This page provides you with FAQ based on questions collected from past applicants (last update: Oct. 14, 2023). If you have any question not listed here or if you are interested in further discussing some of the Q&A, please email me at yagihashi[at]hosei.ac.jp to set up a zoom appointment
Questions regarding zemi in general
Q: What is Zemi all about?
A: Great question! Zemi is something that is quite unique about Japanese universities. People often learn in large-size classroom, so there tends to be less interaction among faculty and students. Zemi provides rare learning opportunity for students to complement regular class.
Q: How do people choose zemi?
A: Basically, you follow your own topic of interest. However, I also understand that it is pretty difficult to make up your mind when you are in the sophomore year. My zemi accepts people from a wide range of fields of subject as long as they are loosely related to economics
Q: I have several zemis that I am interested in. How should I pick one?
A: My suggestion is to talk to the faculty directly and seek for his/her opinion.
Q: Can I switch zemi?
A: (will discuss in private)
Q: Can I apply to more than two zemis?
A: (will discuss in private)
Q: How important is zemi for getting a job?
A: (will discuss in private)
Main activities
Q: What does Yagihashi zemi do?
A: In your sophomore year, you will learn the basics of conducting research as well as start planning about your future career after graduation, in your junior year, you will study about your specific topic of interest, and in your senior year you will write your graduation thesis. My research topic is mainly macroeconomics, but I am quite interested in different fields of economics, as you can see from my past research record.
Q: I am currently interested in a topic that is not listed in your zemi flyer. Can I still apply to your zemi?
A: No problem. If you have any concern, you can talk with me before sending me the application.
Q: Do you put more emphasis on research compared to, say, presentation?
A: Yes, the basic flow is that you conduct some research first, then present it in front of your zemi audience. However, you will surely acquire some presentation skills along the way. By the way, you are more than welcome to present your work in English.
Q: What is international macro?
A: It is one area of macroeconomics. You will learn it in the "open economy" section in many of the conventional macro textbook (e.g., Mundell-Fleming model). In graduate school you will learn another model called the New Open Economy Model, which is more state-of-the-art. In the past, I have done some research on the international business cycle transmission
Q: Do you use game theory in your zemi?
A: Not in my main zemi (held in 4th period), but this year there is a group of junior students who are studying game theory in sub zemi (self-study group held in 5th period). If you find other zemi members who are interested in game theory in your cohort, you can initiate sub-zemi even in your sophomore year.
How Yagihashi zemi is organized
Q: How does the regular class work?
A: the designated time slot is 4th and 5th period of Wednesday. 4th period are for both sophomore and junior students. 5th period are preserved for groupwork (e.g., sub zemi, debate prep).
Q: Is the class held face-to-face?
A: We have high-flex option, which means you can attend both via zoom or face-to-face. Most sophomore students attend face to face, whereas some juniors utilize online option because of the job search that starts around summer.
Q: What day of the week are you planning to hold your zemi?
A: my first choice is Wednesday, second is Tuesday. It wil be determined in February of 2024
Q: Are you going to do sub-zemi?
A: yes, it is organized by junior students. Sophomore students who are interested in particular topic can join.
Q: I have other extracurricular actities that takes up my time. How much time do I have to attend other than the designated time for zemi?
A: I am trying to keep activity outside zemi hours (4th &5th period) as little as possible, so that you can engage in other activites during the academic year. There are a few zemi events during the year that I encourage you to attend. If you need special accomodation, please let me know when you apply.
Special events
Q: do you plan to host any events?
A: This year, we had barbeque party in May and summer camp in August. I'm hoping to make zemi a comfortable place where everyone feels safe and have fun to speak out. However, attendance to these events are not mandatory
Q: do you plan to have a field trip?
A: We did a one-day field trip in June. Multiple groups chose the visiting site based on the interest of the members.
Q: do you plan to have inter-zemi?
A: We can discuss whether we do it every year or by spot. This year we had a casual conversation with CUNY Brooklyn students via zoom. However, attendance is not mandatory.
Q: do you plan to host a zoom conference with foreign students?
A: I think that this is an excellent idea. I am trying to bring my former colleagues/research friends aboard.
Study abroad
Q: I am interested in study abroad. How can you assist me?
A: I can provide you with many advice on how to apply to graduate schools in the U.S. I have written many recommendation letters for students in the past and I am pretty familiar with how the selection process work. Hosei also provides opportunity to study abroad while you are still in undergraduate program. Many zemi members apply for the slot and you can exchange information with your peers.
Q: I am planning to attend Study Abroad Program in Spring. Is that okay?
A: Yes, that will be a positive experience that you can bring to our class. So far we had three students attending the program.
Q: I am planning to study abroad for a year when I am sophomore/junior/senior. Can I still apply to Yagihashi zemi?
A: Yes, of course. After you come back to Hosei, there will always be a seat for you.
Q: I am planning to go to graduate school. Can you write me a recommendation letter?
A: Yes, but first you will have to write honor thesis under my supervision.
Honor thesis
Q: Do I need to write honor thesis?
A: If you want to be a zemi member in your senior year, then yes. You can decide it later, though.
Q: I have never written an academic paper. Can I really pull it off?
A: No problem. I will guide you step-by-step.
Q: I am planning to go on the job market in my last year of college. Do I face time conflict with zemi?
A: If you have a scheduled interview appointment, you are allowed to skip zemi attendance, just keep me informed with your job search schedule.
Selection process
Q: How do you choose students among the applicants?
A: You are required to submit your CV/resume (any format) and transcript. The selection is based on multiple criteria. If you are unsure whether you fit into my zemi, we can talk over zoom.
Q: How many students will you take in this year?
A: maximum of twelve from sophomore and junior (Japanese program) and three from IGESS program. However numbers may vary.
Q: What is the gender ratio of students?
A: Roughlyr 50:50.
Language
Q: Do I need to be fluent in English?
A: Yes, if you are an IGESS student, not necessary if you are Japanese student.
Q: I am having trouble with English. Can I still survive?
A: as long as you can speak fluently in Japanese, I think you will be fine.
Q: I want to brush up my English skill. Can it be a reason to apply to your zemi?
A: I think that is fine. But keep one thing in mind: we do not learn English, we merely use English to present our ideas
Q: I am a non-Japanese student, who is still struggling with Japanese. Can I apply?
A: Yes, this is a bilingual zemi, so as long as you can speak in English, you're good. However, note that many Japanese students like to present their research in Japanese, which could be a challenge if you are just beginning studying Japanese.
Others
Q: Do I need to be good in computer?
A: No. However, if you are a freshman/sophomore student, being familiar with Microsoft Office would be a plus. In your junior/senior year, I encourage to learn some kind of statistics software package. I can help you with with learning MATLAB or STATA if you are interested.
Q: How good do I have to be in math?
A: I think you will do fine even if you are not particularly good at it. But I highly recommend that you take math classes (if possible) to overcome such stigma, since math is useful in many ways even after graduating college.