On October 8, Okayama University held “Study in Japan Fair 2016 – Open Your Future with Japan (STUDY AND JOB)” in Yangon, Myanmar. In addition to participation from 48 Japanese institutions, seven institutions co-organized, cooperated in, or supported the event. The fair drew a total of 1,271 visitors, and ended on a boisterous note.

As the main organizer, Okayama University Executive Director and Vice President Masaru Araki (in charge of the university’s social responsibility and international affairs) opened the fair with an address. Next, Si Si Shein, the president of MAJA, Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Tateshi Higuchi of the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar; Nay Win Oo, the Deputy Director General of the Myanmar’s Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education; Zaw Wai SOe, the Rector of the University of Medicine 1, Yangon; and Taimei Watanabe, Mitsubishi Corporation’s Economic Cooperation Department General Manager each give a greeting and presented the significance of this fair to participants.

During the seminars, presentations to promote study in Japan were given by the Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) (“Overview of Acceptance of International Students in Japan”), Okayama University Japan Educational Information Center, Myanmar (OJEIC) (“Support for Study in Japan by OJEIC in Myanmar”); Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) (“Basic Information about Study in Japan”); the Embassy of Japan in Myanmar (“Embassy’s Activity and Support for Study in Japan”; MAJA (“Explanation of Examination for Japanese University Admission [EJU]”); and participating companies (“Presentation of Japanese Companies”). Those who have studied in Japan also discussed their experiences. As a result, the participants were able to deepen their basic knowledge of how to study in Japan.

In individual consultation booths, 45 institutions listened to and answered visitors’ questions. There were also corners distributing information handouts, introducing Japanese culture, and providing space for free discussion with former students who studied in Japan. These facilities stimulated the participants’ interest in Japan.

Days before this fair, participating institutions from Japan voluntarily visited OJEIC, the University of Yangon, the Yangon University of Foreign Languages, and Japanese language schools. It was an opportunity to increase awareness of OJEIC and deepen understanding of local universities.

Since 2014, Okayama University has been commissioned by MEXT to be a coordinator for study in Japan, resulting in this information fair. Okayama University will continue to engage in efforts to encourage Myanmar students to study in Japan.

Contact information
International Affairs Division, Center for Global Partnerships and Education
kokusai(a)adm.okayama-u.ac.jp
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