₦airaland Forum

Unlimitedlucky:
I really appreciate you honestly... Your sincerity is next to none.... I also appreciate Gerald and blackbriar...
I have to be sincere with you, I feel discouraged, partly why is that I can pay the first tuition and flight and still have some change, but the challenges coming out going forward is what I don't know how I'm going to cope with.... Money is always a challenge

Gerrard59:
We are already in winter o, and to think you are in Fukuoka, yet it is this cold?

chai!

If you want to max earnings as a part-time student, get into warehouse. I have mentioned this several times. The alternative is radically improving your Japanese or finding a tech/programming related part-time job.

uchman:
@Blackbriar @Gerald59 @Rictech,
I have been searching for a school that my wife will go for her Masters by September next year, the course she’s looking for is anything Tesol or in Education.
I have flipped through almost all the schools but non have September 2026 intake.
Please can anyone help on this?

Gerrard59:
Things have changed drastically after the pandemic. The hostel I lived in had a similar policy - one year residence - and move out to your own apartment. My friend (came in during lockdown) who lived there got an automatic extension. I came in a year after and got an extension via a lottery system. Fast forward to today, and the one year policy has been reinstated.


Please do. While Japan is cheaper than many Western countries, as an African (apart from South Africans), it is quite costly. On paper, part-time jobs can pay for tuition costs provided the person does not do Black Tax. However, it will take a huge toll on your physical and mental health. I do not recommend. Life is for the living.


It is your visa status. Recruiters/Employers are so interested in the residence status of applicants, even before their qualifications and skills. I recommend learning the language rigorously, practising LeetCode whenever you can and commencing job hunting a little bit early before Japanese students do. That is, if you are an April entry, commence job hunting in January of the penultimate year to graduation. For October's entry, commence from April/May of the penultimate year. This is to accomodate mistakes, back to back interviewing while working in the lab etc. You wouldn't want to wait until the last months on your visa.

blackbriar:
I personally don't think it has anything to do with your CV.
It might just be because you are on a student visa and far from graduation, and maybe your Japanese level.
Anyways, keep grinding and pushing. you are very close.

Besides, how's life?
Studies? and,
Part time job hunting?
Ready for winter?

regards.

blackbriar:
Thanks for your kind suggestions.

This is just my personal opinion. Please don't be angry toward me.

Sometime getting the scholarship offshore can be tough.
1. JICA scholarships are mostly for public servants especially the Naija participants. they are 97% govt officials that still have their jobs back home in Naija in ministries and govt parastatals.

2. MEXT scholarship (Embassy recommendation route) for Naija has been so bastardized that is mainly for high ranking govt official's wards. all MEXT scholarship students from Africa that I have met are ether daughter of diplomat, or son of federal judge etc.. you get the gist. and these ones get scholarship all the way to PHD just like that for free. No aptitude test, no essay, no interview, nothing and they go to the very best schools in Japan.

3. The other MEXT avenue via university recommendation is so competitive that you are competing against the whole of Asia ranging from Chinese, Koreans, Mongolian students etc that can already speak fluent Japanese. It is not impossible, but his route will require massive self-improvement that Naija universities do not offer and fasting on the mountain for 40 days and nights.

4. Ashinaga is for orphans and also via Embassy recommendation.

5. My small advice, if you have funds to survive for 1 year, apply and move already. apply for scholarships onshore. There are several scholarships that available to enrolled students onshore.

6. In your communique with your Professor, let him/her know that you require scholarship along the line. Use your Africanness for once. You are poor and want to get a good education.

7. build a large friendship community if you are on ground, don't be friends only with the African community. Be friends with everyone, Vietnamese, Indian, Siri Lankan etc. My first part-time job was help via my Vietnamese friend not through the local African community.


Will it be though, Hell yea.
Tougher than Naija, Hell no.
Worth it in the end, YES.


last Advice, LEARN JAPANESE, even if it is street JAPANESE.

My Humble 2 cents

It is not easy but i have met 3 Africans from Togo that used this route and they are doing well today.

