Apologies if this has already been discussed before but I was was wondering if it is worth applying this December for PhD programs for 2015 with limited Japanese language proficiency?
I got my MA from SOAS with good grades 4 years and have been working as a journalist for an international news organization (with a few articles published on Japanese politics). Although I studied Japanese politics and history during my undergrad and masters I did not learn the language. I will fund myself to study the language in Tokyo for 6 months after 2 months of self study to start off. Is that enough to give me a chance? I think my area of interest is unique and quite contemporary in terms of what unis are looking at (my former professors say so too).
I assumed I would need 1/2 years of language study before being considered but some people are suggesting that many programs would invest in helping me learn it if they believe in me as a scholar.
What are your experiences? Do they ask proficiency level in the application process?
Also should I consider being a journalist at a reputable news org a positive or a negative?
Cheers
