ЧАВО – часто задаваемые вопросы
Frequently Asked Questions – part 1
Qualifications
Q1. I am working for a non-state organization / for the State University in Kyrgyz Republic. Can I apply for JDS?
A: No. The target groups of the JDS Project 2007-2008 are civil or municipal servants who are expected to play leadership roles in the Kyrgyz Republic and to contribute to the development of the Kyrgyz Republic’s market economy after returning. There are registries of civil and municipal servants, defined by the President’s Decree #130 of 21 April 2005 and Decree #327 of 28 June 2006. Eligibility of the Applicant depends on whether his position is listed in one of the registries.
Q2. Does JDS give special priority to public sector applicants?
A: See the answer to Question No.1.
Q3. Can I apply for the field of study that is quite different from my university degree? (Example: I graduated with Degree in Foreign Languages. Can I apply for Economics or Public Administration? )
A: In general, yes, if you can prove that your working experience is relevant to your future study in
the graduate school and that you can contribute to the development of Kyrgyz Republic in the
future. However, in some cases Universities might require a certain Bachelor degree, please
check for that information on their website.
Q4. For the requirements of university academic record, does JDS require a level of diploma such as ‘good’ and ‘excellent’?
A: No. It would be preferable but not required.
Q5. I graduated from university in July 2004 but have been working already since January 2004. Can I count my work experience before the graduation?
A: No. Work history shall be counted exactly after the issue date of your university diploma.
Q6. I already have a Master’s Degree. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Yes, unless you have obtained your Master’s degree abroad or received scholarship for Master’s
Degree. When you apply, please keep in mind that you are required to submit your undergraduate
academic record and degree as well as those of graduate one (Please refer to Q19).
Q7. I am now taking a Master’s course in Kyrgyz Republic. Can I apply for JDS?
A: Yes.
Q8. I graduated from College. Am I qualified to apply for JDS?
A: No. Only university degrees are acceptable.
Q9. I am going to be 39 years old on April 1st 2007. According to the qualification, it says age should be “38 or under as of April 1st, 2007.’’ Am I eligible?
A: No. Only applicants who were born on/after April 2nd, 1968 should be qualified.
Q10. I am a citizen of Kyrgyz Republic but now I am living abroad. Am I qualified?
A: Yes, if you are a civil servant.
Q11. Can I apply for JDS if I am physically disabled?
A: Because JDS is fair chance for everybody so you can apply. However, in this case, you have to
wait for answer from the doctors that you are fit or not to study abroad and the university that you
apply for. It is better that applicants inform us about his/her disability in advance so that we can
consider special arrangements for TOEFL test site and/or interview room, if necessary.
Application Documents
a) Application Form
Q12. What is the layout of the research plan? Can you show me how to write the best one?
A: No. You should be completely accountable to the layout. However, you can refer to “the guideline
for writing a research plan” in the application guideline for better writing.
Q13. What are Common Agenda?
A: Common Agenda will help candidates to concentrate on development issues of the Kyrgyz Republic and are to be considered when the Applicant writes his/her Research Proposal.
For example, if the candidate has chosen to study for Master of political science in Kobe
University, he might choose the following agenda «Advancing new administrative systems» which
is set for the field of Public Administration and to write research proposal «Planning and
implementation of a new social security system in Kyrgyz Republic».
Of course, this is just an example, and candidates should choose research subject, that interests
them and the results of which they will be able to use, working in the social and municipal services
upon retuning from Japan.
«Common Agenda» are set to help for sharing the specific development issues among the Operating Committee, Japanese Universities and JDS fellows to induce the best effect on this project. This is why these Agenda are called «Common».