Gerrard59:
G: You are right about the recommendation or referral, and it is possible to get 18 hours or more, including the standard 28 hours. This depends on the kind of job and who referred you. If you have the physical strength, seek a job in warehouse. But please note: you will lose the ability to have an erect preek after a month.

H: Agent money is a global phenomenon. Nigerians who frown at it are illiterates. No landlord has the time to interact with so many prospective tenants when an agent can handle everything. Some landlords have more than one property or type of property and might not even reside in the same city where these properties are located. Yes, key money is very expensive. Moving costs are prohibitive. This results in residents living in the same apartment for a long time until they have saved enough for a down payment, are married, gotten a higher-paying job or are moving to a new location. This is also why staying in the hostel as an African is the cheat code: you save a lot and avoid these accommodation-related issues until you opt for, say, a PhD or get a job.

I: Yes, you pay all sorts of insurance costs, electricity costs, gas bills, water utilities and Internet connection if required. You pay both the current month and the last month. Yes, once you move, you pay for breaking the agreement. You also pay the guarantor's fee. The reason many don't move. The good thing is: rents don't get increased arbitrarily. Any rent increment would/might be after the initial 1 or 2 years agreement.

J: Agreement is agreement.

---

I was privately financed and got scholarships (three), including an offer to continue to PhD level (which I later declined). I strongly recommend that you do the same. Just as you, the Nigerians I met here were all on MEXT and were shocked to know that I was privately financed. Other Africans were either on MEXT, JICA or Ashinaga Scholarships. The only other privately financed student I met (a Burkinabe) had a previous scholarship (MEXT Teacher's Training) and returned for his MSc. He taught me how to navigate the tuition waiver system, and we got waived quite a number of times.

What I did was to search through StudyinJapan website for scholarships. When I got into the country, I sat in my lab seat to carefully go through the requirements and their eligibility. You would find out that there are many scholarships for Southeast Asians. Target "World" and "Africa".

Yes, tuition fees would be increased o. One of the reasons I chose Japan was that the tuition fees are the same for both citizens and foreigners. So I targeted the top schools (national universities). I read earlier in the day that Tohoku University would increase its fees, and it is the first to do so. Thus, I expect other Teikoku Universities to do the same. Tokyo Tech was already a 100K yen more expensive than Todai. I can imagine its fees today.

Unlimitedlucky:
Please I am preparing myself for the next application window, I'm trying to get all right. This illustration you talked about gained my attention, please how can I prepare this slide?

What package will be preferable for the best experience and

also I am sending mails to professor and associates, do you know if it too early?

blackbriar:
[A2]
Besides learning Japanese. the other advice is learn JAPANESE. even if it is street Japanese. MOST IMPORTANT
Also do more networking by engaging in your hobbies (Soccer, tennis etc ) or learn a new hobby and be apssionate about it.
the friends you meet here, discuss your job hunting issues with them, they may have some help or advice.
Thanks for the advice! My current schedule doesn’t give me much time to engage in my hobbies. I have got meetings with my supervisor, weekly lab meetings, and Japanese classes twice a week, so Wednesday is my only free day. In addition, I am responsible for managing our lab’s website, which I can only access from the lab due to security restrictions.
Despite my busy schedule, I still try to interact with others through a part-time job where I meet other Africans and discuss job-hunting experiences. Many of them advise me to focus more on improving my Japanese language skills, which I am actively working on.

Second advice is have a plan, Japan salaries are crap.
Lol , that is true. Maybe Japanese salaries look small compared to other advanced countries, but coming from Nigeria, they feel huge! I once did a part-time job from 8 to 5 on Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and I actually made the same amount as my one-month software developer salary back home. If only that job happened every Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday, I’d be rich by now!

Do you want to stay in Japan forever or for a long time?
If not , what are your plans to migrate somewhere else say like canada, USA or australia
I’m not sure if I’ll stay in Japan forever, but my goal now is to extend my stay and grow — either through a full-time job or a master’s. I’m also applying to roles in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the EU. I’m open to wherever the right opportunity arises — my goal is continuous growth and professional development while making money.[/color]

My humbe 2 cents as always.

tensazangetsu20:
Declarations come to pass when you work toward them.

