The JAL Foundation, the cultural arm of Japan Airlines Group, will hold the 42nd JAL Scholarship Program in Japan for 16 university undergraduates from countries and regions across Asia from November 12 to November 28, 2011. Initially planned for the summer this year, the program was postponed to November in view of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
During the extensive 17-day program, students will be able to participate in a wide variety of activities ranging from an Asian forum in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and a field trip to Nara with students from Nara Women’s University, as well as attend talks in Tokyo centered on this year’s theme – “To Revitalize Japan, Let’s Discuss Japan’s Strengths and Weaknesses”. In addition to these opportunities to interact and exchange ideas with their Japanese student counterparts, the Scholarship students will also have a chance to enhance their understanding of the Japanese culture through a home-stay segment in the program hosted by families of past and present JAL Group employees.
A total of 1,452 students will have participated in the program since it started in 1975, including the 16 participants this year who are from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and for the first time, Cambodia and Laos.
The JAL Scholarship Program was launched in 1975 by then-President of Japan Airlines, Shizuo Asada, as an introduction to Japan for university students from Asia & Oceania, and with the objective of encouraging youths from the regions to develop better international relations. Since 1990 the JAL Foundation has organized the annual event, which has evolved in scope and content over the years. Numerous graduates from the program have gone on to become key members of society, playing important roles in their countries. Through the program, JAL seeks to continue fostering such positive international relationships.
For information about JAL’s main social programs, please visit https://www.jal.com/en/society/