Hi everyone. We have a number of big events coming up, as well as some other info, including a big birthday at the Hyogo Centre and your chance to be famous by submitting an article for our newsletter. Read on!
1. OKONOMIYAKI FAMILY BBQ
Mark down Sunday 18 March 2012 in your diaries, because that is when we are holding our annual okonomiyaki BBQ at Kings Park. As always, attendance is free of charge but you need to RSVP, by 12 March 2012. We will be providing okonomiyaki (of course) as well as snags and softies. There will also be our usual series of games (suika-wari, cricket, three-legged race etc.)
The venue this year is also different. Instead of being in the Synergy Parkland, we are now just off Fraser Avenue (the main drag), just before the #37 bus stop: map.
We will be kicking off officially at 11:00. Kids, families and non-members are very very welcome and will have a great time!
2. QUIZ NIGHT
We are holding our JETAAWA-JapSSoc quiz night again, this year in the evening (time TBC – likely 630 or 7, running until around 930-10) of Thursday 22 March 2012 at UWA Tavern as always. As those who have been before will know, it is great fun and there are always plenty of prizes to go round even if you don’t win the quiz itself! Tables are of 8, but you don’t need a full table to come along. We will make sure you make new friends on the night!
Please RSVP ASAP if you are keen so we can make sure you sit with your friends or otherwise get a good team! The final cutoff is Monday 19 March 2012.
Entry is $10 (pay at the door). Food is included, and drinks are available from the bar. All profits go to Red Cross Japan for disaster relief in NE Japan. Last year we raised over $4000, and we’re hoping to get a good showing again in 2012!
This is an 18+ event and is open to members and non-members alike!
3. AGM
Our AGM this year is on Friday 30 March 2012 from 5:30 for 6:00 at 43 Below, on the corner of Hay and Barrack streets, Perth.
Refreshments will be provided.
The AGM involves a wrap of our year followed by election of the new committee. Then the good times roll!
As always, all positions are open for nomination. The positions and descriptions are:
- President: pretty self-explanatory
- Vice-President: ditto
- Treasurer: keeps the accounts, reimburses members
- Secretary: records minutes, arranges meetings
- Social Rep: organises and advertises events
- Media Rep: organises newsletters
- Employment Rep: organises careers events
- Webmaster: maintains website
- Promos Rep: organises promotional material and JET info sessions
- General Member: contributes wherever possible
In reality, everyone does a little bit of everything on the JETAAWA committee. We love having lots of General Members, who aren’t necessarily tied down to any position (even though everyone just helps one another anyway) but still contribute to event organisation and other matters whenever they have the capacity.
Being on the committee in any capacity allows you to stay involved with and continue contributing to and benefiting from Japan and the WA-Japan community. Not only that: you will also get invites to swanky functions!
We welcome new members to the committee. If you would like to nominate or renominate, please reply by Monday 26 March 2012. If you would like to attend the AGM but don’t want to necessarily nominate, the same applies! We hope to see you all there. This one is for members only.
4. HYOGO CULTURAL CENTRE ANNIVERSARY
On Saturday, March 17 2012, the Hyogo Cultural Centre is celebrating its 20th birthday! From the response so far from both Members and the general community, it is promising to be a great get together. There will be music and dancing, plenty of food and you can BYO drinks. This will be an adults only event due to the presence of alcohol.
One thing we would like to share with you is that this birthday party will also provide you with an opportunity to farewell Mr Akio Kawanabe and his wife, Mrs Michiko Kawanabe, who will returning to Japan at the end of March. Mr Kawanabe will be replaced by a new Hyogo Government representative as Director in early April. I would be grateful if you could extend our new Director the same warm welcome you have always offered Mr Kawanabe.
Mr and Mrs Kawanabe will be very much missed as they have been so enthusiastically involved in all aspects of Hyogo Cultural Centre and our various activities. They know many of you personally and have thoroughly enjoyed the last three years in Perth. Some of you may not be aware that this is actually their third term in Perth as Mr. Kawanabe was once a Consul at the Consulate-General of Japan and he was also the very first Director of Hyogo Cultural Centre from 1992 – 1995 when we were located in QV1.