A few months ago, I lost my job at the bank. I didn’t panic because I still had my American job, but the loss definitely affected my living standards. I had been planning to move into a better apartment, but that dream had to wait. Still, I kept my composure and focused on maintaining myself.

At the time, I couldn’t really look for another job I was in the final stage of my master’s degree, and my thesis demanded every ounce of energy I had. Once I presented it, I finally had a bit of breathing room and started job hunting again.

A month later, I landed a role with a company in Canada. I kept searching, though, because I once told Gerrard59 that I would replace my two jobs with three and I meant it.

On Friday, I received another offer this time from a Chilean bank, even better than the one I used to work for. The salary is higher, the benefits are stronger, and the environment seems far more promising. Oh, and I almost forgot I also got an offer from Deloitte Chile, but it was an on-site position, and I had to turn it down.

All’s well that ends well. The university even invited me to pursue a doctorate, but I declined. Right now, I want to work and build wealth. I spent most of my 20s in Nigeria fighting to survive my 30s are for working with relentless focus to defeat poverty, brutally and completely.

Yampotatocarrot:
Good day house,
@Rictech, please correct me if I'm wrong, I've read through the thread and discovered your journey, from applying to arrival lasted for around 5 months... Please, does that mean I can meet up with April if I start the process now, or have you started already before coming to this thread?

@Blackbriar and Gerrard59, it's interesting to read about the research route both of you have spoken extensively about, actually the first time I'm hearing of such and would love to try it out, now my question is, considering I have a certificate of English proficiency from my university, can that be used in lieu of the IELTS? (I used it in all my applications to universities in South Korean and Latvia and none rejected it, just want to know if same can apply here).

PS: I have a B.Sc in Plant Science and Biotechnology, so will be applying for something in that line

Also, how INTENSIVE is the research study in Japan, from my research about S.K, I found out the research process is so intensive one basically spends the whole day, every work day, in the lab, hence leaving no room for part time jobs. Is that the same with Japan?

Aside the normal factory PT jobs, can one get a part time job as an English teacher in a tutorial centre? (I have the necessary certificates for that, such as TEFL certificate and C2 certificate in English proficiency)

Discovering that one can actually get residency stuff in Japan is what's making me gradually look away from SK

duncanmighty:
Hello I have asked earlier and nobody answered me. I've been trying to book appointment for visa application VfS for over a month now without luck. Anyone with how to go about it?

blackbriar:
Congratulations and welcome to Japan.
Thanks blackbriar

Transportation Saving Tips
1. Get a bicyle from a used shop for like 1 -2k yen, registered and get insurance for like 500 yen.
2. Usually schools sell discount public bus tickets, try to find out about this.
Noted. Na electric bicycle them suggest for me because of the hills wey dey my school

Phone saving tips
Be very very careful with this one. it can get really expensive fast.
I have seen students get into big debts of 20,000 yen monthly for phone and internet.
I dont think anyone uses their phone (sim i mean) but most of apps (LINE) and Whatsapp.
Na Rakuten I buy o. I asked my supporter, labmates, and a Nigerian to suggest the cheapest/most affordable one and almost everyone suggested Rakuten.
if you have wifi at dorm and at school, do you need a sim for now? That was what I initially thought. But because I do not have a Japanese SIM card, I have not been able to do most stuffs like opening a bank account. So it is very important here. I have been applying to some frontend engineering role and they require a Japanese number. I don too get rejection with my Nigerian number

Credit card
I think you can get a rakuten credit card. but be careful again.
you will need a japanese student colleague to help you apply for this one, so that your sign up for a wrong option.
Do I need it for now? I thought my bank (I will be opening a bank account after the public holiday) will give me one. Please correct me and I will appreciate your explanation on how this works

Food
1. See that "SAIZERIYA"; life saving restaurant!!!!!!!!!
however, if you cook, it is way way cheaper and healthier.
No foolow japese student dey eat cup noodles and ocha everyday abeg.
You will enjoy japan for its convenience with shopping.
keep a budget sheet for now to track expenses.
I have always preferred cooking. I don’t like eating out.

