Activity report
2nd 2008 JAOS Seminar
October 23, 2008
at Mainichi Shinbun Headquarters in Tokyo
This seminar was sponsored by the STEPEIKEN (The Society for Testing English Proficiency) foundation and non-profit organization JAFSA (Japan Network for International Education) and focused on the theme, “Overseas Studies as Career Enhancement.” Mr. Hiromichi Nakahara, Bureau Chief at the Ministry of Econonmy, Trade and Industry’s Human Resources Office, Mr. Koki Sone, Division Chief of IP Promotion at Nissan Motors, Mr. Koshiro Takada, Secretary General of JAFSA, and Mr. Takuya Kurita, Division Chief of the Job Information and Promotions Department at Mainichi Communications were invited to hold a panel discussion on the topic. A total of 94 people attended the seminar, including many from institutions of higher learning, foreign embassies, and JAOS member organizations. From the perspectives of the government, universities, recruiting agencies, and other businesses, the idea that the act of ‘studying overseas’ (education) supports the purpose of ‘entering the workforce’ (contributing to society) was widely discussed. As a result, it was agreed upon that, while students with overseas experiences should be highly sought after within the job market, the reality is that many problems keep this from happening. For example, university students who have spent a year abroad or those who graduate in June from overseas 4-year institutions occasionally have difficulties finding jobs due to timing problems. The deep discussions on these and other issues made the seminar extremely useful.