The Keio Study Abroad Fair 2019 organized by the Keio University International Center was held at the Hiyoshi Communication Lounge in the Independence Wing on Hiyoshi Campus from Tuesday, June 11 to Friday, June 14.
The annual Study Abroad Fair aims to familiarize as many Keio students as possible with studying abroad and to encourage those who are interested to get a head-start on preparations by providing relevant information. This year’s event was the 14th Study Abroad Fair.
Over the four days, many students visited the Hiyoshi Communication Lounge where individual consultation booths were set up for external bodies including the embassies of countries represented at the fair and overseas study abroad organizations, as well as those of the International Center (International Exchange Services Group) and academic counselors from each faculty at Keio. At the venue for study abroad orientations, many people participated in the wide-ranging information sessions that were held regarding scholarships (Japan Student Services Organization [JASSO], Tobitate! Study Abroad Initiative), language proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS), the various study abroad programs available, and the study abroad system in place at Keio University. In addition, explanatory meetings were held by each embassy on the systems for study abroad and education in their respective countries. This year, representatives from Keio’s partner institutions in the USA, Mexico, France, and Australia attended to introduce their respective universities. The fair was a unique chance for Keio students thinking of studying abroad to obtain various information on the options available directly from the study abroad coordinators from each university. At the "Ask senior peers" corner, Keio students who have studied abroad for a year took questions from students thinking of studying abroad in the future. Additionally, international students who had come to Keio from its partner institutions were on hand at the "Ask international students" corner to introduce their home countries and universities. Keio and international students were able to interact through a mixture of Japanese and English. Many students from the university and its affiliated schools along with staff and faculty members attended the Study Abroad Fair, with visitor numbers over the four days totaling some 1,700 people.
As a tie-up event for the Study Abroad Fair, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a career orientation titled "Jobs and Careers in International Cooperation and Finding Employment at International Organizations" on June 11. During the orientation, a JICA employee explained about the content of work and actors in areas of international cooperation as well as career paths and other details pertinent to finding employment in the field. Afterwards, a staff member of the Recruitment Center for International Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave an outline of international organizations focused on the United Nations, explaining hiring methods, the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme, etc.