Fukuoka American Center

STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS IN FUKUOKA, KUMAMOTO EMPHASIZE PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

Consulate Fukuoka and the Japan-U.S. Educational Commission, assisted by local educational officials, co-sponsored three days of programs helping potential exchange students and influencers to better understand the benefits of the U.S. education system. At the April 25 Kumamoto program, Kumamoto Governor Kabashima discussed his own experiences as an exchange student in the U.S. and the benefits of study abroad for personal growth and professional success, and business experts spoke about the career prospects for people with international backgrounds. Program attendance in each city was high, suggesting that interest in study abroad is rebounding after the last few years’ sharp decline.

U.S. EDUCATION EXPERT TALKS ABOUT U.S. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

More than 75 educators, students and parents attended the Fukuoka American Center’s program on U.S. higher education featuring Dr. Robert Waters of the University of Maryland. Dr. Waters enumerated the benefits of the U.S. system, including quality, diversity, and flexibility, and also gave practical advice on affording school. FAC also asked the head of Toyota Kyushu’s Human Resources office to comment about job prospects for returning students, and he noted Toyota’s preference for graduates with strong English. Fukuoka’s Consular officer, Jay Avecilla, assured attendees the United States actively encourages students from Japan. FAC also used the occasion to promote our new Student Advising Center services.