JAPAN – From December 6 to 11, 2025, students from Al Azhar 34 High School participated in the “Global Exchange Program,” which was held in Japan. This program gave students the opportunity to experience both Japan’s cutting-edge science, technology, and culture. For the cultural learning section, students participated in Japanese Culture Experience activities including Kimono wearing and Tea Ceremony while also learning the meaning and philosophy at the Tsukuba International Association (Corridoio).
For the experience related to the development of modern Japanese research and technology, students visited the JAXA/Rocket Center and Tsukuba University Research Centers in Tsukuba. As for education related activities, students had the opportunity to visit and study with students from Mito Kiryo High School, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. In addition, this program also provided them with the privilege of visiting Tsukuba University and Rikyo University to gain insights into scholarship opportunities to continue their studies at both universities.
Valuable moment/chance of participating in this program will remind students how important it is to stay curious, open minded, and eager to grow. By stepping outside our familiar environment, students not only learn new things, but also learn more about themselves. Joining this program allows students to discover new interests, face new challenges and create memories that shape who they are becoming. Interacting with Japanese students in Mito Kiryo High School, seeing how they think, how they work with their daily tasks, how they handle everyday challenges, experiencing Japan’s cutting-edge science, technology, and culture will help students understand the world from different perspectives. In the end, we hope students will be able to learn that being global does not mean losing identity, it means using it to build bridges. We believe that exposure to diverse customs and beliefs deepens our understanding and acceptance. (Indah Damayanti)