Field of study : Common Agenda
Public Administration: Advancing New Administrative Systems,
Planning and Management for Better Regional Governance
Economics: Ensuring Balanced and Stable Fiscal Management,
Promotion of Attractive Market and Active Industries,
Providing Sound and Fair Business Environment
International Relations: Marking Steps forward to Global Peace and Stability,
Building Up Closer Networks with Asian Countries
ICT: ICT Policy for Popularization and Advanced Usage
Agricultural Policy: Rural Development and Sustainable Resource Management
Environmental Policy: Establishing Environmental Management System
Q14. Can I use the A/F downloaded from the Internet and print it out in regular white paper?
A: Yes. Please remember that you must follow our prescribed form and all the paper should be in A4
size.
Q15. Can I fill in the A/F by handwriting?
A: Yes, however, typing is preferable (Composition part such as research plan should be typed.
Please refer to the A/F for the direction). When you fill in by handwriting, keep in mind that it
should be clear to the readers.
Q16. When is the deadline for A/F submission?
A: Applicant is required to submit the A/F accompanied with necessary documents to JICE JDS
Project Office in Bishkek by 4:00 PM on Friday, 13th October 2006. Submission by mail is only
accepted when A/F is dated with a postmark on/before Friday, 13th October 2006. Application
forms sent by facsimile are not accepted. Application form missing the deadline shall also not be
accepted.
Around the deadline, our office is more likely to be very crowded. It is recommended to start
preparations earlier and to submit the A/F as early as possible.
Q17. Can I submit my A/F by mail?
A: Yes. You can send it only to the JICE JDS Project Office in Bishkek by the deadline.
Q18. I am filling in the A/F and in some parts there is not enough space to write in, what should I do?
A: Please attach a paper (A4 size) to the A/F.
b) University diploma/ Academic record
Q19. I already completed my Master’s Degree. Can I submit the Master’s academic record instead of Bachelor’s one?
A: No. It is required to submit academic records of both levels: Master’s and Bachelor’s.
Q20. My academic record is issued in English by my university. Even so, do I have to get the notarized English translation of Kyrgyz original one?
A: No. However, it should be attached with the notarized copies of the original one.
Q21. I lost my university diploma and now I only keep some notarized copies. I cannot get the notarized English translation from them. What should I do?
A: It is the applicant’s responsibility to collect all the necessary documents.
c) TOEFL Score:
Q22. I have not got a score of TOEFL or IELTS. Can I apply for JDS?
A: Yes. You will take the TOEFL Test in Second Stage of Selection, if you fulfill the required
qualifications and pass the First Stage of Selection.
Q23. Is the score report of IELTS acceptable as proof of English proficiency?
A: Yes. You can submit the certificate of IELTS, with at least 5,5 points. In that case you will not be
required to take the TOEFL Test.
d) Permission Letter:
Q24. Can the work reference replace the permission letter?
A: No, it is not possible. Please submit all papers as required.
Q25. How many out of 20 JDS scholarships are given to each field? What are the Accepting Universities?
A: As a precondition to starting JDS project in Kyrgyz Republic, 6 study fields were chosen to
support the Development policy of the Government of Kyrgyz Republic:
- Public Administration (6) – Kyushu University. Kobe University. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Economics (5) – International University of Japan, Ritsumeikan University, Hitotsubashi University
- International Relations (4) – International University of Japan, University of Tsukuba
- Information and Communication Technology (2) – International University of Japan
- Agricultural Policy (2) – Hiroshima University
- Environmental Policy (1) – University of Tsukuba
Q26. If I become suddenly busy on the English examination day, can I take a TOEFL test in a different day instead?
A: No. Applicants are required to sit for the TOEFL on the day it is organized.
Q27. Do I have to pay for my living cost and transportation during the pre-departure training period?
A: No. If you are selected as one of the JDS Fellows, the scholarship will cover the expenses. The
amount provided to you is based on the regulation of JDS.
Q28. I cannot speak/understand Japanese. Can I apply for this program?
A: Yes. Basically Master’s programs are given in English. Due to this, English proficiency is valued
more than Japanese proficiency.
Q29. Can I study Japanese?
