. Visa requirements: Make sure to research and understand the visa requirements for studying in Japan, as the process can be complex and time-consuming.
4. Cultural differences: Japan has a unique culture, and it's essential to familiarize yourself with the customs and etiquette to avoid misunderstandings or social faux pas.
5. Academics: Research the academic requirements and curriculum of the school or program you plan to attend to ensure it meets your needs and goals.
6. Safety and security: Japan is generally a safe country, but it's essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.
7. Support systems: It's essential to have a support system, such as a local friend or mentor, in case you need help navigating the country or dealing with homesickness.

I hope you made the right choice reading this article. I believe it has answered a million questions about choosing a supervisor. If you still need clarification, drop a comment below, and I will be glad to help. Kindly share within your network and help a soul. Why make life complicated when Kei makes it simple?