Japanese Government (MEXT) Alumni Personal Experiences

Name: Gunnella Thorgeirsdottir
Scholarship program: MEXT Graduate program
University in Japan: Kokugakuin University Shibuya (國學院大學)
Duration of the study: 2006 - 2008
Current occupation: Lecturer in Japanese folklore, history and culture at the University of Iceland

Please give a brief self-introduction, including reference to your duties as a Japanese Government Scholarship recipient and to your current occupation.

I am very fortunate in that I’ve been lecturing at the University of Iceland since I returned from Japan.  To begin with I was only part time but later I had the opportunity to take full responsibility for the department and currently I lecture in a number of Japanese culture related subjects.  It is incredibly rewarding to be able to put my studies so readily to use within the academic community, I love teaching and sharing information about Japan and Japanese culture and working with young people who share this enthusiasm is a joy.

Why did you apply to join the Japanese Government Scholarship Program?

At the time I had two young children, who joined me in Japan and attended local school and everything.  Had I not been so lucky as to receive the MEXT scholarship there is no chance that I could have undertaken this venture, single with two kids.  I am eternally grateful for the scholarship and the opportunities it has offered me, such as my current academic position. 

Please describe one of the most memorable experiences from your time in Japan.

For me gaining access to the academic community was one of the programs greatest boons consequently being able to attend folklore conferences, discussion panels was invaluable.  Also for research purposes being able to observe festivals from start to finish, interact both as a participant as well as an observer was beyond amazing.  So aside from the stunning views, amazing food, and endless little alleyways to discover, probably my most exciting experiences were the numerous festivals I attended, often with my children.  The lights, the sounds, the excitement, the sense of community and culture will forever be a part of me. Being able to study in Japan, with full support is an inestimable experience, there are so many elements that only become clear once you’ve stayed in a place for a certain mount of time, so I would highly recommend applying.
 

What did you learn from your stay in Japan and your participation in the Government Scholarship program?

Everything as well as nothing, in as much as the amount of learning that happened there was incredible yet at the same time opened my eyes to how much I have yet to learn.

What would you say to someone who was considering applying to join the Japanese Government Scholarship Program?

I would highly recommend applying for the scholarship!! The program is very well organized and generous, it is fully appreciated by all educational establishments within Japan and will continue giving you access to a variety of doors in the future.