A: Yes. Once selected, JDS Fellows will take preparatory Japanese language training in Japan
before the entrance of each university (total about 1,5 to 2,5 months – mid July to August or
September). After the entrance, JDS fellows may continue to study Japanese. Some universities
may offer Japanese classes free of charge or at some universities, fellows need to pay for the
classes.
Q30. What is the period of study in Japan?
A: It depends on the university in Japan you apply. Average duration will be 2-2.5 years, including
the period for Orientation and Japanese Language Training.
University
Q31. Will you give us the university information in detail?
A: For the detailed university information, please refer to the “university information” attached to the
A/F. You can also get information by directly accessing to the web site of the university you are
planning to apply for.
Q32. Can you tell me the e-mail address of the university professors who are in charge of JDS?
A: As regulated in the Application Guidelines, you are not permitted to directly contact any
professors at the Japanese university you are applying for.
Q33. I cannot choose university. Will you tell me which university is best for me?
A: No. It is your responsibility to determine your university. Please read university information
carefully and choose the best one that is suitable to complete your research plan on your own.
Q34. Can I change the university or field of study after the submission of the documents?
A: No.
Others
Q35. Can I bring my family to Japan during my scholarship?
A: JDS program regulates that you are not allowed to bring your dependants (spouse and child/children) to Japan for the first six (6) months after arrival in Japan in order for you to fully concentrate on your study. However, each university may have its own regulations/rules
regarding invitation of family members. No additional expenses for dependents will be covered
by JDS program.
Q36. Can I stay in Japan after completion of Master’s program in order to continue my education or be employed in Japan?
A: No. You are obliged to return to Kyrgyz Republic after completion of your study under JDS
program.
Q37. Can I work in Japan during my study under JDS program?
A: No. You are not allowed to work during your study time under JDS program.
Frequently Asked Questions – part 2
1. Passport and Visa
1. Q: If my passport remains valid throughout 1 year period of staying in Japan should I extend the validity before going to Japan or I can do it there?A: In that case you must independently undertake the procedure for an extension of your passport validity before going to Japan.
2. Q: If I extend my passport validity by Ministry of Internal Affairs would it be eligible?A: No. Embassy of Japan receives only stamp of extension by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. Q: Can I provide service passport instead of civilian passport to get visa?
A: Yes, but in that case Embassy of Japan requires to provide with Exchange of Notes from Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4. Q: If I am planning invite my family shall I facilitate visa application process to them now?
A: No. Your family can apply for visa after 6 month of your arrival in Japan by themselves.
5. Q: Does JICE provide any support for our family to get visa?
A: JICE will provide necessary documents for visa. However you have to take necessary procedures by yourself.
6. Q: If I will change my old type passport to new one who will pay for that?
A: Cost of acquiring a new passport shall be borne by yourself.
2. Allowance
1. Q: What are included in monthly amount of the scholarship?
A: Monthly amount of the scholarship provided to a JDS Fellow will include: rent, transportation, food expenses, utilities costs, communication expenses, fire insurance premium, National Health premiums and other living expenses.
2. Q: During what kind of period scholarship will be provided?
A: The scholarship shall be provided for the period from the day of arrival in Japan to the day of departure.
3. Q: How many times can I get traveling allowance?
A: Traveling allowance is paid once a year.
4. Q: Is there any allowance for my family?
A: No. There is no allowance for your family. You have to take care of them on your own responsibility.
5. Q: If I decided to bring my own computer and will not buy one at Japan, can I use the allowance for purchasing computer for other needs?
A: No. A JDS Fellow shall return in full the allowance for purchasing computer if does not buy it within the one month.
6. Q: Are there any allowances for purchase of books or do we need to use only libraries?
A: JICE will provide subsidiary Allowance for Purchase of Books upon your arrival to Japan and then once every 12 month after that.
7. Q: When will we receive the outfit allowance?
A: JICE will provide outfit allowance on the day you arrive in Japan.
