All set! The new MEXT scholars pose for a photo after a pre-departure orientation held at the Embassy of Japan on Saturday, September 5. With them are Mr. Simon Kubota, JICC Researcher/Adviser and PHILAJAMES officers and members led by President Gilda Lasat-Uy. |
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On Saturday, September 5, 2015, the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), in cooperation with the Philippine Association of Japanese Government Scholars (PHILAJAMES), conducted a pre-departure orientation for the newest batch of scholars under the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship Program. 38 scholarship recipients, composed of incoming 4 Undergraduate, 22 Research, 3 Young Leaders Programme, and 9 Teacher Training students, attended the event held at the JICC Multipurpose Hall, Embassy of Japan.
Professor Gilda Lasat-Uy, President of PHILAJAMES, opened the orientation with some welcome remarks and the background of PHILAJAMES. This was followed by a lecture on student life in Japan led by former MEXT scholar, Mr. Norbert Norris Falguera. The outgoing scholars also received information on Japanese culture, travel, and accommodation arrangements. 15 other Japanese university alumni, former MEXT scholarship recipients, and current PHILAJAMES members were also present to express their support and to talk about their own experiences as college students in Japan, urging new scholars to return and serve the Philippines after graduation. Ms. Nanette Masanque, a current Teacher Training participant and a representative of the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ), gave an overview of the activities of AFSJ and discussed the importance of being part of a support group or community while studying overseas. The event ended with an inspirational message from Mr. Simon Kubota, JICC Researcher/ Adviser, who encouraged the scholars to maximize their stay in Japan by setting clear academic and professional goals, constantly tracking their progress, and challenging themselves.
This batch of scholars will commence their study in Japan in October 2015.
The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship Program has been sponsoring the education in Japan of students from different parts of the world since 1954. Over 3,000 Filipinos have already been admitted to the program since its establishment.
To know more about the MEXT Scholarship Program and other academic programs of the Japanese Government, please visit the Culture and Education page of the Embassy of Japan Website (http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp) or contact the JICC at 551-5710 locals 2313 or 4210. Aspiring applicants may also visit the JICC Library every Friday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 NN and 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM for a free scholarship consultation. –End-
