Hi All,
I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on my upcoming situation lol
To explain a bit more about what happened and the plan. I'm a 27 year old guy living in the UK currently, and my past education was in medical sciences, particularly with a focus on brain cancer and stem cells. But I have been out of science for a bit and I'm currently trying to secure a trainee patent attorney role in the UK and have really struggled since I'm competing with those who have better scientific experience than me.
This led me to this year, seeking some research opportunities, especially abroad as I feel the international angle would differentiate me from the others. But I can't commit to a long term thing due to commitments in the UK.
Anyway, one thing led to another and I actually got offered an opportunity to be a research fellow at RIKEN, in Kobe under a PI and group studying developmental neurosciences for 6 months. Unfortunately, it will be unpaid since I'm not actually a post doc but my current job has agreed to let me work remotely part time so I will have some funds coming in (along with supporting myself largely with my savings) – and I'm not committed to my current job as my lifelong career so I'm not arsed about delaying any progress there lol. To me, it seems like a really good opportunity and feels like a huge highlight in my CV, whether I use it for patent law, something in science or otherwise.
Currently waiting for my COE to arrive in December, then I'll have to go to London to get my visa.
I was actually also in Japan this year for the month of May, and managed to explore a decent bit of the country but actually skipped Kobe when I was in Kansai.
I guess I'd love to hear from those who might have done something similar, those who have any experience with RIKEN or those who have any advice on this opportunity, especially career wise and impact in general (there's infinite wisdom from strangers on the internet I always love to hear from).
Also, I've always wanted to live and work for a period of time abroad (not actually that arsed about solo travel) and I love Japan, but I always thought this was going to be in Tokyo if I did something like this. And of course, due to overthinking and being a picky little shit I'm wondering if I'm going to regret doing this in Kobe. But I feel like this is just me being silly and the opportunity is too good to pass up over something so trivial.
I'd also love to hear from those who have visited or better, lived in Kobe. I'm not familiar with the place at all.
A bit about me for points of reference is that whilst I do enjoy a drink every now and then, I'm not the type to go out clubbing really unless the whole group wants to. I way prefer bars and chatting to people. I also love exercise and hobbies, and will definitely find some stuff to join whilst there such as boxing clubs, running, language or whatever else.
I really loved Tokyo but to be fair, wasn't that bothered about the likes of Shibuya or Shinjuku or Dotonbori in Osaka, but more really liked the vibes of areas like Koenji, Kichijoji and Ueno (the areas near Yanaka Ginza, Ueno Park, Ameyoko and near the museum in particular).
Would love to hear your thoughts and thank you in advance!
by -live_evil-