As of this meeting, this event, previously known as JAOS-ERA Meetings will now be called JAOS-FGER Meetings. This year’s meeting was attended by 29 JAOS members and 11 individuals from the following FGER (Foreign Government Education Representive) organizations (American Embassy, Japan-U.S. Educational Commission, Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Ireland, New Zealand Embassy, Canadian Embassy, and the British Council). Furthermore, two members of JASSO and one member of JAFSA participated as observers.

After FGER and JAOS reported on current developments in the industry, an active discussion on the themes presented took place. After the meeting, JAOS reported to FGER on the current status of its proposed ‘JAOS Certified Counselor Training Course.’

At the 2004 JAOS Autumn General Meeting, the Planning Task Team, along with JAOS Administration and the Canadian Embassy, decided to organize this event in order to promote ‘prospering through overseas study’. Considering that 22 schools, 15 agencies and 285 visitors attended the event, it can certainly be considered a success.

The Spring General Meeting was attended 28 individuals representing 33 member organizations (8 of which were present by proxy). 1 new member organization and one supporting member organization were admitted into JAOS. Each task team reported on their activities and plans, which were actively discussed by those in attendance. The research and training task team reported on its current plans to open a certified course for study abroad professionals. Furthermore, due to current difficulties in carrying out diverse activities, JAOS made a decision to open an actual physical office in the near future.

Up until now, JAOS had operated without an actual physical office. However, due to the amount of work JAOS is putting into the creation of a model ‘Standardized Terms and Conditions’ as well as its direct work with the overseas study industry, the JAOS administration made the decision to open a ‘JAOS Administrative Office’ at the 2005 Spring General Meeting. The office hours, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. have also been decided on.

Japan Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS) Specific Non-Profit Organization
Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Kagurazaka 6-35-1, Kyokiku Center Building 2F
162-0825

Tel. 03-3269-8446, Fax. 03-3269-8447 (within Japan)

Due to its positive reception, JAOS will this year expand its presentation on the merits of using an agency to book overseas travel to events in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo.

Participation in this fair was based on a resolution JAOS made at the 2004 Spring General Meeting to more directly and actively inform the overseas study industry about the important roles that both agencies and JAOS play. Invited by the Canadian Embassy, JAOS essentially borrowed the contents from last year’s presentation at the British Overseas Study Fair. The presentation was very well received.

December 8-9, 2005
The Autumn General Meeting was attended by 24 individuals representing 33 companies (11 of which were present by proxy). 2 new regular member organizations, 1 new associate organization, and 1 support organization were formally admitted into JAOS. After each task team presented their recent activities, an active discussion session was held. Furthermore, the JAOS administration office presented the topics and activities that it dealt with over the summer, fielding questions and comments from various points of view.