Seeking second opinions on accepting a PhD Offer in Japan.
Hi everyone.
I’m a current PhD student in America who recently found out after application results dropped that I have an opportunity to transfer and start my research over at an institution in Japan (my research is Japan-related). I’m unsatisfied with my current institution, and in terms of research fit the Japanese institution is far better.
However, I’m unsure whether accepting the offer is prudent, given that there isn’t a stipend to cover living expenses as is the case at my current institution. Some tuition is covered, but I would certainly need to get a part time job or two on the side of research and studies to cover rent if I accepted the offer and made the move.
I’ve lived in Japan before for multiple years, and my speaking/reading/writing abilities are perfectly fine for daily life and conversation (still working on academic-level reading but that’s to be expected), I’m just unsure if it’s worth taking this offer now given the financial risk (compared to the null hypothesis of finishing my time in America, then trying to find an academic job in Japan to continue research there).
My apologies if this post is somewhat scatterbrained, but if anyone here was ever in a similar situation or is currently active in Japanese academia, please let me know any advice you might be able to give.
Thanks.