GUIDELINES FOR APPS STUDENT JAPAN EXCHANGE PROGRAM – SELECTION CRITERIA

Note: The following information is for the Japanese Exchange Program. Members will be sent an email to inform them when the next exchange program begins.

The Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) and the Phytopathological Society of Japan (PSJ) signed a reciprocal student exchange partnership for the purpose of furthering friendship between both societies. As part of this exchange, APPS will fund two students from Australia/New Zealand to visit Japan  at their chosen hosting institution.

The funds are allocated on a competitive basis by the Student Japan Exchange Committee. The committee reserves the right not to funds if the candidates are deemed unsuitable by the committee.

The Exchange Details:
(1) The students’ visit will be between 7 and 28 days, and depends on the consultation between the student and the host researcher.
APPS will pay the sum of $AUS1,500 to each student to assist with airfares and domestic travel, however an additional $3,000 per student has been applied for from the Australia-Japan foundation. This money should be treated as a one off.
(2) The remaining amount can be used to cover any additional expenses.
(3) The student must provide their own insurance to cover medical expenses, liability and other related expenses.
(4) The students should pay for room and board.
(5) PSJ will try to find the most reasonable housing for visit such as a host family.

Requirements from the Student:
(1) Identify a host institution in Japan and present a case how the visit would benefit their research and future career; and
(2) Must learn some basic Japanese phrases prior to their visit
(3) Be an ambassador for Australia and APPS

To be eligible for the exchange funding, the student must:
(1) Be enrolled in a research Masters or PhD degree on a full or part-time basis, and if in an Honours degree must be near completion;
(2) Be a current paid member of APPS;
(3) Complete all sections of the Student Japan Exchange Program application form and attach all required documentation listed below;
(4) Obtain the Principal Supervisor’s approval and a signed letter of support and recommendation;
(5) Include with their submission a 250 word (approx.) written statement outlining how the visit to Japan would benefit their research program and their future career in Plant Pathology; and
(6) Within two months of the visit submit a written report and deliver a talk at a regional APPS meeting.

Not eligible to apply are:
1) Students that have submitted their thesis (except Honours students); and
2) Students that are on leave from candidature during the period for which they intend to apply. Enrolled students whose scholarship has expired are eligible to apply.

The following documentation is required for applications to be considered:
(1) A signed letter of support and recommendation from Principal supervisor
(2) A 250 word or less justification of why they should receive this financial assistance.