Japan Travel for Fijian Students
Agroup of 110 students from the University of the South Pacific (USP) will be traveling to Japan in the next fortnight as part of the Japan East-Asia Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) 2022.
JENESYS is a cultural exchange programme fully funded by the government of Japan. USP had been coordinating the project from Kizuna (bonding) and JENESYS 2.0 with high success since its inception in 2013.
The project provides seven to nine (7-9) fully funded days of study tours to Japan for selected students between the ages of 18 and 34 who are enrolled in degree or higherlevel programmes. Each tour has a theme that correlates to specific prefectures in Japan.
The students will visit Japan’s local communities, universities, historical sites and organisations related to their tour theme and spend time with local families as part of their homestay experience.
The themes for the tour are Peace building and Japanese culture, Sustainable Development Goals, Environment and Energy, Disaster Prevention and Reconstruction, Tourism and Japanese Culture and Marine Resources.
The ambassador of Japan to Fiji, Kawakami Fumihiro extended his appreciation to USP for its tireless efforts and effective implementation of the respective programmes each year.
Mr Fumihiro said the primary focus of the JENESYS programme was on the youth exchange, which enhanced their understanding of Japan, her people, her culture, respective way of life and vice-versa. “This will aim to develop cohesive societies in the coming years, which will contribute to unity, friendship and peace between our countries, simply because the youth are always the future,” Mr Fumihiro said. “Over the past two years, the programme has been conducted virtually because of the pandemic and this year is special. This tour will deepen the understanding of the participants about the Japanese traditions, culture and enjoy the wonderful experience.”
One of the selected students, Timaima Waqainabete is blessed to be given the opportunity and believes it will benefit her career goals.
Ms Waqainabete is a final year student pursuing Post Graduate Diploma in Chemistry.
“It’s the first time I’ll be travelling internationally and I’m so happy that this trip will definitely be life changing for me,” she said.
“My career path falls into the line of JENESYS since I had always wanted to do my Masters and PhD in Japan. From this trip, I will explore and learn about the Japanese culture in depth and thus this will avoid culture shock for me once I choose to do my studies in Japan in the future.
“I have steps towards my pathway and this is phase three and there are another three to go,” she said. “Japanese culture is rich with such diversity and norms that is amazing to witness. One of the things that everyone needs in life is self-confidence which the people of Japan have. I hope this tour will help me build my self-confidence.” The group departs on January 24.