Winter Shopping
Winter is coming soonest.
Start planning for winter shopping.
Just go to UNIQLO. Must get are
1. Heat tech ( long johns and Vest)
2. Warn slipplers/mufflers for feet.
3. A good warm jacket. [You can check used store fo rgood cheap jackets, as brand new one would cost around 10,000 yen]
4. And if the snow are thick like in niigata and aomori, a very very good winter boot.
Noted! I came with 3 winter jackets, 3 head warmers (forgot to buy hand gloves). I will buy the rest here


Nihongo
Please, sign up for and attend dedicatedly the free basic japanese languge classes that the univeristy offers.
Noted !!!

And most importantly, have fun.
if you play any sport, get into it again.
I know a guy, who got a Job becuase the people he associated with all do taekwando, currently posted to USA branch of a global japnese comapny. that is networking.
Enjoy yourself and explore.

My humble 2 cents.
Otsukare.
Thank you Baba, I appreciate

judecares1:
I found this shop in your city with affordable price

Hideshima

https://share.google/dCxC4V8h9OKsxt4Ck

Gerrard59:
I see and do sympathise with you.

Your school should have assigned a Japanese to you so you go through the system. Except things have changed, that was the flow of events and I had a Japanese labmate walk me through.

Gerrard59:
You don't need an inkan/hanko to open an account. Your school needs to assist you with opening a bank account wirh JP Bank. The account will be linked to your mobile contract with a telecom provider. Normal signature can suffice. Getting a hanko is one thing as you will need to register it with the city office you reside to legitimise it to use for signature. A hanko without registration at the city hall is just an ink (I am open to be corrected here).

So JP Bank account > phone contract with a provider > My Number Card. In fact, if possible, get the My Number Card before the bank account. Your residence card will be mandatory for all stages.

It seems the procedure here (Fukuoka Prefecture) is a bit different.
i: Personal seal (i have now done that) is mandatory.
ii: To open a bank account, you will have to book reservation with the bank in advance. You cannot just walk in to any bank to open an account. Very frustrating. Upon that, they demand a Japanese phone number.
iii: To sign a mobile phone contract/get a local Japanese sim, you must submit your credit card


I have a hanko, but first bank account and mobile contract. Those two are more important than a hanko for a foreign resident.


I once was like that until I opened a JP Bank, then got my mobile contract linked to the bank.
Unfortunately, in this city, you will need a phone number before opening a bank account while you will need a credit card before you will be able to get a local Japanese sim.

Gerrard59:
I talk am....

Dem think say because EXPO is held, Japan would have open borders to Black Africans.

If I talk now, dem go say I get low self esteem.

---

P.S. The worst experience a Black African person (mostly men) can get in this region is being in detention. It is better one goes back quietly. Japan is even better. Outside the big East Asian countries and maybe Singapore (provided no drugs), it is better for the person to relocate to Kwara or Borno than be inside detention in Asia.

Nfest:
Ok, I had a serious issue in Nigeria. I had booked my flight to leave via Qatar Airways, but on getting to the Qatar desk in Nigeria the agent profiling me started asking for all sorts of things, my degree certificate, my nysc certificate, my admission letter, and all sort of nonsense. After I presented everything he then went and asked if I had paid my school fees. I told him I had paid and showed him the receipt. The man said he needed to see money leaving my Nigerian account to the Japanese account.
Meanwhile I had paid the money to a family friend who used his own money in Japan to pay so he didn't necessarily need to move money from Nigeria to Japan. This Qatar agent just went loco on me, he insisted I bought a return ticket again.
I was like how do you buy a return ticket on a two year travel visa? What date would I put on it?
To cut the long story short the man wickedly made me miss my flight. I was devastated,I then met one of his colleagues who said I should come the next day.
I got to the airport the next day and the there was a little back and forth with some of them at the desk and a more reasonable person asked me some questions and said he would allow me fly that I was good to go. But then I had to rebook another flight since I add missed my first flight but then no extra seat so I had go back home again. Anyways the all scenario set me back another 900k to rebook another flight for Wednesday. Got to the airport met with the people who profiled me on Saturday and finally left the country on the 1st of October.