Please do consider coming along on March 17 not only to celebrate the Centre’s birthday, but also to make the evening as special as possible for Mr and Mrs Kawanabe. We would love to make this event a wonderful, lasting memory for them.
Download the event flyer:
20th Birthday Celebrations Invitation Flyer (PDF)
5. NEWSLETTER
We are gearing up to prepare an official sparkly, glossy (digital) newsletter for 2012. We would love contributions from current and former JETs – it can be anything: Japan-related movie/book/music reviews, photos or montages, cultural contributions, short stories/info about festivals/days/events/buildings/temples/art etc, Japan travel reviews. You name it, we’ll print it (editorial discretion reserved)!
I’m sure we can also find some vouchers or other prizes for the best submissions! Send your submissions tomedia@jetaawa.com by 2 April 2012 to be in the running!
6. DOSHISHA UNIVERSITY
We have received the following information from Doshisha University in Kyoto.
Greetings from Kyoto, Japan.
My name is Dr. Andrew Staples and I am an associate professor at Doshisha Business School, Kyoto, Japan. I am writing to you as a JET alumnus (Fukuoka, 1996-1999) and AJET Group Associate Member to pass on details of significant funding opportunities that may be of interest to any of your members considering enrolling on an MBA program in Japan (please see below).
I am keen to develop opportunities for JET alumni and very much hope that you will be able to pass this on to your membership. Our first JET alumnus (Shiga 2006-9) will be graduating this year with others mid-way through the program or starting in September 2012. I will be promoting the program at the upcoming Conference for returning JETS in March and our ad can be found in the latest AJET Connect Magazine. I hope you would take a moment to look through our webpage.
Many thanks in advance for your kind assistance.
With best wishes,
Andrew Staples, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Doshisha Business School
Doshisha University
Karasuma-Imadegawa
Kamigyo-ku
Kyoto 602-8580
Japan
astaples@mail.doshisha.ac.jp
http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/
Discover the Doshisha Global MBA – Designed for the 21st century
- Build your own program from courses in General Business Management or our innovative focus areas: Business in Asia, Green Business, and Culture and Creativity.
- Gain a global perspective through an international student body, overseas study options, and classes taught by experts from around the world.
- Scholarships available for all international students.
- Career opportunities in Japan and with Japanese companies seeking global talent.
- A strong focus on the Social Responsibility of business.
- Opportunities to learn Japanese and take classes in our sister Japanese MBA program.
- Looking to advance your career, and help make the world a better place? Come and join us at Doshisha Business School.
The University
Doshisha University is widely recognized as one of Japan’s top comprehensive universities, with 15 Faculties and Centers and 15 Graduate Schools. Founded in 1875, it has a distinguished history of education based on the founder’s philosophy of education guided by conscience. Doshisha is one of the top four prestigious private universities in the Kansai (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto) region, and is one of 13 universities selected by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology for the Global 30 Project for Establishing Core Universities for Internationalization. Doshisha Business School’s English-language Global MBA is a flagship program for the university’s Global 30 participation.
The Business School
Doshisha Business School was established in 2004 to provide Japanese-language MBA education for working managers and executives in the Kansai region. In line with the school’s internationalization strategy, the English-language Global MBA Program was launched in 2009.
Our goal is to establish Doshisha Business School as a center of excellence for business education and research in three areas that are especially relevant to the needs and business environment of the 21st century: Business in Asia, Green Business, and Culture and Creativity. Consistent with our university’s long tradition of “education guided by conscience,” we also aim to make DBS Japan’s leading business school in emphasis on corporate social responsibility. By producing socially responsible business leaders, we seek to contribute to the socio-economic development of 21st-century Asia.
Our location in Kansai places us in one of Japan’s two major business regions and gives us access to companies in both traditional industries (including Kyoto culture-related businesses) and modern ones (including Panasonic, Nintendo, Kyocera, Omron, P&G Japan).
