MEXT Scholarship Recipient, Muhammad Athala from Indonesia, is Pursuing a Bachelor’s in Economics and Management at the University of Hyogo in Japan

Hello! My name is Muhammad Athala, and I am from Jakarta, Indonesia. I graduated from SMA Negeri 8 Jakarta, a senior high school located in Bukit Duri, and I decided to pursue my university degree in Japan straight after graduating from high school. Before going to Japan, I was also accepted at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) through SBMPTN in industrial engineering. However, I decided to pursue my studies in Japan at the University of Hyogo in the economics and management field because it aligns more with my passion and interests. I aspire to contribute to businesses through consulting, human resources, and management. Moreover, starting a new life in a new country with a whole new language to learn seems more challenging and daunting for my younger self.

MEXT Scholarship Details

During my study in Japan, I received an MEXT Scholarship funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan. I applied for the scholarship through the university (U to U), which is working together with the Japanese government to provide 8 international students per batch. I received a fully funded scholarship, including a plane ticket, admission fee, tuition fee, and a monthly stipend of 120,000 yen. It is enough to sustain my daily life studying in Japan. Moreover, the scholarship has recently allowed concurrent scholarship and part-time work for its recipients, enabling more freedom.

Educational Background

During my high school years, I did not have high grades. I have a decent average of 88/100 for all subjects that I studied. However, I was active in various organizations and volunteered for non-academic competitions during my high-school days. I was the head of a student council, and actively contributed to two other organizations, volunteered in many big events, and participated in soccer competitions. These activities eventually helped me get enough experience to write my essay and strengthen my profile as a student.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Institutions?

I founded the scholarships through a network of scholarship hunters that was owned by an alumnus of my high school. He offered me a database of scholarships available for me to apply to. From there on, I did my own research and prepared all the requirements according to the database that was given to me.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I took the SAT and IELTS for my scholarship applications. For the SAT, I applied for a short-term online course to get the hang of the tests and how they should be done. After studying online for three months, I used Khan Academy as my main source of studying for the SAT test. I also bought books from my local bookstore regarding SAT learning and utilized those materials for my test.

As for IELTS, I only took mock exams and did free exams online through websites that offered free IELTS tests. I accustomed myself to English on a day-to-day basis through writing my daily activities in English, reading philosophical books and novels in English, and watching movies and YouTube videos in English. Through easy daily habits, I am able to get a decent band of 7.5 in my IELTS. It was enough to apply to major universities in the world.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship?

I started by making a list of databases for the universities and scholarships that I wanted to apply to, and the requirements for each. Eventually, some scholarships have the same requirements, and I just decided to apply for those that have similar requirements and that are possible for me to apply to. After having a clear image of what I should provide, I started preparing them months in advance and prepared for tests if there were any. It leads me to acquire all the needed documents and requirements by the deadline of each scholarship that I intend to apply.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the Institution?

My university life in Japan is nothing short of life-changing! I got the opportunity to study under capable professors from around the world and make meaningful memories with multicultural friends from different backgrounds. The Japanese culture and daily life also opened my horizon to another way of viewing life. I get to experience part-time jobs, internships, and events in Japanese companies as an international student. I get the best of both worlds, living in an international environment and immersing myself in the local Japanese culture. The studying process is also relatively easy for me to understand, and the professors and faculty members were all kind and helpful in making sure that I get the best learning experience every day.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Japanese?

The classes are mainly conducted in English, but some courses require some degree of Japanese to understand well because the professors are Japanese, and they have limited English. However, you can achieve a good grade and understand most of the learning content just by having English skills. The most important and required courses are all available in English. Having no Japanese skills will not hinder your studies at the university.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Japanese?

If we investigate daily life and life after graduation, it would potentially be a problem if one does not know any Japanese at all. Since life outside of university is mainly conducted in Japanese, people do not speak fluent English. To prepare for life outside of university and after graduation, one must try their best to study Japanese and master the language to have a more fulfilling life while studying in Japan.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I would say my profile as a student. I was making sure that I score a decent above average across the board in every category. I might not have the best grades, the best essay, or the best experiences, but I made sure that I have it all. I had above-average grades, packed experiences, a line of school activities, test scores, language certification, competition awards, an authentic essay, and every possible thing that I could get my hands on. I would say my profile is strong as an all-rounder student, portraying myself as someone who has wide interest and could potentially contribute to the society I am living in in various ways.

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

I would aim for more scholarships and more universities if I knew that I could do and achieve such big things. At that time, my family and I were a bit skeptical about studying abroad and the possibilities of getting accepted into major scholarships and universities. That is why I landed a safe position at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). But looking back, if I knew that studying abroad is not as daunting as it seems, that it is possible and foreseeable for someone who has the profile, I would go all out and apply to bigger universities and more scholarships.

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

I would say to know yourself and know your worth, then find the right place to be the perfect outlet for the person that you are. Having a dream is one thing, but putting those dreams into small, possible steps and striving to achieve them through everyday life is another thing. You must know what you want and be able to put it into reality through small actions every day. Be realistic and set clear goals. Before you know it, you will arrive at your destination, and scholarships will be within your reach. Therefore, have clear goals, but enjoy the process more. We do not change when we achieve the goals; we change every day in trying to get to where we want to. Embrace those changes and become the person that you want yourself to be.