Nfest:
Boss, I just booked my flight to osaka, a family member is telling me about exit card from Nigeria. Pls do have any info. Though the person in UK.

Nfest:
I just got my Japan visa today, it's bn and experience but God has bn wonderful to the end. Now we move

Gerrard59:
If I'm not mistaken, you live in China, thus you have a Chinese resident permit. Rictech doesn't have a Chinese resident permit. All these take bus or waybill luggage is for those who know their way and can speak/read Japanese. OP is a first timer. He's not a tourist. The aim is to get to the final destination as soon as possible with few hassles. Anything two stops is stressful and unnecessary. Well, people are different. I would rather pay for the Bullet Train to my final destination than stress myself in another airport that doesn't take me to my country of destination.

P.S. Rictech, you're a first timer traveller to this part of the world, not as a tourist or for business. Avoid anything transit visa. Avoid it. The time to get a transit visa would most likely exceed the duration you got your Japanese visa.

judecares1:
I have transited using Beijing airport and Singapore airports using my Naija passport without issues. You can get 24hrs visa upon arrival 😀 in china if you wish to see the beauty of china while i await my connecting flight to Nagoya or you can stay at the airport if you don't feel like going out of the airport. But in Singapore i stayed at the airport. As long as you don't want to leave the airport you won't have any issues cos the airline knows how it works
Advising him to take bullet train looks very expensive and remember you will need to pay extra luggage if your luggage exceed 20kg which is very expensive unless upon arrival you can take the bullet train and waybill your luggage to your apartment using yamato delivery company that is less expensive 🫰, you can do that at 7-Eleven or familymart. Alternatively you can take night bus (cheapest means). Please try to be economical in spending since you are coming to Japan new.
It will be advisable to get the direct flight to your final destination which will be of great advantageous to you and if you currently residing in Lagos,I will advise you to visit Qatar airline office in Victoria island or at the airport they will give you the best advice. If you residing in Abuja, kindly visit their office or there stand at the airport. My little advice for you since you are new to Japan

blackbriar:
Yes, a transit visa is required for Hong Kong.

Fly via Osaka and take a train to complete yoir journey.
Besides, i thought school was offering free aiport shuttle?

Regards

uchman:
Please can I dm, I want to get an info from you, I want to know your closing balance when submitting your visa application.

uchman:
I don’t think you will be allowed through Hong Kong on transit

blackbriar:
One way ticket.
Nothing to ask.
Just make sure your flight goes through a transport hub like Malayaisa, Singapore, Qatar or Dubai and france (not to sure on this one)
No body will ask to see your visa in these countries for your coneecting flights until you land in Japan
Don't use flight that requires you to go throught the immigartion of another country.


My advice to you is draw a paln, what would you be doing daily.
Morning - Japanese classes offered by univeristy?
Lunch break - Play sports at school gym (please do this, this is the best networking opoortunity in the university, Engage in any sport you like, you will make the most helpful friends here, and professors form all departments will play these sports with you, you can speak with them freely for help)
Afternoon - Tasks from Professor and Research Work
Evening - go hustle ?

Go to international dpeartment and get all the forms for masters and familairiase yourself with it.
Upon getting your admision letter for masters Program [ some few weeks to the end of your 6 months], The university does also help to apply for your student visa or you can go yourself to the nearest immigration office (which is usually the local airports).


Round trip ticket lol

Oga familiriase your with the visa the countries offer.

My humble 2 cents

uchman:
Greetings brother,
I hope you won’t mind telling me this, at what stage was your statement of account requested?
Embassy or school?

Gerrard59:
One way ticket. Do you intend to return to Nigeria afterwards? Do you plan to fail the admission process into a master's program?.