MIRAI Alumni "VOICES"

2024/12/23

Here are the "VOICES" from the MIRAI Alumni.
Find out what they experienced through this program!

Edna Adler

“If you want to discover Japan and contribute to the friendship ties, I recommend this program that will exceed your expectations in every way. ”



Read the full report about Edna's experience here!
 

Nadir Ajnay

“I left Japan with a wealth of knowledge, unforgettable memories,and lasting friendships. To future participants: embrace every moment, be open to learning, and immerse yourself fully in this extraordinary opportunity. ”



Read the full report about Nadir's experience here!
 

Gautier Parthon de Von

“Reflecting on my unforgettable experience with Japan's Friendship Ties Program, I am inspired by the country's ability to maintain both tradition and modernity. From learning about renowned artists to discussing global security issues, every moment was filled with awe and learning. The friendships formed with young leaders from Europe will last a lifetime. Japan's cultural refinement and care for nature left an indelible mark, reminding us of the importance of preserving peace. Truly, this trip elevated Europe-Japan relations to new heights. ”



Read the full report about Gautier's experience here!
 

Philippe Lefevre

“You will never regret this wonderful opportunity and the great people that you get to meet along the way. ”



Q. What have you learned from the program, and how is it benefiting you now?
I learned a lot about the relationship between EU and Japan from various aspects of security and defense, foreign relations, and a huge amount of the cultural aspects of Japan that have fascinated me in my life.
It benefits me now as I'm pursuing my studies further in IR and Diplomacy that I understand the profound relationship of the EU and Japan, helping me to pursue further my interests in exploring this relationship.

Q. What did you find the most impressive/interesting thing during the program?
Visiting Hiroshima, the Memorial, and talking to a survivor was an incredibly moving experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Message to future participants of the MIRAI Program
You will never regret this wonderful opportunity and the great people that you get to meet along the way. I am still in contact and friends with many of those I went on with, and some I met in Japan, and I'm certain you will too.
 

Mariya Kyulyan

“It was an eye-opening experience on every level!”



Q. What have you learned from the program, and how is it benefiting you now?
I learned so much during this program, not only about the Japanese economy but also about Japanese culture and lifestyle. It was an eye-opening experience on every level!
This experience has strongly benefited me on a personal level. I discovered new aspects of Japan and new centers of interest, but I also made many new friends and connections. MIRAI reinforced my love for Japan, for its culture, its language, and made me want to learn more about this beautiful country.

Q. What did you find the most impressive/interesting thing during the program?
Visiting Hiroshima and learning about its history as well as staying with a lovely host family were two very emotional experiences that have deeply touched me.

Message to future participants of the MIRAI Program
I strongly encourage everyone to participate in this program. Taking part in the MIRAI program was one of the most fulfilling and rich experiences of my life. I discovered different aspects of Japan, and I'll be forever grateful for this incredible opportunity.

 

Alexandra Popova

“MIRAI will offer you more than you can imagine”



Q. What have you learned from the program, and how is it benefiting you now?
The MIRAI program allowed me to deepen my knowledge of Japanese history, society, culture, foreign policy, and economy. MIRAI was the perfect opportunity to broaden my horizons, to discover various different aspects of Japan (especially the economic and the business), and to meet like-minded motivated students from Japan as well as from all over the European region.

Q. What did you find the most impressive/interesting thing during the program?
I attended lectures in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in Sophia University, visited high-tech companies as well as cultural heritage sites, and spent time with a Japanese family.
But out of all the places we visited, Hiroshima and its Peace Memorial Museum had the biggest impact on me. We were honored to hear a story from a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing who conveyed to us the horrors and the inhumane nature of what happened on August 6, 1945.

Message to future participants of the MIRAI Program
I highly recommend this inspiring program to any open-minded student who is interested in Japan. MIRAI is an incredible opportunity to know the Japanese subtleties, to meet incredible people, and to expand your perspectives. MIRAI will offer you more than you can imagine.
 

Eykens Arvid

“I feel like I learned more about Japan's rich and unique culture”



Q. What have you learned from the program, and how is it benefiting you now?
As a Japanology student, I wanted to go to Japan and see why Japan is so special and unique, by interacting with people, seeing historic landmarks and try reading the language by myself.
During the program, I learned about the geopolitical challenges that Japan is facing and how they can be solved, with some amazing students in Japan.
But my favorite moment was visiting the JMSDF officer school. Here we learned all about the daily routine of the candidate officers and had a chance to talk with them.
The MIRAI program made me improve my academic skills, which I am really grateful. However, more importantly, I feel like I learned more about Japan's rich and unique culture.

Q. What did you find the most impressive/interesting thing during the program?
I was very impressed when we met an atomic bomb survivor. Not only was her experience extremely emotional, but also a very educational moment which I will never forget. I am very grateful I was given the opportunity as it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Message to future participants of the MIRAI Program
If given the opportunity, why would you not want to go? Always try to learn more about the world to broaden your understanding of other cultural perspectives.
 

Rose Tytgat

“You will meet incredible people with a totally different view of the world than yours, and that will literally change your life. It will surely enrich your life. ”


Q. What have you learned from the program, and how is it benefiting you now?
I learned a lot about Japan's political position regarding foreign affairs and nuclear power.
Currently, I am positioning myself in the creative industry for someone who tries to bridge European and Asian culture through art. The MIRAI program partly triggered this ambition to unite Europe and Asia through art, to work towards a shared future rather than towards polarization.

Q.What did you find the most impressed/interested thing during the program?
The visit of Hiroshima was definitely the most memorable part of the program.

Message to future participants of the MIRAI Program
This is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, that has the potential to redefine not only your vision of Japan, but also of your own country. You will meet incredible people with totally different view of the world than yours and that will literally change your life. Participate as much as you can, learn as much as you can! It will surely enrich your life.
 

 

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