Hi everyone. I wanted to hear experiences of those who succeeded in transitioning from being a JET participant to getting a MEXT scholarship and attend post-grad in Japan. I am still currently in my first year as an ALT but I want to start thinking about my next move. I ideally want to do 2 years as an ALT and thinking of doing a Masters here in Japan.
Was it easy to stay in Japan while simultaneously working on your MEXT application?
Wold you recommend going home first and working on your application then?
Is it a doable transition to go from JET to MEXT without having to leave Japan first?
2 comments
I’ve also looked into this. Keep in mind you’ll have to interview stateside (at the embassy you apply at) therefore it’s not possible to technically go from one to the other without traveling back home first. From someone I spoke with, you might not know when your interview is until last minute and you’d need to take time off and buy a ticket home for the interview. Also you’ll likely want to get letters of recommendation from your JET supervisors so hopefully you’re on good terms with them too. Finally, I’ve heard a little Japanese can go a long way in the interview process. The process in general is more selective than JET.
Is it doable? Yes. There are people who do it. Is it easy? No.
Anyway, good luck! If you’re up for the challenge and if it’s something you want to do, go all in and worry about it step by step.
Small point but if you have been living in Japan and pay residence taxes if you change to studying the next year (without leaving/moving away Japan) you will be liable for the residence taxes that you owe from the previous year while you are studying. Students are exempt from residence taxes but they are usually paid a year in lieu so your first year as a student you may have to pay your previous years residence taxes. This could make a big difference to your finances as a student.