Meeting about Study Opportunities in Japan
On September 21, 2026, the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted the “Study Opportunities in Japan” meeting (日本留学報告会). The event aimed to introduce students to opportunities for studying in Japan, academic mobility, internships, and scholarship programs, while also providing a broader understanding of these opportunities through the personal experiences of students who had already studied at Japanese universities.
Moldir Oramalova and Ayazhan Abdigali shared their experiences of studying at Sophia University. Moldir spoke about the MEXT Nikkensei program, for which she was nominated by her university, while Ayazhan presented information about academic exchange within the Faculty of Liberal Arts, the JASSO scholarship, the academic process, and various aspects of student life in Tokyo. Yuliana Alekseeva spoke about her studies at Doshisha University in Kyoto under the MEXT scholarship through Embassy Recommendation. KazNU students Merei Alikhan and Akmaral Manat became the first students from KazNU to spend one academic year at Kyoto University through an academic mobility program. They spoke about the academic environment, the study process, and the opportunities available to students at the university. Malika Rakhymzhan, who spent one year at Osaka University under the MEXT Nikkensei program, explained the application stages for the MEXT scholarship through Embassy Recommendation, the selection process, and key aspects of her year-long study experience in Japan. Nursultan Nurkaliyev, who studied at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies, introduced the Japanese Language Program and its curriculum focused on developing Japanese language proficiency. Dmitry Klevtsov spoke about the features of the MEXT program at Kanazawa University, covering both the academic process and everyday university life. Adina Zhaksylyk presented the exchange program at the University of Tsukuba, while Riza Rysbakhova, Malika Iliyeva, and Alexander Tsoi introduced the HUSTEP and JLCSP programs at Hokkaido University, as well as JASSO and MEXT scholarship opportunities. Assel Bakdauletkyzy shared her experience of participating in an academic mobility program at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, speaking about her studies, the student environment, daily life in Japan, and travel experiences.
In addition, second-year students presented their summer internship experiences in Japan. They spoke about working in Japanese companies, using Japanese in a professional setting, becoming familiar with the local work culture and social environment, and their overall impressions of the trip. During the event, students also had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions and receive direct advice on topics ranging from the application process to studying and everyday life in Japan.
Samal Borankulova, a lecturer in the Japanese Studies Department responsible for academic mobility programs, also addressed the students. She emphasized the importance of researching exchange and internship opportunities in advance and beginning language and academic preparation at an early stage.
One of the key features of the meeting was the opportunity to hear about practical aspects that are not always fully covered in official sources. The participants shared specific advice on document preparation, scholarship applications, the academic process, living conditions, and adaptation to a new environment. In this way, the “Study Opportunities in Japan” meeting brought together information on educational opportunities, various programs, and the personal experiences of students who had already studied in Japan, making it a valuable and informative event for those interested in studying there.
