Freshly back from an unforgettable adventure at AYFN Academy’s Autumn Japan Camp 2023, I’m still buzzing with excitement and longing for the amazing members and the captivating country itself. Trust me when I say, this trip is an absolute must-do, filled with love and endless fun that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
If you’re wondering about future opportunities, let me spill the beans. AYFN organizes similar programs throughout the year in Japan, Korea, etc. The next ones on the horizon are the Winter Japan Camp 2023 in Osaka and Kyoto, followed by the Spring Japan Camp 2023 in Tokyo. So mark your calendars and start planning your next adventure!
Since my return, many friends have reached out to me, seeking tips on how I managed to secure the fully funded scholarship. Honestly, I applied without expecting to win, but I believe there were certain strategies that played a role in my success. That’s precisely why I’m here, writing this blog post – to share with you the tactics I employed during the application process, which consisted of two rounds. In this particular blog post, we’ll be diving into the first round strategies. Yet, the strategies may also be helpful for round 2.
Stay tuned for some valuable insights that might just help you snag that dream scholarship opportunity. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
Tip 1: Consider which program to choose
It’s important to understand different schemes available. Most of AYFN programs have scholarship scheme and self-funded scheme. Let’s break it down for you.
💰 What you have to pay
Bear in mind that you have to pay registration fee regardless of any scheme, which can be a bit of a buzzkill. According to AYFN, this nonrefundable fee is used to cover the expenses of promoting and administering the program. I guess some of you may feel upset, as I saw some comments wondering whether this program is a scam. But guess what? If it weren’t for that 20 bucks, I would’ve bailed on the second round, where they asked for a campaign video. I thought I was too lazy and uncreative for that stuff. Turns out, I snagged the only fully-funded spot in the program! Moreover, Korea Camp’s registration fee seems lower than Japan Camp’s. Let’s look at the registration fee of Autumn Japan Culture Camp 2023.
AYFN often offer 1 fully-funded scholarship and 1-2 partially-funded scholarships, making the competition tough but the rewards even more worthwhile. If you do happen to win the scholarship, you’ll actually end up saving a significant amount of money to participate in the program. The following illustrations are based on my case, a Vietnamese living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
One more thing to note, you have to choose whether you apply for Fully or Partially Funded right from the application form. Thus, if you can cover some parts of the total expense, especially when you can buy cheap round-trip ticket to Osaka, you should choose to apply for Partially Funded Scholarship. Because there are more Partially Funded slots than Fully Funded scheme, the percentage you get the scholarship can be higher.
👩🏻💻 Which people AYFN look for
If you may notice, AYFN has several programs throughout the year. At the time I applied, there were 3 programs accepting international applicants:
- Autumn Japan Culture Camp 2023 (1)
- Autumn Korea Culture Camp 2023 (2)
- Autumn Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop 2023 in Amsterdam (3)
As you can see, however, (1) and (2) are like two peas in a pod, perfect for culture enthusiasts. On the flip side, (3) is tailored for the business-minded folks. Obviously, The cultural programs are all about exchanging vibes and exploring, while the entrepreneurial ones dive deep into business and startups.
So, here’s the scoop on why I threw my hat into the ring for the fully-funded scholarship at the Autumn Japan Culture Camp 2023. Firstly, I’ve got a solid grip on Japanese culture, having delved into it and even studied the language a few years back. Secondly, when it came to choosing between (3) and (1), the entrepreneurship workshop didn’t quite align with my vibe, and I realized I was a bit clueless about Amsterdam. Also, the second phase of selection for (3) involves a thorough interview, setting it apart from (1) and (2). That made me doubt my chances of snagging the full scholarship if I went for (3).
If you’re rolling in as a self-funded participant, it’s a breeze to qualify – just cover the program fee. Now, if you’re gunning for that scholarship, AYFN is on the lookout for someone who can make a lasting impact. The ideal candidate not only meets the criteria but also has the potential to champion AYFN programs or support future endeavors (just like Alvin, a previous fully-funded attendee who’s led our program). Since the chosen one becomes the face of the program down the line, it’d be awesome if they’re a standout figure in their community – think someone excelling in a specific field, an influencer with a massive social media following, or a charismatic individual.
🎓 Why AYFN offer scholarship
From what I’ve gathered, AYFN operates independently without government or fund backing. So, here’s my take: a chunk of their revenue likely comes from selection and program fees paid by fully funded participants. Given the hefty expenses in marketing to attract attendees, their strategy makes sense. Beyond PR efforts on social platforms and opportunity websites, AYFN allocates limited scholarships to standout individuals who can amplify their presence, especially in the Asian community.
What caught my eye is their smart move in organizing a selection process – it’s not just about picking participants but also serves as a clever marketing tactic, evident from the influx of applicants. The selection fee not only covers the operational costs but also filters out those who lack genuine passion for the program.
Tip 2: Understand AYFN and past scholarship receivers
The next step in my AYFN scholarship journey was diving into insights from previous recipients. A quick Google search led me to helpful videos sharing their experiences. I analyzed why these individuals were chosen for their specific programs. To nail the second round, I binge-watched related videos on AYFN’s YouTube channel to catch their preferred style. In a nutshell, I left no stone unturned, gathering intel on AYFN and past programs to craft my game plan.
Just like you’re delving into this blog, I took a deep dive into understanding how AYFN selects scholarship recipients. Grateful for the wealth of info I found, I’m paying it forward by crafting blogs and videos to share my tips and experiences, aiming to guide future scholarship hopefuls. Here’s to hoping it makes the journey smoother for those who come after!
Tip 3: Carefully answer questions in application form (To be continued)
Since this blog is getting pretty lengthy, I’m gearing up for part 2, where I’ll break down the application form for the Autumn Japan Culture Camp 2023. Stay tuned for more! 📝👀 #ComingSoon #BlogSeries