Hi everyone! I'm from Kazakhstan and currently doing my bachelor's in Cybersecurity. I'm thinking about applying for a master's in Japan through MEXT in 2028, but I still have a lot of doubts and would like to hear from people who actually studied there.
First, how hard are the MEXT exams really? How much time did you spend preparing for them? And if you're applying for a master's, do you need to find a professor before applying? I've heard that finding a supervisor can be pretty difficult.
Also, does the scholarship actually cover enough to live on, or do you still need your own money? And is there any obligation to return to your home country after graduation? I'd prefer to stay abroad and find a job if possible.
I'm also wondering what student life in Japan is like. Is the workload really that bad, especially at well-known universities? Are professors supportive, or does it depend a lot on your supervisor? Is it easy to make friends and fit in, or can it get lonely as an international student?
One thing I've been wondering about is healthcare. I've read some stories online saying that hospitals don't take you seriously unless it's an emergency, or that getting proper treatment can be difficult. Is this actually true, or are people exaggerating? What is healthcare like for international students?
I'm a bit worried about natural disasters too, especially earthquakes and typhoons. Do they affect daily life a lot, or is it something you get used to?
Other things that matter to me are feeling safe, affordable food that isn't too spicy, decent heating in winter, and having some free time instead of constantly studying. I'd also like to know how realistic it is to find internships and a job in IT or cybersecurity after graduation. Can you find work in Japan without speaking Japanese fluently, or is Japanese basically a must?
If you studied in Japan on MEXT, would you do it again? I'm not looking for a perfect picture of Japan, just honest opinions about the good and bad sides. Thanks!