Scholarships and Student Funding

Japan Society of Scotland

The Japan Society of Scotland offers a short travel scholarship, sponsored by Aberdeen Standard Investments, to visit Japan.

The scholarship was created with the following objectives

  • To provide young persons from Scotland with an opportunity to study Japanese language at the International Christian University (ICU), a highly accredited institution located in Mikata City, a suburban community adjacent to Tokyo.  Return flights to and from Japan, all tuition fees, accommodation and appropriate subsistence support will be provided.  Details of the courses offered in the Japanese language at ICU may be obtained from http://scj.icu.ac.jp
  • To offer the opportunity for the selected candidate to gain insight into the life and culture of Japanese society through a customized study period following the end of classes: and
  • To provide a basic working foundation for future professional links with Japan.

All candidates should:

  • Be of Scottish birth, descent or long-term residency of at least five years in Scotland.

  • Be either in full-time higher education in the United Kingdom or a graduate of a British university of no more than five years standing.
  • Be able to articulate a defined interest in a professional field that relates to Japan, in which the study of Japanese language would be beneficial or necessary.
  • Have a sound academic record and demonstrate the potential to achieve excellent results.
  • Not be already engaged in a full-time Japanese programme of study.

Applying

A completed Application

A personal statement of interest that includes reference to the following:

  • Relevant experience relating to Japan along with the reasons why the candidate has applied.
  • A statement of how the scholarship would help the candidate achieve his or her goals.
  • Any experience of living or studying abroad?
  • Any other foreign language study experience?

A letter of recommendation from an academic adviser or employer

Conditions of Award

  • Round trip travel between candidate’s home and the university of study, including economy class airfare to Japan
  • Cost of fees and residence.
  • Support for living expenses during the period of study.
  • Travel and subsistence for the period of customized study.
  • Medical insurance cover (if required).

Customized Study Programme

  • The content would depend on the candidate’s professional interests with respect to institutions or organizations to be visited.
  • A trip to Kyoto to see something of Japan’s cultural history, and a visit to Osaka as Japan’s commercial centre could be included.
  • Details would be arranged to maximize the candidate’s experience of different aspects of Japanese business and culture.

Responsibilities of the successful Candidate

  • Submission of a written report to the Chairman of Council of The Japan Society of Scotland within one month of return.
  • Copies of grades to be provided
  • Willingness to speak to the Society or to future candidates about their experience
  • Visit to Aberdeen Standard Investments’s office in Tokyo.

Points to be investigated in the Interview

  • Does the candidate appear to possess the flexibility of mind needed to live in a society that is different from not only western societies, but also from other Asian societies?
  • Would the candidate be a fit and proper representative in Japan of Scotland in particular and the United Kingdom in general?.
  • Does the candidate possess the manners and demeanor to interact credibly with Japanese in social and professional contexts?
  • Does the candidate have the basic dress sense that would be expected of a young professional in Japan?
  • Is the candidate motivated sufficiently to make the considerable effort required to perform well in developing proficiency in Japanese language during the period of study?
  • What areas of interest would be pursued during the period of customized study?

Submission of the application

Applications must be submitted by no later than Friday 24 November 2017

Applications should be typewritten and submitted electronically as attachments by e-mail to:

Ms Catriona Llanwarne

 Scholarship Secretary, Japan Society of Scotland

e-mail:  scholarship@japansocietyofscotland.org.uk

Tel:       07983629230    

Wherever possible the letter of recommendation should be scanned and submitted electronically by e-mail together with the application.

Interviews

All applications will be scrutinized by Council members from which a short-list will be drawn up.  Those successful in making the short-list will be invited for interview around mid to late January 2018. 

Related Links

Japan Society of Scotland