3. Accommodation
1. Q: If University provides dormitory do we obligated to live there or can we choose an apartment?
A: Yes, you can choose an apartment or dormitory as you like
2. Q: If I will rend an apartment who will pay for that?
A: All expenses for a JDS Fellow’s residence (monthly rent, moving costs, and transportation costs) shall be paid by the JDS Fellow.
3. Q: Is there anybody who will help us to find accommodation or is it our own responsibility.
A: JICE will provide a JDS Fellow with the following services for «First Relocation»: Provision of rental housing information from designated real estate agencies, assistance in viewing the potential residence, assistance in signing a housing lease contract, English translation of the housing lease contract.
4. Q: Can I share my accommodation with someone else?
A: A JDS Fellow may live with his or her spouse or children. Living with other JDS Fellows of the same gender is also permitted.
4. Medical
1. Q: Can we find in Japan English speaking doctors?
A: Yes, there are some hospitals and clinics where English speaking doctors are available.
2. Q: If we will need urgent ambulance service, what shall we do?
A: Ambulance service is available at no charge in Japan. If you will need you should dial 119 and it is available 24 hours a day.
3. Q: Can I bring some drugs from my country to Japan?
A: In that case you should consult your personal doctor in your country in advance as to whether these medicines are allowed to be brought in to Japan. The Japanese Pharmaceutical Affairs Law prohibits some drugs to be brought into Japan.
4. Q: If I will be hospitalized whom shall I contact first?
A: In case of hospitalization due to injury or illness, a JDS Fellow shall contact JICE and the university as soon as possible. JICE will provide an interpreter, or other support.
5. Insurance
1. Q: What kind of insurance will be provided in Japan?
A: There are three types of insurance available to compensate medical expenses that may be incurred by a JDS Fellow: 1. National Health Insurance Program. 2. Medical Care Assistance (JASSO) 3. Overseas travel accident insurance.
2. Q: Are we obligated to join National Health Insurance Program
A: Every foreign student coming to and intending to stay in Japan more than one year is obligated to enter this program.
3. Q: What kind of medical treatment does not cover National Health Insurance?
A: The National Health Insurance does not cover child birth, general health check-ups, plastic surgery and etc.
4. Q: If I have not my own insurance card can I borrow from someone in the case if I got sick?
A: No. Borrowing and lending an insurance card are illegal, breach of which will be punished.
5. Q: Does the insurance covers the family of the candidate if they got sick?
A: Yes, National Health Insurance will cover all your family members.
6. Q: If I become ill after arrival in Japan and before entering insurance program shall I pay the full amount of money?
A: Yes, you must pay 100% of all medical expense to the hospital and subsequently you may claim for recovery at Overseas Travel Insurance.
7. Q: How much money shall I pay for medical treatment after entering the National Health Insurance?A: You have to pay 30% of medical expense by using your National Health Insurance and then to claim at Overseas Travel Insurance to recover the expenses.
8. Q: Does the insurance include dental care?
A: Ordinary treatments of decayed teeth as fillings, caps, and extraction are covered by National Health Insurance. But treatments such as crowning with special dental adhesive, teeth straightening, fitting for false teeth are not covered and usually very expensive. If you receive dental care you should request that the dentist gives you treatment within the scope of the National Health Insurance coverage.
9. Q: Do we need to enter any other insurance program except medical one?
A: Yes. All JDS Fellows are required to enter a fire insurance program prior to moving into a residence. The insurance premiums will be covered by the scholarship.
6. Inviting family
1. Q: Does JICE provide any support for our family?
A: The only support provided by JICE is the issuance of the «Certificate of Scholarship» and the «Financial Statement». These documents are necessary for applying for the certificate of eligibility for dependents.
2. Q: How long can my family stay with me in Japan?
A: There is no particular limitation.
3. Q: Can my family come to Japan within first 6 month with Short-Term visit?
A: No. Dependents and other family members may not stay in Japan with Fellows for the first 6 month, including Short-Term visits, according to rules of JDS. Moreover, each University may have they own rules, governing invitation of family members, which you should check by yourself.
