So, I'm soon starting my last year in highschool. For the past two years, I've always thought I'd immigrate to Germany to study Informatics, get a job there, maybe later move on to USA/UK/whatever, maybe not. However I recently learned of a scholarship I can apply for, an undergraduate version of MEXT (the government pays tuition and supplies 134 000 JPY monthly for living expenses). The benefits are that I won't need financial assistance from my parents, and that, well, I'd go to study in Japan.

It's also a bit more risky than Germany, since I know nothing about Japan, their economy *seems* in a worse state (aka risky option for long-term living), there aren't a ton of Bulgarians migrating there as with Germany, it's the other side of the globe, etc. I don't mind a few risks, however I'd love it if someone here could tell me how undergraduate education in Japan looks quality-wise (and difficulty-wise; I'm not averse to difficulty, but I do need to maintain some unknown level of performance or have the scholarship revoked), what the work atmosphere and work opportunities would be (I can't name many Japanese IT companies that are doing as well as their western counterparts, Google, Microsoft, Apple etc; I also have no clue about their work culture). I wouldn't want to be stuck in a helljob or unemployed after getting my degree (on the off-chance, how valued are Japanese degrees in other countries?). Basically, should I take the plunge?

I've been reading the MEXT thread, and it's looking bleak.

The short answer is no.

The long answer is probably "it depends." Generally speaking, I would say a degree from any uni outside of Japan holds more weight in the world over than a Japanese degree. A Japanese undergrad degree is only good for Japan unless you are attending their "ivy league" schools. Outside the ivy league branch; Japan is renowned for easily passing students through the system. Businesses/Corps don't look at grades when hiring, they just look to see you passed, got a degree, and from where.

IT is a pretty good sector in Japan at the moment for foreign employment, so I've been told, but I suspect its highly dependent on your skill set. Japanese work culture is pretty shitty though, especially if you are trying to fit in.

Finally, getting the MEXT for undergrad is also fairly rigorous as well and you should look at the exams you have to take to receive it.

The bit I'd be skeptical about since I have never heard of anyone actually doing it is if companies would even bat an eye at your applications for hiring--assuming you went the same job hunting style that Japanese students do. I have a funny feeling you'd run into a lot of glass walls.

Knowing what I know, I'd take the Germany route, but that's my opinion. Others might be able to offer better input.

To add a few comments:

I know a man from Bulgaria who got his undergrad from a Japanese university and was subsequently hired on by a Japanese company. Also to add, I met two of his friends, both from Bulgaria who did the same thing. Their fields were all business however, which may not yield the same results as your desired science field and the University was pretty good.

I would also like to provide different perspective on vix86's comment, "Japan is renowned for easily passing students through the system." The completion rate is really high. The acceptance rate on the other hand is quite low. This is quite different from North America where the completion rate is low, and the acceptance rate is quite high.

Anyway, I think your decision on where to study, shouldn't be made at a national level (like Germany vs Japan). It should be based on an institutional level where you consider the benefits of different schools and their unique programs/requirements.

Also I don't know how much formal education you are looking for, but you could consider undergrad in one place and then graduate in the other, or taking a term or two abroad as a visiting student.

Edit: I feel I should also encourage that you apply for a variety of scholarships in different places and then once(if) you have been awarded them, you can then make a decision whether to accept or decline them.

I think it might be a good idea as long as you get into one of the top 10 Japanese universities. The worst that could happen is that you completely crash and burn in your Japanese job hunt and return to Europe. But Japanese tech companies in Europe (例えば:富士通) would be all over someone with your experience and language skills.

Depends on your aspirations in life. Do you want to move to Japan? If so (and it's an authentic want): go for it.

If you're doing it just for work: Don't go for it.

That's all. It isn't any more complicated than that. Don't move for work. Go if Japan is your dream, and you'd like to go to college there. If you want Japan enough then details of the undergrad life won't matter to you. If you're on the fence about your wants then don't go.

Also online when someone tells you can't do something "or it's impossible" take it with a grain of salt. When people don't succeed they like to tell others that they won't succeed either.

Mayhem Wrote:To add a few comments:

I know a man from Bulgaria who got his undergrad from a Japanese university and was subsequently hired on by a Japanese company. Also to add, I met two of his friends, both from Bulgaria who did the same thing. Their fields were all business however, which may not yield the same results as your desired science field and the University was pretty good.

Edit: I feel I should also encourage that you apply for a variety of scholarships in different places and then once(if) you have been awarded them, you can then make a decision whether to accept or decline them.

IT is a pretty strong field in Japan right now and they are pulling in a fair number of foreign work so employment isn't out of the question. The big question will be whether its the same field here in 3-4 years when he/she graduates.

I do agree though. Don't put your eggs all in one basket, apply everywhere and see where everything falls. If your embassy is set up well, you should probably be able to apply for MEXT and know the results in time to accept stuff in Germany if it doesn't turn out well.

Due to the low entry requirements common in Europe, I'm certain I'll be able to go the Germany route; the MEXT thing is less certain, but I was wondering whether I should even try for it (if I should prepare over the next 9 months or just drop it because it's the inferior option).

I am interested in going to Japan, and all things being equal I'd go there. However, I can do that after the most important period of my life: No point risking my professional future. I'll ponder it a bit more, and especially I'll research the [undergrad in Japan, grad in Germany] option. Thanks for the replies!