フルブライト奨学金倍率：面接の質問内容・回答を公開！合格のコツ面接編

みなさんこんにちは、コクレポです。

フルブライト奨学金（大学院留学プログラム）書類提出日まであともう少しですね。
前回はフルブライト奨学金倍率は？合格のコツ書類編１英文履歴書CV・研究計画書・エッセイ公開

まずはそれを参考に書類がんばってください！

そのあと、面接があります。

私の場合は9月22日に面接案内のメールが来て、10月6日に面接（フルブライトはオンラインぞzoom面接）がありました。

面接官はカテゴリー別にそれぞれの専門家やその分野の元フルブライラーの方など４人ほどがzoomに入っていて、最初から最後まですべて英語です。

私は面接まで下記のような想定質問・回答を考えて備えました。

Tell me about yourself.

I work as a journalist in the international news department of a Japanese TV station, reporting on overseas news. My passion lies in improving Japan’s international reporting, driven by experiences visiting 43 countries across Africa and Asia. From these experiences, I’ve noticed that Japanese media tend to prioritize advanced countries and overlook issues in the global south. To address this, I aim to study in the US to contribute to creating a more balanced information environment that fosters comprehensive global understanding.

Tell me about your research proposal briefly.

My research aims to understand the factors influencing media coverage of armed conflicts through a combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses. I will analyze conflict coverage quantitatively, interview media professionals to uncover decision-making factors, and interview conflict stakeholders for deeper insights. This research seeks to enhance the balanced and informed portrayal of global events in the media.

Why do you want to study in the U.S.? Why do you need to study abroad?

I want to study in the US because it’s a global leader in international and investigative journalism. The U.S. has a strong track record in these fields, with notable events like Watergate and the Pentagon Papers. Additionally, the U.S. is at the forefront of innovative investigative journalism using of cutting-edge digital technologies. American graduate programs offer specialized knowledge and skills in investigative journalism related to international human rights issues, which I aspire to acquire and bring back to Japan.

What university and why?

I initially selected Columbia but switched to UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism because I’m deeply motivated to join the Investigative Reporting Program in collaboration with the Human Rights Center Laboratory at UC Berkeley. This program, led by Professor David, a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, collaborates with Amnesty International and media organizations. It offers an excellent opportunity to enhance my skills in verifying publicly available information related to potential war crimes and responding swiftly to human rights crises. I aspire to have my investigative work published as documentaries on affiliated media organizations.

Do you have any criteria?

I focus on the availability of courses, professors, and programs related to international humanitarian reporting that are practical rather than purely theoretical.

What’s your plan after graduation？

After graduation, I plan to work as a journalist while formalizing the non-profit media organization GNV, specializing in international reporting, and expanding its activities. I will leverage my experience in TV journalism and the cutting-edge investigative reporting skills acquired at UC Berkeley to enhance the organization’s capabilities. Additionally, I intend to establish strong collaborations with major news media outlets to reduce regional bias in their international reporting and create a more comprehensive and understanding of global issues.

Do you think the importance of volunteer in the US? Do you plan?

I view volunteering as an essential component of my study in the US.

First and foremost, volunteering provides an opportunity for me to actively engage with local community. It’s a way to express my gratitude for the hospitality and to become a contributing member of the community.

Secondly, volunteering allows me to gain a deeper understanding of American society, culture, and the challenges faced by different segments of the population. This experience will undoubtedly benefit my journalism studies.

So, I am eager to contribute my time and effort to make a positive impact.

What is the problem Japanese media faces?

Japanese media faces a significant problem of imbalanced and limited global news coverage, with geographical disparities. Global challenges such as inequality, poverty, and armed conflicts, even if they occur in distant countries, have implications and responsibilities that extend beyond geographical boundaries. In today’s interconnected world, individuals can either exacerbate or mitigate these challenges, but incomplete media coverage hinders informed engagement. I aim to study in an American graduate program to learn knowledge and skills for uncovering and reporting on overlooked humanitarian crises worldwide, contributing to addressing this issue.

What challenges do you experience as Journalist?

As a journalist, I’ve faced challenges, notably addressing imbalanced international reporting. Despite my active engagement in reporting on Global South issues, there are noticeable disparities where events in regions like Ukraine receive extensive coverage, while places like Myanmar and Yemen are often neglected. This imbalance is partially due to underreporting of conflict events or social unrest less likely to be discovered by the news media.

Therefore, I am keen to study cutting-edge investigative reporting on international human rights issues in the US and bring this knowledge back to Japan.

Why do you want to take part in Fulbright Student Program?

I want to join the Fulbright Student Program because of its esteemed reputation and the chance to connect with outstanding individuals across diverse fields. Additionally, I share the Fulbrighters’ aspiration to make a positive impact on society and aim to collaborate with experts in various fields to innovate program to address humanitarian challenges. The Fulbright scholarship’s financial support is also invaluable in pursuing my academic and professional goals.

What challenges do you think you may have while studying in the USA?

I anticipate several challenges while studying in the US. Firstly, I have never visited the American continent before, and adapting to the different living environment may be initially challenging.

However, I believe my strengths, including resilience and adaptability in high-stress situations, will help me overcome these challenges. My past experience of working in Zambia, where I was the only Japanese person and faced significant cultural differences and daily power outages, taught me to maintain a positive mindset in adversity. Therefore, while challenges are expected, I am confident in my ability to adapt and thrive in the new environment.

(A recent thesis says that Conflict events that are less likely to be discovered or observed by the news media are less likely to be reported. )

研究について

■What is media agenda setting?

→media agenda setting refers to the media’s ability to determine what issues are prominent.

Media agenda setting occurs when the media decides which stories to cover prominently and which issues to emphasize. Through repetition and consistent coverage, certain topics or issues can become more prominent in public consciousness.

■What is media agenda building?

→media agenda building involves how the media shape the understanding of those issues.

Media agenda building implies that the media can shape how people perceive and understand issues by providing context, framing, and interpretation. It involves not only deciding what to cover but also how to cover it.

■What is the difference?

→The key difference between media agenda setting and media agenda building is that the former focuses on the media’s role in determining which issues are important and prominent, while the latter emphasizes the media’s role in shaping how those issues are understood and interpreted by the public.

■What is CNN effect?

→The CNN effect is a term coined to describe the influential role of 24-hour news networks like CNN in shaping international events and foreign policy decisions. It suggests that real-time, continuous coverage of crises or conflicts by such networks can have a profound impact on public opinion and government actions.

Process: The CNN effect posits that when the media extensively covers a crisis or conflict, it can put pressure on governments and policymakers to respond quickly and decisively due to the perceived public demand for action. It can also shape public perceptions of the crisis and influence policy decisions.

■What are the factors affecting conflict coverage the previous research show?

Previous research has identified several factors that can influence conflict coverage in the media. For instance,

Distance/Access to Conflict Zones

Newsroom Budgets and Resources

Stereotypes and Bias

National/political interest

Ability to sympathize.

■briefly explain about the book, War Made Invisible: how America hides the human toll of its military machine