4. Q: If I am planning to invite my family can I choose apartment instead of dormitory.
A: Yes, you can choose apartment or dormitory as you like.
7. Domestic and Overseas travel
1. Q: If I am going to leave Japan temporarily can I re-enter Japan again?
A: Yes, but in that case you need to obtain a re-entry permit at the Immigration Bureau 2 month before leaving Japan.
2. Q: Can I apply for Multiple Re-entry permit?
A: No. A JDS Fellow is not permitted to apply for a Multiple Re-entry permit.
3. Q: If I wish to travel for the purpose of collecting data for my master thesis, shall I inform JICE office about it?
A: Yes, you shall submit the Request Form for overseas Research to the JICE office 4 weeks in advance of your proposed departure from Japan. The Request Form also requires the signed approval of your academic supervisor.
4. Q: Do my scholarship be reduced during my traveling?
A: If you traveling with the purpose of carrying out research for your master’s thesis your scholarship will not be reduced if the period of travel does not exceed 30 days.
5. Q: Can we travel domestically in Japan?
A: Yes.
6. Q: What kind of procedures shall I take if I wish to travel for my private purpose?
A: If a JDS fellow wishes to travel overseas for private purpose he shall submit the Notice of Overseas Travel for private purpose to the JICE office 4 weeks in advance of his proposed
7. Q: If I wish to travel for private purpose will my scholarship be reduced?
A: In that case the amount of reduction of the JDS scholarship shall be calculated by dividing the number of days during the travel period by the number of days in the particular month and multiplying by the regular monthly scholarship amount.
8. Q: Who will bear all expenses during the overseas travel?
A: A JDS Fellow traveling overseas shall bear all expenses for overseas trips, including all travel expenses and necessary visa and Re-entry Permit application fees, as well as be responsible for the payment of rent and all other utilities charges arising during the travel period.
8. Language
1. Q: Is there any Japanese language extra class for JDS fellows during the study?
A: No, there is no extra class.
2. Q: Is it obligatory to attend Japanese training after arrival?
A: Yes, it is. However, there are some Universities, for example, IUJ, that offer mandatory English course, so fellows from IUJ will not attend Japanese classes.
9. Miscellaneous questions
3. Q: Can we bring food to Japan from Kyrgyzstan?
A: It depends on food. Dried food is accepted.
4. Q: After finishing Master Degree, can I continue to Doctoral Degree may be under another program?
A: No. After receiving Master’s Degree, a JDS Fellow is obligated to return home country without delay and to contribute for the development of own country.
5. Q: Can I use my cellular phone in Japan?
A: No, because Japanese mobile phone system is different. You will buy new one in Japan.
6. Q: What is the safest way to send money from Japan?
A: Transferring through bank is the safest way.
7. Q: Can we drive a car in Japan?
A: No. JDS Fellows are not permitted to drive and vehicle for which a license is required. JICE will cease to provide a scholarship to those who violate this rule.
8. Q: Can I combine part-time work with my study?
A: A JDS Fellow shall not undertake any part-time work. This is because a scholarship sufficient to cover the necessary living expenses of a Fellow is provided.
9. Q: After arrival to Japan can I change my field of study or University?
A: No. A JDS Fellow may not change his university or field of study.
10. Q: How JICE office in Japan will contact with us?
A: JICE mainly send messages by e-mail. Therefore a JDS Fellow shall check his e-mail regularly even when traveling either in Japan or abroad.
11. Q: Is there any obligatory medical check-up at Universities?
A: Yes. A JDS Fellow shall undergo the annual medical checkups provided by university.
12. What kind of procedures will be taken after returning to home country?
A JDS Fellow is required to: 1. Visit without delay the JICE/JDS project office in home country to report the return. 2. Attend without fail, a final Evaluation Programme to be held in home country.
