The Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), conducted a community service activity in the form of a socialization session on higher education opportunities in Japan through the Monbukagakusho (MEXT) Scholarship for students of SMA Negeri 1 Medan. The activity, themed “Realizing the Dream of Studying in Japan: Experiences of a MEXT Scholarship Recipient,” was held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The activity served as an opportunity for students to learn about opportunities to pursue education in Japan while gaining an overview of the experience of studying and living in Japan.

The socialization materials were delivered by Dr. Eng. Ir. Riky Stepanus Situmorang, S.T., M.Eng. The presentation began with an introduction to the speaker’s educational journey and life in Japan. The speaker shared his educational experience beginning in September 2014 as a Research Student, followed by the Master Course from April 2015 to March 2017 and the Doctoral Course from April 2017 to March 2020. After completing his education, the speaker continued his professional experience as a researcher at Fujitsu Ltd. from April 2020 to May 2024.

One of the main focuses of the socialization was the introduction of the MEXT Scholarship, or Monbukagakusho, as an opportunity for students to pursue education in Japan. The scholarship is a program offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan (MEXT). Through this activity, students were introduced to various benefits and opportunities available through the scholarship program.

The presentation explained several benefits of the MEXT Scholarship, including living allowances, tuition fee waivers, round-trip airfare between Indonesia and Japan, student accommodation, and health insurance. In addition, students were introduced to various attractions of studying in Japan, such as world-class education quality, research and industry collaboration opportunities, international experience, technological development, and global career prospects after completing their education.

The students also received information about the MEXT Scholarship application process. The process introduced included the announcement of the scholarship opening around May–June, the first-stage selection in the form of a written examination in June–July, the second-stage selection in the form of an interview in July–August, the announcement of the second-stage results, the application process for admission to Japanese universities, and the announcement of the final MEXT Scholarship recipients and departure preparations. This information provided an overview that preparations for pursuing studies in Japan need to be carried out gradually and systematically.

For the Undergraduate (S1) level, the socialization materials explained several general requirements, including being a graduate of a senior high school or vocational high school and having strong academic grades. The written examination subjects introduced included English and Mathematics, as well as Physics and Chemistry for participants in the science field or social studies subjects for participants in the social sciences field. Students were also encouraged to regularly read information and follow updates regarding the MEXT Scholarship through official sources.

In addition to information about the scholarship, the activity provided an overview of studying and living in Japan. Through the speaker’s experience, students were encouraged to consider their educational options after completing senior high school and to understand that the opportunity to pursue education in Japan can be realized through various educational pathways and scholarship programs.

The materials also discussed several challenges that may be encountered while studying and living in Japan. These included the need to master Japanese and English, the importance of building networks, seeking part-time work opportunities in accordance with applicable regulations, adapting to cultural differences, and making use of time to learn various new things. The presentation provided a more balanced overview of the experience of studying and living in Japan.

During the activity, students were also directed to obtain information about the MEXT Scholarship through official sources, including the website of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia. This is important so that prospective applicants can follow information and updates regarding requirements and application schedules through reliable sources.

The MEXT Scholarship socialization at SMA Negeri 1 Medan was one form of community service conducted by the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, FIB USU, to provide information and insights to secondary school students. Through this activity, opportunities for higher education in Japan were directly introduced to prospective university students from the senior high school level.

Through the activity themed “Realizing the Dream of Studying in Japan: Experiences of a MEXT Scholarship Recipient,” the Undergraduate Program in Japanese Literature, FIB USU, provided an opportunity for students of SMA Negeri 1 Medan to learn more about study opportunities in Japan through the MEXT Scholarship. Information on scholarship benefits, the application process, requirements, educational experiences, and challenges of life in Japan is expected to help students prepare themselves and plan their further education more thoroughly. The activity also served as a form of contribution by higher education institutions to broadening public awareness of international education opportunities.