Based on the student exchange agreement between Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and Mie University, Japan, in 2024, the International Cooperation Office continues to receive notifications from Mie University inviting students in the natural sciences fields of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education to participate in the Sakura Student Exchange Program 2024 (hereafter referred to as the Sakura 2024 Program).
The International Cooperation Office announces the specific information about the program as follows:
1. General Information
Mie University is a public higher education institution located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. Mie University is ranked among the top 800 universities in the world and the top 60 universities in Japan, with its medical field ranked among the top 4 in the Japanese higher education system. Mie University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Education established a cooperation relationship in training and student exchange in 2014. The Sakura Student Exchange Program between the two universities has been implemented since 2015, supporting 70 students in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and 6 faculty members to exchange and experience academic life in Japan annually, contributing to improving the quality of training and internationalizing higher education in Vietnam and Japan. Building on past achievements, in 2024, Mie University continues to implement the Sakura Student Exchange Program and prioritizes offering 7 full scholarships for 7 students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education studying undergraduate courses in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
2. Eligibility and Selection Criteria
2.1 Eligibility
Full-time undergraduate students (including those studying dual majors) in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.
2.2 Criteria
- Students must possess the following characteristics: Honesty, pedagogical demeanor, friendliness, and high discipline;
- Professional working and studying attitude; readiness to overcome difficulties;
- Passion for science, eagerness to learn and teach science;
- Good communication and adaptability skills;
- Excellent professional competence; Proficiency in English to meet professional and international academic environment needs;
- Active participation in community activities and willingness to support peers and the community after participating in the program.
3. Benefits and Responsibilities of Participating Students
3.1 Benefits
- Fully sponsored academic exchange trip to Mie University, Japan;
- Certificate from Mie University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Education upon completion of the exchange program.
3.2 Responsibilities
- Commit to strictly following the regulations and fully participating in the activities of the Sakura program;
- Comply with the laws of Vietnam and the host country during the Sakura program;
- Actively support and participate in community activities related to the Sakura program after returning home;
- Respect and preserve the customs and culture of the host country and uphold the Vietnamese cultural identity during the program;
- Sincerely and cooperatively engage with all group members and international students;
- Successfully complete the Sakura program as planned and return home immediately after finishing the program in Japan;
- Adhere to all other regulations in the host country (if any).
4. Information and Selection Process
4.1 Application Deadline: From the date of announcement until the end of 16/8/2024;
4.2 Selection Process: Students apply online at the link: https://forms.gle/bwu7F2FfX7N4jwdYA.
Round 1: Application Review.
Application documents include:
01 academic transcript up to the end of the 2023 - 2024 academic year;
Scanned copies of all certificates of merit and community activity participation, etc.;
Scanned copy of 01 recommendation letter from a faculty member;
A copy of a passport valid for at least one year from the date of application;
01 essay (about 400 words, in Word or PDF format) in English answering 5 questions: 1) What do you know about the "Sakura Exchange Program in Science"? 2) Why do you want to participate in this program? 3) What skills and qualities will help you make the most of this program? 4) How do you plan to share what you learn with other students after completing the program? 5) How do you plan to contribute to the community after participating in the program?
Round 2: Direct Interview in English.
Round 3: Mie University reviews applications and announces results.
5. Important Dates
16/08/2024 (tentative): Application deadline;
19/08/2024 (tentative): Direct interview in English;
21/08/2024 (tentative): Announcement of selected students, support information for students participating in the official program in Japan.
6. Application Fee
Fee: 250,000 VND/application
Students transfer the fee to the following account and take a photo of the receipt (Note: the payer bears the fee). After receiving the selection notification, students must submit a scanned copy of their passport to the International Relations Office.
+ Account Name: Ho Chi Minh City University of Education
+ Payment Description: <Student ID> <Full Name> <SAKURA 2024 APPLICATION>
+ Bank: Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRIBANK) - An Phu Branch
+ Account Number: 1606201051395
The Office of International Cooperation sincerely announces the above student exchange program.