Three students from Soka University, Ms. Tomomi Ohara (second year, Faculty of Law, GCP student), Ms. Hidemi Kageyama (second year, Faculty of Education, GCP student), and Ms. Masayo Nakama (second year, Faculty of Law, GCP student), participated in the “International Youth Development Exchange Program,” which is one of the international youth exchange programs sponsored by the Cabinet Office.

The purpose of the program is to promote friendship and understanding between nations through youth exchanges between Japan and various countries. Also, to help students expand their international perspective, and to foster youth who can manifest leadership in the international arena by nurturing their spirit for international cooperation and improving their ability to actualize international cooperation.

The program provided the following three locations for students to be dispatched: “Area 1 (Europe and Africa: Republic of Austria, Republic of Lithuania), Area 2 (North, Central, and South America: Republic of Peru, United Mexican States), and Area 3 (Asia and Oceania: Republic of the Philippines, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam).” Over the course of 25 days from September 16th (Monday) to October 11th (Friday), the students visited these countries where they held discussions based on themes, visiting related facilities, participating in volunteer activities, viewing and experiencing social activity sites.
Participating students shared the following comments:

■Ms. Ohara (Visited Area 2 - North, Central and South America: Republic of Peru, United Mexican States)
The experience of spending 18 days abroad with fellow Japanese students from various universities was a precious opportunity for my life. I was able to learn about the theme “disaster measures” in Peru and Mexico from a different perspective from that of Japan, deepening my understanding through English discussions with youth overseas. The theme was challenging, but thanks to the English discussion ability training in the Global Citizenship Program (GCP) every day, I was able to learn in a fulfilling way through this program. This was a fruitful experience because I was able to rethink the purpose of learning every day. I will return to the prime point of ‘For what purpose’ and continue to further exert myself in my studies.”

■Ms. Kageyama (Visited Area 1 - Europe and Africa: Republic of Australia, Republic of Lithuania)
I applied to this program because I am aiming to become an English teacher. I wanted to see the world with my own eyes, learn about English education, and understand how numerous cultures coexist in European countries where there are many immigrants. I was able to witness in Austria, where there are many immigrants, how immigrants and local people are accepting each other, supporting each other, and living together. Also, through youth exchanges of both countries, I realized how high their English level is and was able to reaffirm the necessity of English education in Japan. Keeping in mind what I learned during this trip and the friendships built, I will continue to exert myself in studies."

■Ms. Nakama (Visited Area 1 - Europe and Africa: the Republic of Austria, Republic of Lithuania)
I applied because I was attracted by the theme "Identity of One's Own Country and Coexistence of Multi-Cultures." Through this program, we visited the United Nations Headquarters, European Committee, and an elementary school where many immigrant children enrolled. Of all the places I visited, I was able to learn about the view on values and society which are different from that of Japan, and it was a fulfilling opportunity to widen my perspective. Also, through the places, I visited and the discussions with local students, I was able to deepen my view on the theme "What is an ideal image of coexistence of multi-cultures." Together with youth friends that I made through this program, both from Japan and overseas, I am determined to grow into a capable person, who can contribute in building an ideal society where many cultures coexist in which no one is left behind."