The Program
Doshisha’s Global MBA is a two-year, full-time MBA program designed for those who are looking to advance their career and to have a positive impact on the world we live in.
Global MBA Program features include:
Build your own program in general Business Management or one of our innovative focus areas: Business in Asia, Green Business, and Culture and Creativity
- An international student body
- An emphasis on social responsibility
- Preparation for career opportunities in Japan and abroad
- Tuition scholarship available to all international students
- A fantastic location
Entry is in September with applications accepted between December and May.
Full details about the application process can be found here:
http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/admissions-and-scholarships
The Faculty
Doshisha’s Global MBA Program faculty is made up of active researchers with extensive experience in both business and the classroom. Visiting professors from top international business schools offer specialized courses and provide a global perspective. Small class size encourages close interaction between faculty and students, creating a unique and friendly learning environment.
We also boast a capable and hard-working office staff who are dedicated to helping students smoothly deal with administrative matters. Learn more about our faculty here: http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/about-us/people
Entry Requirements
To join our program, applicants should have:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university
- A satisfactory GMAT score
- Certificate of proficiency in the English language (where necessary),
- e.g.: TOEIC – 760 or above, TOEFL – 83 or above (internet), 560 or above (paper), 220 or above (computer), IELTS – 6.0 or above, Cambridge Examination – FCE or above.
- A minimum of two years’ full-time work experience
(Please contact us directly if you do not satisfy these requirements.)
Full details are available in our applications pack available here:
http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/admissions-and-scholarships/how-to-apply
Application Procedure
Preliminary application
If you are interested in applying for the program but would like to consult with us first, we invite you to submit a preliminary application. Our admissions team will put you in touch with one of our professors who will review your application and get back to you within five working days. Simply complete the Preliminary Application form and return it to ji-gmba@mail.doshisha.ac.jp.
No fee is required for the preliminary application.
We also ask that you submit a GMAT score (if you have already taken the test) and evidence of English language ability (for non-native speakers).
Formal application
Please complete the application form and return it to us via email.
Supporting documentation should be sent by post along with the application fee. Please make sure to get all documentation to us by the advertised dates. Full details about the application process can be found in the 2012 applications guide available here:
http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/admissions-and-scholarships/how-to-apply
Application fee
The non-refundable application fee is 15,000 yen (approx. US$200) for non-Japanese applicants and 35,000 yen for Japanese applicants.
Screening of documents
Our admissions committee will fully review your application form and supporting documentation on receipt. Applicants who successfully pass this screening stage will be called for interview.
Interviews
Interviews are an important part of the applications process and an opportunity for us to assess your motivation, communication skills, and suitability for the Global MBA.
Applicants residing in Japan will be invited to a face-to-face interview while overseas applicants will be interviewed via Skype.
Admissions decision
Following the interview, a final decision will be made on your application by the GMBA Admissions Committee and you will be notified of our decision shortly thereafter.
Offer and enrollment
Successful applicants will receive an offer letter and are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 280,000 yen. Once you have accepted your place and paid the deposit, you will then need to complete registration procedures (including immigration procedures for overseas applicants) to secure your place.
Tuition and Fees
The total fee for the Global MBA is 2,928,000 yen, but Reduced-tuition
Scholarships available to all international students reduce the tution fees by:
- 30% (for 40% of 2012 entering students),
- 50% (for 30% of 2012 entering students), or
- 100% (for 30% of 2012 entering students)
Full details of tuition and living costs can be found here:
http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/admissions-and-scholarships/education-costs
Financial Aid
Scholarships are available for all international students!
All 2012 entry international students are eligible for a discount of between 30% and 100% on their tuition fees.
- A 100% tuition fee reduction (available to 30% of international applicants) means that the total fees payable for the two-year degree are 720,000 yen.
- A 50% tuition fee reduction (available to 30% of international applicants) means that the total fees payable for the two-year degree are 1,824,000 yen.
- A 30% tuition fee reduction (available to 40% of international applicants) means that the total fees payable for the two-year degree are 2,265,000 yen.
