NEWS

[Event Report] Event held on Tuesday, January 14
“First Steps to Studying Abroad” - Let's resolve your worries and concerns about studying abroad! -

The International Student Exchange Division of The International Affairs Department of Kyushu University held a “Scholarship for Overseas Study Information Session & Networking Event” on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, during the 5th period in the Center No. 2 Building, Oumei Tenku Plaza (Q-Commons). The event, planned by Q-MATE in collaboration with the International Student Exchange Division, aimed to help students interested in studying abroad understand scholarships offered by JASSO and private foundations, as well as exchange information with students who have studied abroad.

In the first half of the event, the Study Abroad Scholarship Explanation Session provided an overview of various scholarships, presented by staff from the International Student Exchange Division. This was followed by a talk from Q-MATE, who shared his personal experience, including key points to consider when applying for and selecting scholarships. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and many study abroad scholarships offered by Kyushu University and private foundations are being reintroduced, the structured explanations and the presentation by experienced student were well received.

The second half of the event featured a roundtable discussion divided by regions where participants would like to study abroad. Participants were grouped into three categories: Europe, Asia and Oceania, and the United States. At each table, students who had studied abroad shared insights and engaged in discussions with students who plan to study abroad and those who wish to study abroad. The questions ranged from “pre-study abroad” topics such as preparations necessary before studying abroad, reasons for studying abroad, and how to choose a study abroad destination, to “during and after studying abroad” topics such as how to communicate in the country, living expenses, and what to do after returning to Japan. Given that the scholarship information session preceded the discussions, many participants also inquired about scholarship opportunities, reflecting their growing importance amidst the current international situation and the depreciation of the yen. In a survey conducted after the event, many positive comments were received, such as “Hearing from students who have studied abroad gave me a clear picture of studying abroad,” and “It was good to hear from a small group of students.”

Although the application period for the first Inter-University Exchange Program has already ended, we remain committed to planning events that highlight the appeal of studying abroad and providing personalized study abroad counseling to inspire more students to pursue international experiences in the future. This event marked the final Q-MATE-led activity for this academic year, apart from ongoing study abroad counseling. Thank you for your support throughout the year.