On the last few days before I graduated from my alma mater in the Philippines, I was faced with the dilemma of choosing between accepting a job offer from a Japan-based software company and a scholarship from the Monbusho (Japan's Ministry of Education).  As I was just nineteen at that time, the second youngest to graduate in our batch, I felt I was too young to enter the workforce and so I declined the job offer and chose to become a ryuugakusei or foreign student in Japan - a decision which I do not regret.

Other former students and scholars in Japan would say nothing less about studying in Japan.  Ambassador Domingo L. Siazon Jr., the present Philippine ambassador to Japan who is also a former Japanese government scholar, attributes his colorful career to his scholarship study in Japan:

"It happened outside of Japan that I made acquaintances with Japanese　such as former Japanese Under Secretary General of the UN, Mr. Yasushi　Akashi, and former Commissioner of UN, Mrs. Sadako Ogata (present　Chairman of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). I can　speak other languages such as German, French, and Spanish, because I had frequent contacts with African, and Central South American　countries. I was elected as the chairman of a gourmet friendly group　called “Club Gastronome” which is composed of foreign ambassadors　to Japan who are capable of speaking French. 　I am quite confident　that my colorful career had its origin from my scholarship study　in Japan."

Why study in Japan? 

Excellent Universities

There are many things that make studying in Japan attractive.  The usual reasons given by promoters are the excellent reputation of Japanese universities and their world-class research facilities.  Indeed, Japanese universities are among the highly-ranking educational institutions not just in Asia but all over the world, with 11 of them appearing in the Times Higher Education Supplement Top 200 universities.  The quality of researches done in Japanese universities is definitely world-class and this is vindicated in the awarding of the Nobel Prize to four Japanese scientists in 2008.

Sufficient Financial Means

Another thing that makes studying in Japan appealing, particularly to foreigners coming from developing countries, is the availability of means to finance education.  Aside from the highly coveted Monbusho scholarship which offers students a generous monthly allowance amounting from around 130,000 yen to 180,000 yen (roughly 65,000 to 90,000 pesos), there are also other scholarships offered by private organizations and foundations. However, even without scholarship, the determined student is presented a chance to continue education through abundantly available part-time jobs.

Extra-curricular activities

Japan also presents the foreign students with non-academic incentives.  Japan’s work-ethic, when imbibed by the student, can prepare him for even the most demanding work in the future. Japan's high standard of living offers student a convenient life and an environment conducive to learning.  Its unique culture enables one to live in a society that has successfully mixed the modern and the traditional. Its food, sports, four seasons, scenic spots, and many other things add to Japan's attractiveness as an education hub. 

Japanese Language Skills

Personally, I consider the chance to intensively learn the Japanese language as the best incentive to studying in Japan.  The ability to understand Japanese allowed me to appreciate Japan more. From a practical standpoint, the ability to speak Japanese gave me the edge in finding and maintaining relatively good positions in  Philippine companies.  It also helped me easily get a job in Japan when I decided to return here.

Of course, studying in Japan also has its drawbacks but overall it's a good option for those who want to study and at the same time experience a unique adventure.