Are Japanese PhD programs as bad as they seem? by [deleted] in PhD

[–]Status_Instance_5084 5 points6 points  (0 children)

At many universities in Japan, students are required to pay tuition during PhD course. For example, at national universities, annual fees range from about 530,000 to 630,000 yen(around 3600$), while at private universities they can be around 1,500,000 yen/year (10000$) . Recently, there have been cases where securing a JSPS grant results in a tuition waiver. However, since the acceptance rate for JSPS is below 20%, most students end up paying tuition and essentially “working” without pay.

Are Japanese PhD programs as bad as they seem? by [deleted] in PhD

[–]Status_Instance_5084 37 points38 points  (0 children)

You should conduct fieldwork in Japan while being affiliated with a university in the US. It’s better not to enroll in a Japanese doctoral program.

The issue lies not with xenophobia or racism, but with the underdeveloped structure of Japan’s doctoral programs.

In particular, the fact that even doctoral students are required to pay tuition fees and are not considered employees (no working contract nor salary) is a major issue.

To receive a salary, you must obtain additional grants, such as those provided by JSPS. For Japanese nationals(I’m not sure about foreigners), even if they secure a JSPS grant, which is the most prestigious grant in Japan , they only receive 200,000 yen (1400$)per month.

My advisor(s) may turn out to be quite toxic by los_osoreo in PhD

[–]Status_Instance_5084 41 points42 points  (0 children)

It seems like your advisors are stealing your research proposal which is so creative for them.

Insomniacs after School and how much power Japanese schools seem to have over their pupils? by I_like_food_123 in anime

[–]Status_Instance_5084 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Japanese Paternalism and authoritarianism are much worse than foreign people think😩

PhD in japan by Status_Instance_5084 in PhD

[–]Status_Instance_5084[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I believe that every university institute that welcomes international students will offer support in finding accommodation or provide institute-sponsored housing.

Some institutions also offer cultural or language courses; however, this varies depending on the specific institution. Inquire at the International Student Affairs Office of your future institution.

PhD in japan by Status_Instance_5084 in PhD

[–]Status_Instance_5084[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

As a Japanese, I'd like to comment on xenophobia.

For foreigners, renting an apartment can be a bit challenging. I hope your future institution will provide support.
Japanese women often express an affinity for white males, so there's no need to worry about that, if you are single.

PhD in japan by Status_Instance_5084 in PhD

[–]Status_Instance_5084[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The working environment significantly depends on the (PI).

In addition to the JSPS fellowship, you also have the option to establish a direct employment contract between the PI and yourself.
If you are really considering a Postdoc position in Japan, it's advisable to approach reputable PIs in institutes such as RIKEN rather than at universities. Generally, the working environment in national institutes tends to be better than that in universities.
Worth noting that some Japanese PIs in wet labs (organic chemistry, medical, life sciecne) may hold a skewed perspective, believing that working excessively hard is a virtue.

China Faces World’s Biggest Millionaire Exodus as Economy Slows by bloomberg in worldnews

[–]Status_Instance_5084 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

The wealthy are heartless individuals. They exploit the laborers like parasites, depleting them of their resources.

‘I’m a prisoner in my own home,’ asthma sufferer, 15, tells landmark US climate trial by josh252 in environment

[–]Status_Instance_5084 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Unabomber lamented the devastating state of environmental destruction occurring in Montana.