Dubai, UAE: Nine Emirati high school students, all of which scored grades of over 90% in each and every subject of their Year 11 studies, were selected by the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to visit Japan from September 23 – 28, 2017, as part of a 10-day Japan study tour, courtesy of the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE). As part of the mission the student delegation visited three renowned Japanese universities including Tokyo Institute of Technology, the University of Tokyo and Tohoku University.
While in the Japanese northern city of Sendai the students attended Japanese language classes and enjoyed a social exchange with Japanese high school students from Sendai-Nika High School, where they made a presentation on Emirati culture and school life in the UAE.
Other cultural elements of the mission included visits to the Japanese National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Edo-Tokyo Museum, and Tokyo’s historical district of Asakusa.
The annual mission known as the “Study Tour in Japan Program” started in 2014 and is a collaboration project between ADEC and JICE that is financially supported by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
One of the students, Mr. Thani Salem Almuhairi, a Grade 12 student from Al Ittihad High School in Abu Dhabi says, “It was a great opportunity for us to not only find out more about what these top Japanese universities can offer Emirati students, but also to see and experience Japanese culture and society first hand. I was also amazed by the Japanese high school students and their level of interest in our culture and Emirati high school life. The visits to the universities were very informative and I am now considering studying engineering at one of these Japanese universities, due to the great academic levels and interaction provided by the professors with the students.”
Says Mr. Munehiro Mishima, General Manager, JICE Abu Dhabi Office: “Japan is a great choice for students who want to study in the various fields of engineering, information technology, business, social science, arts and design. There are a lot of courses in Japanese universities which are taught in English, as well as short study programmes for those who want to try studying in Japan first. The JICE Abu Dhabi Office is here to assist students and families with selecting the right Japanese universities and courses for their interests and needs, as well as assisting with application processes and possible scholarship opportunities.”
Mishima added: “We hope these young students will become a bridge of the future between our two countries.”
Since the opening of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office in 2013, the number of Emirati students studying in Japan for both degree and non-degree programmes has increased by 158% from 102 students in 2013 to 263 students in 2016. The increase is expected to continue in 2017, aided by the many outreach and informational activities conducted by JICE throughout the year. JICE, along with representatives from several top Japanese Universities and tertiary institutions, will once again participate at NAJA Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s leading university fair, which will be held from October 25 – 27, 2017 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, providing another opportunity for interested UAE secondary students and their families to find out more about the unique opportunities and advantages of choosing a Japanese tertiary education.
For more information about studying in Japan and the free assistance and services offered by JICE visit: http://sv2.jice.org/e/ or call: 02 652 6875
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