From Kagoshima to the World – Study Abroad Alumni Seminar

On Sunday, June 29th, TOMODACHI Alumni Kyushu held a Study Abroad Alumni Seminar at the Kagoshima International Exchange Center.The purpose of this event was to provide valuable information and opportunities to high school students, university students, and young professionals living in Kagoshima who are interested in studying abroad or international exchange. By sharing and discussing the values and experiences of alumni who have studied abroad and are now active with a global perspective, we aimed to inspire and inform the next generation.

 

On the day of the event, we welcomed a diverse group of 30 participants, ranging in age from teenagers to those in their 70s.In the first half of the seminar, Rob Force, Consul for Economic and Political Affairs at the U.S. Consulate in Fukuoka, delivered opening remarks. This was followed by a panel session featuring TOMODACHI alumni Keegan Rapp, Ryo Inoue, and Hisashi Kurosawa, who spoke passionately about the value of studying abroad. The second half featured a networking session between the participants and alumni, which was filled with lively conversations and insightful questions.

 

Thanks to the support of 11 TOMODACHI Alumni based in Kyushu, the event was a great success.In addition, the day before the seminar, the alumni enjoyed sightseeing in Kagoshima together. At the Chiran Peace Museum, we learned about the history between Japan and the United States, and in the evening, we enjoyed a variety of Kagoshima’s local food.Through this event, we were able to strengthen the bonds among TOMODACHI Alumni in the Kyushu region, deepen our understanding of Japan–U.S. history, and contribute to the development of future global leaders by sharing our study abroad experiences.