Activity report
Seminar Commemorating the Foundation of JACSAC (Japan Association of Certified Study Abroad Counselors)
June 17, 2009
at ALC Press Headquarters in Suginami Ward of Tokyo
This seminar was held in order to inaugurate the founding of JACSAC as well as to explore the theme ‘Counseling students on how to use their study abroad experiences to successfully launch careers’ through a panel discussion. It was attended by JACSAC members (counselors who successfully completed the JAOS Certified Counseling Course and Examination), staff from the international offices of Japanese institutions of higher learning, counselors from Japanese study abroad agencies, current JAOS course students and other people involved in study abroad and international exchange. Altogether, 60 people participated. For the panel discussion, career consultant and president of the firm Estrellita, Mr. Nobuyuki Suzuki, was joined by JACSAC president Ms. Yoshiko Fujinobe and secretary general Mr. Tatsuhiko Hoshino. Citing research data and other materials gathered from the human resources departments of various companies, the panelists discussed what skills and characteristics Japanese companies look for in students who have returned from abroad. During the second half of the seminar, participants talked about how students can prepare for their careers before, during and after overseas study experiences. Furthermore, JACSAC members discussed what kinds of advice they should give students regarding this important topic.