The 32nd Study Tour of Japan for European Youth 2010

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan invites young Europeans for a ten-day group study tour of Japan in November/December 2010.

The objective is, in the short term, to inspire participants’ interest in Japan through experiences of many aspects of Japan (i.e. Japanese politics, economy, culture, society). It is hoped that the participants’ deeper understanding of Japan gained during this tour will contribute to strengthening future ties between Japan and European countries.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to meet the following conditions:

(1) Be nationals of Ireland
(2) Be aged 25 - 35 as of 1st June 2010
(3) Be able to communicate effectively in English
(4) Others:
    a) Applicants are not students.
    b) Applicants have never visited Japan before and have no plan to visit Japan in the near future.
    c) Applicants are expected to be enthusiastic, sociable and well suited to group activities for the tour.
    d) Participants are required to answer a questionnaire and submit a report after the tour. The theme of the report is: “The future between Europe and Japan.”

Programme

(1) Duration (plan):

Group A: from 8th to 18th November 2010
Group B: from 29th November to 9th December 2010

(2) Number of participants:
Up to 37 persons in total in Group A and B from European countries, including a small number of participants from Ireland

(3) Planned activities:
    a) Experience cultural, economic and political aspects of Japan from both traditional and modern perspectives through lectures, visits and hands-on experiences.
    b) Discussions with Japanese youth.
    c) Visits to regional cities in Japan.
    d) Stay with a host family.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will cover the cost of return flights to Japan, insurance for the duration of the tour, travel within Japan, accommodation, and breakfast and lunch. Participants will be responsible for their evening meals, personal expenses, and any costs not related to the official programme of the Study Tour.

Application Procedure

Applications should include (1) a CV, (2) a cover letter, and (3) a short essay (one page of A4 paper) in English on:

“What would you do to strengthen the relationship between Japan and your country?”

Application Deadline

Applications must be received by 5.00pm, Tuesday 27th July 2010.
Applicants should send their applications by post or e-mail to:
      The Study Tour
      Embassy of Japan
      Nutley Building, Merrion Centre
      Nutley Lane, Dublin 4
      E-mail: cultural@embjp.ie
      Please note that applications sent by fax will not be accepted.

Enquiries

Press & Cultural Affairs Section
Embassy of Japan
Tel: 01 - 202 8305 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01 - 202 8305 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
E-mail: cultural@embjp.ie
Website: www.ie.emb-japan.go.jp