Winners of the Jiyuu-Hugo Sarrade Scholarship

Portrait of Hugo Sarrade

Hugo Sarrade was a Master's student in Computer Science at the Faculty of Sciences in Montpellier and intended to pursue research in the field of artificial intelligence. He was particularly fond of Japan, a country he knew well and where he hoped to complete his thesis.

Hugo Sarrade was fascinated by this country, which promotes the natural coexistence of technology and culture, with respect for others and the community.

Hugo Sarrade believed that innovation arises from exposure to other areas of knowledge and different technological approaches.

Scholarship recipient selection process / Timeline

The application file must include a cover letter in which candidates explain:
=> why this internship,
=> why Japan,
=> how this internship relates to their studies,
=> the student's career plans.
This cover letter will be decisive in selecting the winner of the Jiyuu – Hugo Sarrade Scholarship.

The application form must be completed and sent before March 1, 2019, to the following email address: fds.affgen@umontpellier.fr

Incomplete or incorrectly completed applications will not be processed.

Candidates will be selected in March 2019.

Candidates will be informed of the jury's decision on March 28, 2019:
Students whose applications have been accepted, provided they supply proof of their internship in Japan,
Those whose applications have not been accepted.
The jury's decisions are final.

Date of scholarship award to be determined

Alexandra Vinchent, winner of the first scholarship, shares her experience with us.

Interview with Alexandra Vinchent, winner of the First Jiyuu-Hugo Sarrade Scholarship – 2016 – Internship completed at the Kyoto Institute for Chemical Research from April to June 2016

– "Hello Alexandra, you are the winner of the first Jiyuu-Hugo Sarrade Scholarship, which enabled you to complete your first-year internship for your Master's degree in Science and Digital Technology for Health at the Kyoto Institute for Chemical Research from April to June 2016. Can you tell us about this experience?"

Answer: It was a truly enriching experience that I have fond memories of! I was integrated into a research laboratory and supervised by a wonderful sensei (tutor in Japanese). During the week, my working hours were fairly flexible and mirrored those of my colleagues: I arrived between 10 and 11 a.m., worked, and attended seminars in English or Japanese. In the evening, I had dinner with my colleague Winnie around 6 or 7 p.m. and then went back to work until 9 or 10 p.m. On weekends, I was able to visit Kyoto and other Japanese cities—Himeji, Kobe, Osaka, Kurama, and Tokyo—with other young people I met there. The atmosphere was really friendly throughout my stay: we went out together very often, immersed ourselves in Japanese culture, prepared convivial meals... The days were very full!

– "What have you learned from your experience?"

Answer: Lots of positive things: new knowledge, new friends, wonderful memories, and above all, a horizon that seems much richer than before!

– "Do you have an anecdote to share with us?"

Answer: During a festival in Kyoto called "Aoi Matsuri," my friends and I decided to wear authentic kimonos. We reserved them online at a shop that rented them out. I didn't expect wearing this garment to be so complicated: we had to wear at least three or four layers of clothing in addition to the kimono. It took an average of one hour to get dressed, including hairstyling! When we arrived at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where the festival was taking place, we were very surprised to see that only a few people were wearing this traditional garment, even though it—along with the yukata—is usually favored by the Japanese during these traditional festivals. Our outfits amused quite a few people, both Japanese and foreigners, who didn't hesitate to take pictures of us! That day remains one of my fondest memories.

– "What are your plans for today?"

Answer: After this experience, I decided to enter the workforce, but I don't rule out going back to school in the future to learn new skills.
I also plan to return to Japan to see my friends and visit other places: my experience really opened my eyes to a magical country that I want to explore even more!