Louie

My plans after college include studying abroad. I am not from an affluent family though and so, I would like to get a post-grad scholarship focused on Third World Studies or Third World Development. The only embassy I've checked so far is Japan and luckily they have a social sciences program open to those 20 and above. This program is in line with Japan's objective of assisting developing countries. The field of study to be taken up is International Relations and Development. But that's not all. The scholarship program will also enable the student to learn more about Japanese culture. The student will be provided a dormitory, allowance every month and a round trip ticket. Mastery of Nippongo is not a requirement. In fact, the less you know, the greater your advantage because the program wants to teach people who only know little about the Japanese culture.

After hearing the librarian in the embassy discuss the specifics of the scholarship program, the first thought I had in mind was that I should go and give it a try. It would be a mistake not to because it was just perfect. I like studying about international relations and I also like Japanese fashion. And so, I obtained an application form and prepared all the requirements. I missed out on one thing though. I was not able to come up with a research topic and thus not able to write a research proposal because I had to deal with my school work. I missed the deadline and I will have to wait for next year to file an application.   My friend said that I shouldn't feel so bad about missing the deadline since a lot of other countries offer scholarship programs. I am aware of that. It's just that, it was a good opportunity and I missed it. I could have done it, but I didn't. Now, I am left with no choice but to put off my vision of walking in the the fashion district of Tokyo as a Harajuku girl with all my school books.