On the 18th of November, MEXT and JASSO co-organized a reception for new MEXT scholars in Tokyo. At the reception, the scholars were enlightebed by the speeches given by representatives from MEXT, JASSO and MSA. They could experience the Japanese culture through events like the demonstration of Japanese tea ceremony. They could also get to know fellow MEXT scholars from a range of universities in the Kanto area.
MSA was not only present at its own booth, answering questions, handing out flyers in both English and Japanese and helping new MEXT scholars in becoming members of the association; MSA also held seminars about the job hunting process and the daily life of international students in Japan. Furthermore, ice-breaking session was also organized during the networking party in the last leg of the event, consisting of a ラジオ体操 (radio exercise) and a quiz on fun facts about Japan.
One of the committee members of MSA gave an encouraging speech as a representative of successfully integrated alumni.
This was the first reception, where MSA played a significant role in organizing and making sure that everything ran smoothly. Hoping this event paves way for many more such events for the MSA in the future.
We hope, that each and every one of the near 500 attendees had a great time, got to know fellow MEXT scholars and got a better idea of what is going to await them in the near future in Japan. No matter what, don’t forget that MSA is always there for you during your journey as a MEXT scholar or alumni in Japan!