Japanese Government (MEXT) Alumni Personal Experiences

Name: Hrönn Arnardóttir
Scholarship program: MEXT Research (Graduate) program
University in Japan: The University of Tokyo (東京大学)
Duration of the study: March 2010 - November 2012
Current occupation: Quality Control Cosmetic Lead/ R&D Specialist at Blue Lagoon

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

After B.Sc. graduation in Iceland, I was looking into graduate programs abroad and when I came across the MEXT scholarship program it sounded too good to be true! I saw this as a unique opportunity to get a world class education and at the same time experience an adventure of a lifetime.

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

It is impossible to pick just one memorable experience as my time in Japan is filled with so many good memories! In Japan I made friends for a lifetime from all over the world and my most memorable experiences all have a common theme of spending time with friends at hanami, karaokes, lab trips at university, travelling across the country, sumo wrestling matches, and really just everyday life in Tokyo.
 

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

Apart from my education that I received while in Japan, I learned a whole lot about myself and really got a whole another perspective on both Iceland and Japan. The two island nations have so much in common and there is so much I believe Iceland can learn from Japan and vice versa.
 

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

I would absolutely recommend applying for the Japanese Government Scholarship Program! It really is an exceptional scholarship program and living in Japan truly is an adventure of a lifetime that will broaden your horizon.