In addition, we are pleased to be able to offer several scholarship and funding opportunities to promising Global MBA applicants, including the prestigious MEXT scholarship funded by the Japanese government.
Scholarships are allocated to each round of applications. If you are seeking financial support we advise you to apply early, as some funding opportunities may not be available later in the application period.
Assessment and selection is based on past academic and professional performance and/or on financial need. For full details and the latest news on scholarships please visit:
http://gmba.doshisha.ac.jp/admissions-and-scholarships/scholarships
Location
A safe, exciting, and fascinating country and one fully integrated into the dynamic Asian economy, Japan is an excellent place to study for your MBA. Doshisha Business School is located in the ancient capital of Kyoto, which lies at the heart of the broader Kansai economy.
Kyoto – ancient capital and modern city
Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kyoto is the city of choice for innovators, academics, and all those wishing to surround themselves with a fascinating balance of the past, present, and future. While traditional Kyoto draws tourists from all over the globe to its temples and gardens, modern Kyoto offers everything that the resident or visitor could desire: exciting shopping districts, a safe and fun night life, a variety of natural and spiritual pursuits and institutions, and access to Japan’s international hub cities of Osaka and Kobe. The “Kansai” region of Japan (centered around Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe) offers a multicultural environment with China-towns, Korea-towns, and a huge range of cultural and entertainment events.
Kansai – a global business hub
With the largest number of manufacturers in the country, Kansai is regarded as the industrial heart of Japan and is deeply connected with the broader Asian economy. Many leading Japanese companies, including Nintendo, Panasonic, Kawasaki, Itochu, Sharp, Daihatsu, Daikin, Kyocera and Omron, were established or are headquartered in the region, and Doshisha Business School maintains strong relationships with local industry. With cutting-edge research institutes and dozens of universities, Kansai is a major R&D center, boasting a large number of high-tech science parks and next-generation industrial clusters. One third of global lithium-ion battery production, for instance, is based in Kansai, and the region’s firms hold a 70% share of the domestic market for solar cells. Many leading multinationals, including AstraZeneca, Bayer Healthcare, P&G, Haier, Recaro and Nestle, have also chosen Kansai as their Japan headquarters.
Accommodation
At Doshisha, you will find that the university provides a wide range of student support to help you settle into your new life in Japan. Finding the right place to live is essential for making the most of your time studying and living in Kyoto. We will be happy to introduce you to housing agencies who can provide you with a list of accommodation options to match your budget and lifestyle.
Student Life
The Global MBA student body brings together a diverse group of people from all over the world, with various academic and professional backgrounds and a broad range of life experience. Our students have access to a comprehensive support service including career advice, counseling, and advice on living in Kyoto including help with immigration and accommodation issues.
Global MBA student comments
Kat Toussaint, USA (JET Alumnus):
Having already lived and worked in Japan for several years, I wanted to continue to build on that foundation in a graduate program that understood that international means more than abroad. Doshisha has proved to be the perfect school for gaining a truly international education. With a student body representing 20 countries from 6 continents and professors from all over the geographic and academic world, DBS has afforded me opportunities to learn more than I ever dreamed.
Tirelo Moepswa, Botswana:
The diverse nationalities at DBS make studying here an intriguing and unique experience. One gets views from multiple perspectives. The program has a rich global approach, but it also enlightens one on the pitfalls of unsustainable business practices a good learning experience for aspiring global managers. My first year here has equipped me with the ability to look at international business more critically and be more analytical in my views on global issues. The constant interaction with both students and faculty makes the learning process a very enjoyable one.
Eddy Joe Reber, Peru/Switzerland:
I chose DBS for its location, comfortable atmosphere, and special programs. Having lived in Osaka and Tokyo, I thought that Kyoto would be an excellent place to combine studies and experience a new city. Lectures in the Global MBA program are held in small groups, which encourage students to participate and interact with others from different countries. The world is changing, and we have to learn how to do business without damaging our environment. The Global MBA offers courses in Green Business where we learn green technologies and methods to bring sustainability back to our planet.