MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship Recipient Ilma Kreka Zeolita from Indonesia Shares Her Journey of Studying Architecture at Syusei Technical College and Yamaguchi University

My name is Ilma Kreka Zeolita, originally from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Growing up, I was always drawn to creativity and problem-solving, which eventually led me to the field of architecture. I first studied at Syusei Technical College in Japan, where I earned my associate degree in architecture, with the support of the MEXT Scholarship. After completing that program, I continued my education at Yamaguchi University to further broaden my perspective and develop a more global understanding of design. Studying architecture has allowed me to bring together art and technology while combining creativity, culture, and the built environment. Through my studies in Japan, I also hope to explore international approaches, while serving as a bridge between countries by connecting perspectives and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

MEXT Scholarship Details

I was awarded the MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for a Specialized Training College (Senshu) program with a total duration of three years, consisting of one year of Japanese language preparation and two years of study at a specialized college. Under this program, the Japanese government determined the institution that best suited each student’s interests and needs in their chosen field of study. The scholarship fully covered my tuition fees for both language preparation school and college, and also provided a monthly living allowance of 117,000 – 120,000 JPY. In addition, it also covered round-trip airfare to Japan.

Educational Background

After graduating from high school, I studied Civil Engineering at Yogyakarta State University (UNY), where I maintained a GPA of 3.7/4.0 before withdrawing to pursue my studies in Japan. My academic achievements were supported by strong recommendations from my high school principal and my university professor advisor.

Beyond academics, I was actively involved in leadership and extracurricular activities, such as serving as Secretary of the Student Council, President of my high school choir, and participating in international exchange programs. These experiences taught me punctuality, responsibility, problem-solving, and adaptability, which I believe strengthened my application. Most importantly, my scholarship application reflected my motivation and willingness to challenge myself by studying in a completely new environment. Together, this combination of academic preparation, organizational experience, and personal determination helped prepare me to pursue my studies in Japan.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the MEXT Scholarship?

Unlike most applicants, I actually found out about this scholarship through Instagram, only about two weeks before the application deadline for documentation screening. Once I saw the post and confirmed that I was eligible, I immediately gathered all the necessary information and started preparing my documents. Fortunately, I had a good relationship with my teachers and professors from both my previous school and the university I was attending at the time, as I had been actively involved in various organizations and competitions representing the school. They were very supportive and helped me collect the required recommendations and materials in time.

At that point, I already had a valid TOEFL certificate that could be used for the application. After completing all the documents, I prepared myself as effectively as possible for both the written exam and interview while waiting for further announcements. For the written exam, I practiced by searching for previous years’ questions online and reviewing similar topics. I also went through online study materials and discussion forums to strengthen my understanding of areas I felt less confident in. I also watched YouTube videos made by previous awardees to learn from their experiences and advice.

Looking back, finding out about the scholarship just two weeks before the deadline was definitely a challenge, and I wouldn’t recommend preparing in such a short time to anyone else. It worked out for me, thanks to quick action and strong support from people around me, but proper preparation and early planning are always the better way to go.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

All my classes, including English class, are conducted in Japanese since I’m enrolled in a regular program together with Japanese students.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically Not Knowing Japanese?

It really depends on the program and classes you are enrolled in. If the program is conducted entirely in English, then academically, it may not cause significant problems. However, relying solely on English can be quite inefficient and challenging in the long run.

In my case, I’m enrolled in a regular program together with Japanese students, so understanding Japanese is essential not only for academics but also for daily life. Even if your classes are conducted in English, having at least a basic command of Japanese will make a huge difference. For example, handling paperwork, contracts, and administrative procedures to build friendships and integrate into the local community.

Learning the language also helps build stronger connections with people and shows genuine respect and effort toward the local culture, which helps close the cultural gap and makes your overall experience much more meaningful. So, while English-based programs may lessen the academic difficulties, learning Japanese will still make a huge difference in many aspects. Japanese truly will become your best friend while living in Japan, so I’d definitely encourage future students to start learning it as early as possible.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was my strong willingness to learn and challenge myself while staying true to who I am. I’ve learned that scholarship committees are not only looking for the smartest applicants, but also for those who are dedicated, disciplined, and eager to grow. In the end, hard work, diligence, and consistency often matter more than pure intelligence.

I also think my persistence played an important role. I’m not someone who gives up easily once I’ve set a goal. That mindset, combined with my genuine curiosity and determination to make the most of every opportunity, likely made my application stand out.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would definitely start preparing much earlier, especially by learning the Japanese language sooner and researching more about what might be needed for the application. Doing so would have helped me build a stronger foundation and prepare my resume more strategically. Looking back, I realize that early preparation makes a big difference, not only for the application itself but also for adjusting more smoothly once you arrive in Japan.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Take the time to truly get to know yourself, understand what you’re aiming for, why you need this scholarship, and how it can help you achieve your goals. Learn about the application process as early as possible and prepare all required documents carefully. Make sure to practice for both the written test and interview, and gather as many resources as you can. Take advantage of every opportunity available, whether it’s mentorship programs, webinars, or insights from previous awardees. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try, even if you might fail. Every experience is a lesson that brings you closer to your goal. Stay consistent, keep learning, and trust yourself. You’ve got this!