University Application part 2

Since I had to send another form for research student. Since they've got my other documents, I only need to send them the research student application form, which includes a short essay of why I want to enter the university, and also the form for the embassy. And off they go with DHL.

I received the university approval permit through email in February, a couple of weeks after I sent the documents. One month later, in March, I received the permit for the embassy - visa purposes, through mail. So that's when I started the visa application.

However... I received a news that I may have to change department and redo the application. I was told that I can decided that in Japan, but turned out that I needed to decide it soon. Therefore, I decided to change department, and sent in another research student application and fee to Japan. It's basically the same, but I need to write lesser amount of "why this course/university" thingy.

Since the university has received my form and the application fees (10,000 yen) already, the matter's resolved in April. The tuition fee is paid only after reaching Japan. And it's not that much. Research student fee is around 130,000 yen per semester (6 months). Master course is 6-700,000 yen per year. Comparing to how much I paid in Australia per year... it's AUD 24,000. It's more than half. ^_^; The accommodation is much more expensive, though.

Well, next is the packing. =3 Must not bring too many stuff there. Kind of hard to decide which one's more important...

Visa Procedure

Once I received the permit from Japan, I started my visa application. But I had to return 3 times since the requirements were missing/incorrect. Like 4.5 x 4.5cm photo, bank accounts, letter from dad, dad's business permit, family register, ID, permit from university,... While I need guarantor for university's form, I only need to specify the university's name for the guarantor. I was afraid since I thought they need 2 months to process my visa. But actually, they only need 5 working days for it. =) Costs Rp 270,000, I think. It's a bit troublesome to collect all the requirements, but nothing too hard.



07 April 2009
Picked up my passport at the embassy~ I got my visa!

I didn't realize the expiry year until mom pointed out to me. It's in July 2009! Only 3 months while the stay is given 1 year? Stupid me for not checking it first. So I decided to check out. On the internet. orz

Found this on gaijinpot. And it mentions that the date mentioned on a single entry visa is the date you are allowed to first enter Japan. Once you enter, the visa will be stamped used. If you want to go for a holiday in the period of your stay in Japan, you must acquire a re-entry permit. This website has a detail on it. I will post mine when I do it there =3

Now that I get my visa, it really feels like the Japan I've always dreamed of is much closer. XD

What's left is my mom's visa, as the ticket could have some date changes to them now. I have to wait.

University Application

On my visit to the university, I was given an application booklet. There, it's written the procedure and the form. Note that you need a professor for Master degree. So I wrote the name of the professor that I met.

I'm in contact with the professor's secretary through email. Firstly I use English, after a few exchange I use Japanese. It's a bit awkward at first, but heck, I'll be learning in Japanese over there! Then, I first send the scanned version of my completed application form as well as my resume, university results, and a letter certifying that I'm finishing my bachelor degree that year. I don't need TOEFL as I have an Australian degree.

The next month, in October. I was told to call the professor himself. Aggh... It was so embarrassing. I couldn't talk properly and was very nervous. And kept on saying sumimasen in a weird way. I wanted to dig a hole... But I was told to continue my application anyways. T_T

After that, I was told to sent the documents by mail. Costs about $36(?) from Australia, reaching Japan in around 5 days, I think. Had to send a few times as more documents were needed. I must thank EMS for fast delivery, though I wish they costs cheaper. Then, bank transfer for the application fee.

Oh, I also needed guarantor. Luckily my dad has a friend who's willing to be one. He's been very very helpful. The secretary helped me to submit my application in November. Throughout the time, I was worried with the exam date. Since I have to book ticket and apply for visa. I only know the date roughly before mid-November, and I booked the ticket and hotel with the rough date reference. The exam was decided to be at the end of December, and it fit into the date I booked, phew.

And so the dreadful exam...