Project paves way for more Kenyan students to study in Japan
Project paves way for more Kenyan students to study in Japan
Project paves way for more Kenyan students to study in Japan
It’s common knowledge that Kenyans are as eager to learn as people in any other nation. This never-ending thirst for knowledge explains why education takes up the majority of our budget, why classrooms at all levels are overflowing, and why Kenya has extremely low university dropout rates when compared to developed nations.
It describes a desire for education that is so ingrained in the communal consciousness of a country that it can be considered the default setting.Kenyans are showing an increasing interest in studying overseas, which is not surprising in a nation where having access to a top-notch education has grown in value.
Regrettably, this eagerness has also exposed a dark side, where unscrupulous individuals seek to exploit this desire. We need look no further than the Uasin Gishu County scholarship fiasco to witness the consequences of such unscrupulous scams. This unfortunate incident has left hundreds of parents and aspiring students in a state of destitution and anger after investing their life savings and hopes in a fraudulent scheme.
While studying abroad has historically been popular for Kenyan students, studying in Japan is a developing but frequently disregarded trend that has enormous potential for future scholars. The United States, Europe, and Australia have always been popular choices for Kenyan students seeking an international education.
Kenyan students looking for a top-notch education and cross-cultural experiences have found Japan to be a viable educational destination in recent years. Japanese universities are drawing students from all over the world with an expanding number of programs offered in English and a more varied academic community.
Thankfully, reliable experts with solid credentials have surfaced in this age of expanded educational chances. One such specialist is Dr. Midori Daimon, the Study Abroad Coordinator at the Study in Japan Global Network Project. Dr. Midori brings an anthropological perspective to understanding the cultural exchange between Kenya and Japan and to assisting students in finding their ideal place in what has effectively become a global campus. She holds a Ph.D. in Area Studies, is fluent in Swahili, and has a strong familial connection to East Africa.
Aspiring students can find all the information they need at the Study in Japan Global Network initiative, including details on various scholarship programs, colleges that offer English-taught courses, and the prerequisites for applying successfully.
With a wide array of scholarships available, including the prestigious MEXT scholarship, Japanese universities offer a gateway to excellent academic opportunities for Kenyan students. Dr Midori emphasises the variety of scholarships accessible through the Study in Japan programme, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels, enabling students to pursue their academic goals without financial burdens.
“We call it the MEXT Scholarship. MEXT stands for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The scholarship includes an air ticket, a generous monthly stipend and of course, the tuition fee is waived. It is the best scholarship for higher education offered by the Japanese government,” explains Dr Midori.
“But these days,” she continues, “there are so many other scholarships offered by Japanese universities so it depends on where you are admitted.”
Dr Midori, who came to work in Nairobi after lengthy stints in Uganda and Zambia, says Kenyan students in Japan are uniquely positioned to serve as cultural ambassadors, dispelling stereotypes and fostering cross-cultural understanding.On the other hand, she says Japan offers a unique perspective for Kenyan students seeking international exposure and a foothold in a globalised world.
In this vein, she sees the Study in Japan Global Network Project as a valuable platform for the kind of cultural interaction that will broaden the horizons of Kenyan students and Japanese youth: “I think young people in Japan and Kenya can benefit from getting another view of the world. I believe after they study together they will contribute to making a better future,” she says, with the conviction of a lecturer.
Studying in Japan is becoming increasingly popular across Africa. Currently, there are about 203 Nigerian students studying in Japan and 191 and 180 from Kenya and Ghana respectively. Dr Midori says they are keen to grow these numbers. She invites interested students, their parents, and guardians to visit the Study in Japan for Africa website for handy tips and step-by-step guides on how they get a leg-up with their desire to get a global education in Japan.
As our interview comes to an end, Dr. Midori states, “Japan is the country for you to come and study if you have an interest in Japanese culture and if you love adventure.”
As the world of education keeps changing, Japan is becoming a more intriguing and viable option for Kenyan students.Kenyan students can start a life-changing adventure of higher education through the Study in Japan program, which connects continents by unlocking scholarships, promoting cultural interchange, and producing graduates who are adaptable.
